Another new 'old' project

[MushCreek]

With a house and barn full of antiques (including the owners!) I like old stuff. I've been wanting one of those old warehouse carts that are suddenly a must-have. With the demand, the prices have climbed into the stupid range. I found a rotted out one cheap, but the hardware was fine. I made all new wood parts, so of course, it looked... new. I used a variety of techniques to add instant patina. First, I loosely attached tha hardware and soaked it with vinegar to make rust stains. I stenciled the brand on the sides, and then sanded some of it away. I installed the top boards with unplated nails, and did the vinegar trick to rust the nail heads and stain the wood. I tried beating up the top, but it still didn't have the right look. I wire wheeled the edges, which helped. Then, I threw sand on top and dragged a brake disc across it, making pretty convincing marks as if cargo had been dragged across it for years. Lastly, a medium stain to darken it all up. It will function as a coffee table in our great room in the barn.

 

[Tarnished]

Mush, that looks great! The rust stains came out great. Have to remember that one. Nice job.

 

[txvwnut]

If you hadn't said what you did I don't think anyone would think its new. Very well done.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

With a house and barn full of antiques (including the owners!) I like old stuff. I've been wanting one of those old warehouse carts that are suddenly a must-have. With the demand, the prices have climbed into the stupid range. I found a rotted out one cheap, but the hardware was fine. I made all new wood parts, so of course, it looked... new. I used a variety of techniques to add instant patina. First, I loosely attached tha hardware and soaked it with vinegar to make rust stains. I stenciled the brand on the sides, and then sanded some of it away. I installed the top boards with unplated nails, and did the vinegar trick to rust the nail heads and stain the wood. I tried beating up the top, but it still didn't have the right look. I wire wheeled the edges, which helped. Then, I threw sand on top and dragged a brake disc across it, making pretty convincing marks as if cargo had been dragged across it for years. Lastly, a medium stain to darken it all up. It will function as a coffee table in our great room in the barn.

I have one of those carts for a future project as well - your cart is fantastic!

 

[gleman]

Awesome job Mush!

I've kept an eye out for one to restore for a few years, with no luck.

 

[zmotorsports]

That looks awesome! Great job on making it look like a survivor and not new.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Looks legit to me. Nice!

 

[MushCreek]

It was supposed to be for the barn, but my wife decided she wanted it for the house. Now I have to come up with something else cool and rustic for the barn.

 

[cvairwerks]

Nutting truck for the barn. Easy to find, cheap to rebuild.

 

[moorett]

Great job...looks fantastic.

 

[vrinner]

Thats a great idea. I have something very similar that I've been trying to figure out what to do with it. For the last few years it's just been used as a stand for my tile saw. But a nice coffee table seems like a better idea.

 

[Jayman17]

Very nice job on that table it genuinely looks like a old one.

Jay