Remake of an old (My Dad's) Railroad Bench

[Jim Tobias]

I've been working on this old Railroad bench that was my Dad's. The original one was rotted and falling apart(except for the iron armrests). I asked and got some advice (Thanks) on the Teak I used over on the Boatbuilding Forum.
I decided awhile back that I would remake it as close to original as possible out of some Teak that I had on hand for the last 20 years. My purpose was to recreate the old bench, not to make/design a new one. Over the last few weeks, I ordered and received stainless steel screws, clear coating that is supposed to protect the raw metal on the 3 armrests and some teak oil to put on the wood. I also had to buy some additional Teak to finish.....$OUCH) Now, it is finally completed and I am happy with the final project. The pictures are of the old bench (this post), a few in process pictures(next post) and the new finished bench (3rd post).

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[Jim Tobias]

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[Jim Tobias]

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[Mel Fulks]

Well done! And I noticed you have the grain of that nosing oriented properly. Bark side up. That is a must with conifers,
and a good idea most of the time with hardwoods. Keeps the grain from from becoming "razor blade" like when exposed
to weather.

[Jim Matthews]

Epic.

It's a beauty.

Kudos

[Mark Rainey]

Jim, superb recreation. Like the gentle curve of the seating and the beading on the slats.

[Von Bickley]

Great job... That would make your Dad proud.

[Patrick McCarthy]

Jim, very nicely done. So, how does it sit? Ie, comfortable?

[Jim Tobias]

Thanks for all the nice comments.......Haven't t gotten it off the bench yet......pouring rain here everyday. Plan to get it out tomorrow. I have no preconceived notion that it will be very comfortable. One of the thoughts I struggled with was whether to make major changes to the design/curves or stay true to the way it was made. I opted with original design. It's going out in our front yard area so It will get sat in, but not for hours on end.

Jim

[Frederick Skelly]

Beautiful work!

[Lee Schierer]

An excellent job. I'm sure it will last a long time.

[Mike Null]

Beautiful work and result. Did you ever consider eliminating the bead detail?

[Jim Tobias]

Mike,
I kept virtually all design elements except the use of nails in joinery. I liked the beads on the old one and thought it was one of the unique features to keep.

Jim

[Bill Carey]

Mike,
I kept virtually all design elements except the use of nails in joinery. I liked the beads on the old one and thought it was one of the unique features to keep.

Jim

Well done Jim - I agree about the beads - wonderful detail.

[Jon Grider]

Very nice, and it will remind you of your father when you sit in it. I like projects with a story behind them.