August 2021

Finally, after COVID restrictions eased, I managed to get the lathe base cabinet home on my motorcycle trailer, so restoration (well, re-build anyway) work can start.

The condition was good, but some paint was flaking (especially the second layer of hammerite) and there was rust on the lower parts. Just surface rust really, but significant preparation is needed to get the paint (a light grey from Paragon) to stick ok.

The cabinet on a home-made trolley waiting for work to be started:

So far I have been perusing my tool set and the internet trying to decide on the right tools to get the cabinet back to a paintable surface. Eventually I settled on a multi-tool with sanding attachment, although I did buy a needle hammer attachment for my air chisel as a possible alternative, but I haven’t used that yet.

One of the issues I did discover was that the paint contains heavy metals, maybe lead. The swab tests I did, although designed for lead detection, also detect tin and other metals, so not clear. But safety precautions have to be taken, so it was long sleeves, long trousers, socks, gloves and a good facemask while doing the work. It got very hot at times!

I’m very pleased that progress is eventually being made. Dust is a big issue from both the health and painting points of view. The next phase will be painting the cabinet…

Now click here to see me trying to make it pretty…