Clean-up
The railroad timbers are first cleaned and any metal connectors pressed out. Wire brushing removes any embedded solid objects.
Cutting
The density of these woods requires premium woodworking machinery. Cleaned timbers are cut to the desired thickness using large carbide or diamond-tipped saws. The initial timber yields approximately 50 percent usable furniture grade lumber.
Furniture Manufacturing
An Old World process is employed for assembly. Thick-top dining tables use full-length double tongue and groove construction. Chairs and chests use heavy screw-type construction with all joints glued and set aside to cure.
Finishing Preparation
Assembled furniture is thoroughly sanded with all surfaces and corners receiving extra hand sanding for a genuine handcrafted finish.
Final Finishing
Final sanding precedes the first application of either an oil finish, for a unique low gloss finish, or a catalyzed two-part resin finish which produces a semi-gloss. A high gloss finish may be applied for bar or counter tops, if desired. Resin finishes require several coats with hand sanding following each separate curing. Finally, a special oil is applied and the surface hand rubbed to the desired patina.
Final Considerations
Railcraft Collections furniture would be unaffordable if it were not constructed in Southern Africa. Our premium woods have a value of at least four times American premium hardwoods. The labor required to produce furniture of this quality is at least five times greater than in a typical American furniture manufacturing process. It is meant to be handed down from generation to generation
Wood Finishes
Category 1: Elegant
Fine aging with smooth surface used most often for elegant tables, dining table tops and bar tops.
Category 2: Classic
Definite aging with mild character and smooth surface used most often for items where a mildly rustic character is desired.
Category 3: Rustic
Mature aging with a weathered character used for rustic tables, table legs, and chests.
Category 4: Very Rustic
Wood of very deeply weathered character used for very rustic furniture is available by special order only.
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