Cherry wood dash

Craig E. Luton ...................
Do you really think that you would need to stain the genuine cherry wood ? Do you want it darker ?
MIKE :)
 
Mike; If I thought I should stain the dash, I would never have posted the question. I have been in this hobby for over 50 years and people used to be helpful.
 
G' day Craig, this is just a suggestion. If the wood is in good condition I would rub it down real good with S/S wool to smooth out any raised or rough spots. Next apply a coat of "Natural" stain, this stain does not add much color but does highlight the grain real good. Then you can apply the clear coat. I have used the process on red oak and it comes out very nice.
 
Mohawk stain is located in NC they make great stains that can be brushed or sprayed and be coated with modern clear coats.
 
Craig -

Just a thought, but I've had better luck using an automotive clear coat rather than varnish. It seems that over time, the varnish will darken and not generally hold up as well as the automotive clear-coat. I've used the clear-coat on spokes, the interior of a Model A mail truck my nephew and I are re-doing, and most recently on floor sills on another Model A project, and the finish is much superior in my opinion.

Good luck whatever -

Dick
 
Craig, when I was building furniture it was a common practice to stain cherry, butternut, walnut, mahogeny and other "colored" woods in an attempt to create a more uniform color to the wood. Usually cherry stain won't cause the wood to be a whole lot darker but will color any lighter wood. One other thing I'd like to say is there are few things that can be done that is wrong. As long as it looks good when you're done go for it. Another idea is to get a sample piece of cherry and try it out. In regards to annoying answers. Some folks don't know they're being sarcastic or annoying even when they obviously are. If they seem they're causing you to feel intimidated by their answers please understand the rest of us view them in the same light. Have patience with them. There are no dumb question's but there are critical, sarcastic or annoying answers. And also remember a person that may not seem to be a great guy the first time around can often become your greatest resource farther down the road. Hang in there buddy, we're glad you're here.
 
garrisonm89@yahoo.com said:
Craig, when I was building furniture it was a common practice to stain cherry, butternut, walnut, mahogeny and other "colored" woods in an attempt to create a more uniform color to the wood. Usually cherry stain won't cause the wood to be a whole lot darker but will color any lighter wood. One other thing I'd like to say is there are few things that can be done that is wrong. As long as it looks good when you're done go for it. Another idea is to get a sample piece of cherry and try it out. In regards to annoying answers. Some folks don't know they're being sarcastic or annoying even when they obviously are. If they seem they're causing you to feel intimidated by their answers please understand the rest of us view them in the same light. Have patience with them. There are no dumb question's but there are critical, sarcastic or annoying answers. And also remember a person that may not seem to be a great guy the first time around can often become your greatest resource farther down the road. Hang in there buddy, we're glad you're here.
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MAN !
You "T" people are mean !
I did not give a smart alec answer. I have refinished several pieces of antique cherry wood furniture and I never dreamed of putting stain on it. I think that natural cherry wood is one of the pretiest woods out there.
The only thing is that if you have some sap wood in it, that you might want darker, then you might want to stain.
I think that I will stay off the "T" site, I don't have one, anyway. You people have too thin a skin.
MIKE :)
 
haha same drama on the HAMB...aaaaaaaaaannnnnyyyyhow...

i worked in a boat shop for a summer and have done some amateur woodworking and finishing myself...i find that staining before varnishing or clearing (even dark woods like walnut) will bring a deeper, richer look...probably with cherry, it would provide that "red tinge" Jack Innes mentioned.
 
Come on guys! I think sometimes a written question or response can be misinterpeted. It's like the eMail thing. This is the best group around, including everyone. Mike - don't leave. You have given very good information to many folks. Craig - your question is sound and a good one.
Just my two cents.
Best,
Paul
 
veneer's are generaly lighter than a piece of lumber.your cheery veneer firewall will probably require a stain to make it look good.you could leave it in the sun it will darken it before finishing.top coat with sanding sealer to raise the grain then sand smooth.polyurethane would be a good choice for a top coat. lightly tinted with stain to block the uv rays from darkening further.visit your local paint store like sherwin williams for finishing materials.
good luck
 
FL&WVMIKE said:
Craig E. Luton ...................
Do you really think that you would need to stain the genuine cherry wood ? Do you want it darker ?
MIKE :)
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Your right and I apologize, I read it the wrong way and apologize if I caused ill feelings. Please don't compare us to the hamb. We're nothing like them. We don't puposely try to make someone feel bad. I spoke out of line and based on Craigs reply kind of thought he had taken offense at your reply. I've been on Fordbarn in one form or another for many years for the most part on the V8 sight. I've always read your posts and felt you were a good guy to deal with and always gave great advice. So please don't leave us. I'll try in the future to behave myself and not ruffle feathers again.
 
I just finished this one for a friend of mine. I tried to match a piece of original veneer that he had. I don't think I got it quite dark enough but I think time will take care of that. I used two Minwax stains to get this color... Sedona Red and Red Oak. I hope this helps.

Steve

IMG_0432.jpg
 
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garrisonm89@yahoo.com said:
Your right and I apologize, I read it the wrong way and apologize if I caused ill feelings. Please don't compare us to the hamb. We're nothing like them. We don't puposely try to make someone feel bad. I spoke out of line and based on Craigs reply kind of thought he had taken offense at your reply. I've been on Fordbarn in one form or another for many years for the most part on the V8 sight. I've always read your posts and felt you were a good guy to deal with and always gave great advice. So please don't leave us. I'll try in the future to behave myself and not ruffle feathers again.
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GARRISON .............................
Thank you very much ! I appreciate that !
It takes a REAL man to admit he made a mistake.
I looked at my reply and I can see, that if you looked at it in the wrong light, it might not seem, to be helpful.
Too bad there are no original color pictures around, to see how HENRY did it.
MIKE :)
 
potassium ages wood very quickly. a marine varnish with japan hardener is a good natural tone finish. no stain needed. it takes weeks to get it right. many coats.
 
FL&WVMIKE said:
Do you really think that you would need to stain the genuine cherry wood ?
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It's funny but I used to think the same thing, but after watching the woodworking shows on TV, almost always they stain the wood with the like color stain, Cherry, cherry, oak, oak etc.
 
Here is a photo of an original 1913 and you can see todays look of the dash.

Years ago I did one with a mix of "RIT" fabric stain, a cherry color, water base, wiped it on, dried and then varnished the dashboard. Looked like this pic! Don't know how well it lasted in sunlight over time as I sold that T shorting after building it.

As for what Ford did......here is quote from dashboard blue print engineering change notice, factory document.....

Dated April 4, 1914 "Changed size of holes for bolting coil box to dash from 9/32 to 19/64. This change was made to allow for swelling to wood when dashes are stained."
 

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Craig E. Luton said:
Mike; has it gotten so bad that this kind of message is allowed to be sent to someone via privet messaging on this website? Craig
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CRAIG E. LUTON ..................
I do want to congratulate you on admitting that this was sent to you in a PRIVATE MESSAGE ! It was meant for your eyes only !
I don't understand why you would want to show the world my PRIVATE MESSAGE to you.
MIKE :)
 
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