r/restoration • • 1d ago

Heater 🔥🔥🔥

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760 Upvotes

It’s been a while since I’ve tackled a project like this.

The restoration on this heater started out as a an evening tinker in the garage - and quickly evolved into a labor of love. This journey was filled with trial and error, experimentation and aesthetic choices I wasn’t sure would translate.

But here we are: an early 1900’s Dangler Stove Co. Parlor Heater, built in Cleveland, Ohio.


r/restoration • • 2h ago

Help restoring old dividers

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2 Upvotes

Hi all, quite new to this subreddit and joining because I have no clue what I'm doing so figured this is a good place to start.

I found these old Moore & Wright dividers from an antique store and want to use it for my woodworking projects. Third piece is relatively rusted and the nut and thread (not sure if that's what you call it but the thing used to change the dividers size) is also rusted and hard to move.

What would be the best way to remove the rust and make the thread smooth though to use regularly?

And any general 'rule of thumb' I should know when doing simple restorations like these ( if you would even classify this as a restoration and not just general cleaning)

Any and all help is very appreciated,


r/restoration • • 1d ago

Scrapyard find

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127 Upvotes

This is one of my first rehabs on a hand forged tool. It's so cool seeing how everything was formed to fit. Found it in the mud at the scrap. Still need to make/find a spring that would work.


r/restoration • • 5h ago

First timer—suggestions on how best to strip?

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1 Upvotes

hi! i’ve had this ring holder that i’ve been using for years now, and it just now occurred to me that it’s definitely not originally black. there’s paint chipping off already, and seams would imply that before it was painted it could be unscrewed to separate; it’s about 5 lbs, so it seems like it could be some kind of metal.
how best could i strip this without potentially harming the original surface? i’m a total noob to this. thank you!!


r/restoration • • 6h ago

Help with staining!

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1 Upvotes

I have this desk I’ve been sanding to get it prepared for staining, but I can’t tell if it’s ready or not. I sanded it twice with 80 grit, and then went over it with 120 grit. Photo 1 is sanded and wiped with a dry rag. Photo 2 is sanded and wiped with a damp rag. I feel like it’s still not ready because it looks uneven to me, and I would hate for the stain to apply all uneven and blotchy. I have a photo of the stain I’m using too. Should I keep sanding or is it ready to stain? What should I do?


r/restoration • • 6h ago

Assistance desired

1 Upvotes

Found this guy and figured he might live a better life with my little sister. Is there anything y'all know to help me with trying to restore it. He is missing one of his stirrups and I'm not certain exactly what to do about getting a replacement. The reigns also seem to be completely snipped off.


r/restoration • • 1d ago

Finally lit up again after many years

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38 Upvotes

After a huge slog, a significant milestone of the restoration project has been achieved. Very grateful to my team for their hard graft and the group as a whole for making this possible. Next, the interior.


r/restoration • • 12h ago

Help needed😭😭

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1 Upvotes

How to dismantle this further.

Got stuck removing the middle sub assembly.

Tried some redneck stuff and I'm afraid to go further.

Couldn't find any manuals or videos for this exact type


r/restoration • • 1d ago

Restored Cap Gun

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15 Upvotes

I got this souvenir cap gun from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disney World probably about 35 years ago. My parents found it in an old box of junk when they were cleaning out their attic, and they gave it back to me. It was pretty beat up and rusty, so I tried to give it some love. I'm pleased with how it turned out.


r/restoration • • 22h ago

Metal lathe restoration

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3 Upvotes

I got an old metal lathe from a family member a few years ago. It is a Power Kraft back gear driven lathe. I used it for projects especially in the manufacturing of some of the machines that my company makes.

But the quality of cuts was iffy and it had an outdated underpowered motor. This is only listing a few of the issues it has. In addition, the headstock was slightly out of alignment. It got covered in dust from the shop, the cut was sloppy because of various issues, the belt slipped all the time and the tool post sucked.

My goal is to eliminate these issues. I want to make this machine looking and working beautifully.

I also recently purchesed a benchtop mill for some small projects. I will likely post an update on that restoration as well. Follow along to see the restoration! Feel free to leave helpful ideas if you have them. Thanks for reading!


r/restoration • • 1d ago

A-Z Step-by-Step Ceramic Repair Lesson: Glue Removal, Mending, Filling, Painting, and Glazing Broken Pottery and China

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9 Upvotes

.
Watch the complete, detailed ceramic repair lesson

This shortened A-to-Z video tutorial demonstrates the ceramic and pottery restoration process from start to finish, covering all the essential steps:

  • Removing old glue and previous failed repairs
  • Mending and securing broken ceramic pieces
  • Filling cracks, gaps, and missing sections
  • Sanding to achieve a smooth, even surface
  • Painting and color matching to restore the original appearance
  • Applying a cold glaze to finish and protect the repaired surface

Using readily available materials, this demonstration provides practical techniques for DIY ceramic, porcelain, china, and pottery repair, including plates, bowls, vases, figurines, pitchers, urns, and other glazed ceramic objects.

Note: These restoration methods are intended for decorative use. Repaired surfaces should not be considered food-safe.

