Restoration of old Stair Spindles

[Richard Findley]

Hi guys,

Not sure if any one will be able to help but I thought I would ask and see!!!

A client recently brought to my workshop a load of antique (he reckons several hundred years) stair spindles, made of Oak. He needs more making, which is no problem but he wants the rest cleaning up ready for re-fitting. They are a bit of a mess and have been "dipped" to get rid of years of accumulated finishes and general sh*t. I tried remounting one on the lathe and simply sanding it back but after about half an hour it looks only slightly better than it did to begin with!!!

Any suggestions welcome,

Cheers,

Richard

 

[opener]

I'm a joiner not a turner so your experience will be better than mine, but as a tradesman I would suggest offering the customer the option of paying for either several hours improving the antique spindles or (probably cheaper) making all new ones. He can then decide how badly he wants to keep the old ones.
You did say ANY suggestions welcome
Cheers
Malcolm

 

[Oryxdesign]

You could make him some slightly thinner ones