August 24, 201114 yr I have been contacted to see if I can reproduce a porch swing that was made by a gentleman's grandfather. It has been hanging in the barn for a while and they brought it to me to take a look at. They would like to have one made for each of the kids, six of them I believe. Â So here is the one I am to model after. I guess this weekend I will get started on making patterns and seeing what I can put together. I will be making them out of White Oak. Â Not sure what this one was made out of, it is covered in a silver looking paint and I am most sure it is a lead base paint. Â Â Â John MoodyJohn Moody Woodworkshttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
August 24, 201114 yr John the biggest difference in the joinery is in the ends. Mine has a solid end that adds some ridigity to the whole thing but it would also look different. Other than that the bracing is much the same. The cross slats will really stiffen it up. Ron DudelstonAbove and Beyond WoodWorks
August 24, 201114 yr Looks like it will be a fun project for you John. Keep us posted. Wayne MahlerGod bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.
August 25, 201114 yr Author Thanks Wayne, I will keep you up to date. John MoodyJohn Moody Woodworkshttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
August 25, 201114 yr John, make sure your liability insurance is up to date. Hate to have someone break the swing. If you can beef up the back to seat connection, I would try to. White oak will help, but you don't know if a 100# person will sit on it or a 500# . Are you finishing them with anything? General finishes makes a good outdoor product. It is clear. bob Bob Kloeswww.bobkloes.com
August 25, 201114 yr Author Bob, which General Finishes product?Bob Kloes said:John, make sure your liability insurance is up to date. Hate to have someone break the swing. If you can beef up the back to seat connection, I would try to. White oak will help, but you don't know if a 100# person will sit on it or a 500# . Are you finishing them with anything? General finishes makes a good outdoor product. It is clear. bob Bob Kloeswww.bobkloes.com
August 25, 201114 yr http://www.generalfinishes.com/retail-products/water-base-top-coats-sanding-sealers/exterior-450-outdoor-finishThey make a line of stains also. Good stuff. I have used the clear finish, it works very nice. Bob Kloeswww.bobkloes.com
August 26, 201114 yr Hi John, Man reading about the gentleman's grandfather building porch swings reminds me of my childhood and spending a lot of time in my grandfather's porch swing manufacturing facility as I mentioned in my profile several months ago. That was in the mid to late 1950s, but it seems like yesterday. His porch swings and were designed quite a bit different than you posted pictures of and Grandpa built his in sections and dipped these sections in giant vats of some kind of marine quality varnish and let the sections drip dry. I can still remember the assembly and finish line and the smell of that thick varnish. Mom has one of his swings that still has the original varnish on it. I have one one of his swings, but it has been painted and I need to strip it and use a clear varnish on it like it originally had.  Anyhoos ......... please keep us posted. Thanks ~ Dan
August 26, 201114 yr Author That's an awesome story Dan. Thanks for sharing it. Amazing how thing remind us of some of the best memories. Dan Wyatt said:Hi John,  Man reading about the gentleman's grandfather building porch swings reminds me of my childhood and spending a lot of time in my grandfather's porch swing manufacturing facility as I mentioned in my profile several months ago. That was in the mid to late 1950s, but it seems like yesterday. His porch swings and were designed quite a bit different than you posted pictures of and Grandpa built his in sections and dipped these sections in giant vats of some kind of marine quality varnish and let the sections drip dry. I can still remember the assembly and finish line and the smell of that thick varnish. Mom has one of his swings that still has the original varnish on it. I have one one of his swings, but it has been painted and I need to strip it and use a clear varnish on it like it originally had.  Anyhoos ......... please keep us posted.  Thanks ~ Dan
August 26, 201114 yr Nice project - possibly six of them no less. Those will be beautiful made from white oak.  Looking forward to seeing the pictures. SQ It it can't be fixed with glue and sawdust - it's not worth fixing.
August 26, 201114 yr Congratulations John of the commission, that looks to be a wonderfully fun job as well! White Oak, what is the finish? Stain and clear, or just clear? Spar or some type of marine?  John MorrisThe Patriot Woodworker
August 26, 201114 yr Wonderful Dan! I do remember you mentioning that story. The two swings you guys have of gramps are priceless. Thanks for sharing and thanks for visiting us!Dan Wyatt said:Hi John, Man reading about the gentleman's grandfather building porch swings reminds me of my childhood and spending a lot of time in my grandfather's porch swing manufacturing facility as I mentioned in my profile several months ago. That was in the mid to late 1950s, but it seems like yesterday. His porch swings and were designed quite a bit different than you posted pictures of and Grandpa built his in sections and dipped these sections in giant vats of some kind of marine quality varnish and let the sections drip dry. I can still remember the assembly and finish line and the smell of that thick varnish. Mom has one of his swings that still has the original varnish on it. I have one one of his swings, but it has been painted and I need to strip it and use a clear varnish on it like it originally had.  Anyhoos ......... please keep us posted. Thanks ~ Dan John MorrisThe Patriot Woodworker
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