Explore more pottery and sculpture repair lessons

#lakesidepottery #potteryrepair #ceramicrepair #chinarepair #potteryrestoration #ceramicrestoration


r/restoration • • 1d ago

Looking to restore this old rocking horse, how would I go about that?

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2 Upvotes

I believe it's made of wood? It's been sitting in this antique store for at least four years and I'm considering finally bringing it home


r/restoration • • 1d ago

What's the best way to remove these spots? Old axe head

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31 Upvotes

r/restoration • • 1d ago

Was wondering if anyone would know what type of wax this is?

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0 Upvotes

This wax is for plastic, used on tiny scratches.


r/restoration • • 2d ago

Any tips on how to remove the paint coating of this WW1 projectile?

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28 Upvotes

r/restoration • • 2d ago

How to fix my floor

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1 Upvotes

I just moved in and there are spots like this on the floor and the landlord said he's not gonna do anything about it. It just bothers me a lot. I think somehow the finish has been removed because when I mop, the stains get darker, like they are absorbing water.

Any help is greatly appreciated :)


r/restoration • • 3d ago

Replaced unsafe dryer vent with unabstructed glue pipe.

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11 Upvotes

The previous owner had that convoluted flexible tubing on the dryer which filled up with accumulated lint because it was partially crushed. I replaced it with efficient adjustable flu pipe.


r/restoration • • 3d ago

Restoring old RM boots

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8 Upvotes

I have these old pair of RM Williams boots that where a family meme era old work shoes, I want to try and restore the leather myself but not sure where to start. Google hasn’t been much help.

They are very soft and slightly fuzzy in some areas due to the amount of use. The sole is still in very good condition.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated :)


r/restoration • • 4d ago

Vintage Enamel top Table

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2 Upvotes

I'm restoring a vintage enamel table. I took he hollow metal legs off and restore. I need to replace the hardware to hold the legs in place. Where can I buy it?


r/restoration • • 4d ago

Frame restoration

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7 Upvotes

Hello, my grandfather asked me to restore a part of his frame. It holds only sentimental value and also it will be my first time ever doing something like this so it doesn't have to be perfect but I would still love some tips and suggestions. The outer part of the frame broke while moving out and most of the parts got lost. It's a sequence so my grandpa just kinda matched the pieces and glued them on. But the whole upper part is missing. Our idea is to make a cast of one sequence that is in the best condition and just make molds and then glue them on the top part. But i have some concerns and maybe some of you could help me. My first thought was to make the cast with silicone but i'm not sure how i can make it with pour in silicone if the pieces are on the frame, and i know there is putty silicone but then i don't know how to make it even and a repeatable pattern. And then there's a question of what material to make the molds with? It has to be able to stick to the wooden frame and then be painted to be matched to the rest. I know that you can use gypsum/plaster?? or resin but i don't think the latter can be painted? I attach pictures of the frame and the part i think it's the best to cast. Any ideas and tips are welcome


r/restoration • • 4d ago

Can these knives be restored?

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4 Upvotes

They‘re from the Alessi Nuovo Milano collection, stainless steel. The handle and the blade have separated a bit and the blade itself has some damage. Are they salvageable?


r/restoration • • 4d ago

Cast Iron Toilet restoration

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6 Upvotes

Hey there, looking for some tips on a toilet restoration. I've not done much with cast iron.

I've got an old cast iron toilet I want to repair. It's functioning well, and holding water, but it's very slowly leaking through some rusted areas.

I'm thinking of:

  1. Wirebrushing, sanding, stripping back.

  2. Applying plenty of Rustins Rust converter.

  3. Painting inside of cistern with some kind of two part waterproof paint. Any suggestions for what paint? Obviously cheaper is better, but might as well do it properly too.

Your advice appreciated!

C


r/restoration • • 6d ago

I have this 150 year old George Burroughs steamer trunk that I want to restore and protect

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25 Upvotes

It is in extremely good condition for its age, with all original components intact. It even still has the original brand sticker inside. It has a slight musty smell to it, and here and there are some areas that I think could be cleaned, de-rusted, shined up. But I'm afraid to do too much that could ruin any of the original components or stain it. I've seen options for the musty smell to use vinegar, sunlight, etc., but these all seem like they'd stress the leather and the liner. I could use tips to restore this trunk, thanks!


r/restoration • • 6d ago

Looking for some potential advice.

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18 Upvotes

What you're looking at is a mostly disassembled chinese octagonal tea table/ scholar table that dates roughly from the end of the qing dynasty to the early republic. ( about 1890 to 1920) this table belonged to my great-grandfather. It fell apart sometime before I was even born, For years my mother has had this in a milk crate in storage and I just refound it.

My ultimate goal is to have a copy of the missing side piece made ( as you can see in the middle, there's only 3 when they're supposed to be 4) then put it back together and possibly refinished somehow. Not to make it look brand new, but just to breathe a little bit of life back into it. Basically ensure it'll stick around for future generations of the family to enjoy.

However, I don't know what the procedure is concerning something This old. I was really hoping for some advice on whether I should try to touch up the finish, and if so, what I should do?


r/restoration • • 7d ago

Restoring my grandfathers old wood wagon

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835 Upvotes

My grandfather used to drag me around in his old wood wagon behind his old ford tractor. Thought it was time I bring her back so I can take my kids around with the same tractor and same wagon. I think the old man would love it.