HIDDEN TREASURE IN A NEIGHBORS GLIDER

Neighbor asked if the heavily painted and weathered wood could be saved since this glider was his wife’s grandfathers. (Wish I had taken “before” pictures but things moved along rather quickly after the discovery.) He had no idea of what type of wood was underneath. It had spent a long time in the back of their garage covered up. He didn’t want to invest a lot of money in reconditioning it but did want to see what it would take. And maybe surprise his wife with it along the way.

After running all 15+ slats through my thickness planner, I found that the wood was TEAK! And salvageable. . . SURPRISED to say the least. He was going to scrap it thinking it was just pine or some other inexpensive wood but after this discovery, he commissioned a full scale restoration. “Do whatever it takes to bring it back!” were his marching orders.

Did a lot of research on gliders to see if any of the bushings, spacers, etc. could still be purchased. Much to my surprise, most of them could. The few I couldn’t find, I made. Learned a lot about gliders from the late 1930’s along the way. Seems the use of Teak wasn’t that uncommon back then according to a few sources I spoke with. I guess there is quite a demand for older lawn furniture, especially the metal kind.

After quite a lot of sanding, filling, and straightening, it all came together rather nicely even if I do say so myself. My neighbor and his wife were extremely happy with the fruits of my labor and this glider is now back in full service. . . Poolside! ;-)

-- No one can make you feel inferior unless you give them permission. . .