Oak beams needing some tender loving care

[dawson420]

Hi, I've been putting buildings back together for the last twenty odd years, predominantly with new materials, and the old diamond, this project in a 200 year old farmhouse in Ashbourne, needs some tender loving care, but i'm a little stumped on my steps and way forward, on something that was never in the project list, when i began, but would love to make good and give these old oak beams back their beauty and natural look, so any advice given would be very much appreciated.

I was asked to refurbish two bedrooms and en-suites at Carlton House in Ashbourne, the ceiling were old lath and plaster, this has now all been removed, to reveal, the old oak joists, that are supported my some very nice this oak beams, over time, they have had a very large woodworm infestation, and at some point have been painted with a dark varnish, the owner is working in Texas, but after several conversations, he asked me to strip it off, and take them back to their natural colour.

The pictures included, show how bad the infestation once was, and the colour of the disgusting varnish it is at present, my question is what could i possibly use to get a natural smooth finish, there are many fillers on the market and waxes, so any steps and materials that you recommend to bring this beautiful timber back to life, would be appreciated

Kind Regards

Wayne

 

[Benring]

I've a company in Buxton called (benring.co.uk) and as you will see, have an interest in your kind of problem; I'd be quite happy to come over to look at things with you and chat about whethe Benring could assist or maybe point you in the right direction. Up to you to email me at: a_grimes@btconnect.com
Cordially,
Tony Grimes

 

[Toby Newell]

I've a company in Buxton called (benring.co.uk) and as you will see, have an interest in your kind of problem; I'd be quite happy to come over to look at things with you and chat about whethe Benring could assist or maybe point you in the right direction. Up to you to email me at: a_grimes@btconnect.com
Cordially,
Tony Grimes

Dude, he has hacked off the entire beam down to the heartgrain centre, what could you possibly help with?

 

[Toby Newell]

I've a company in Buxton called (benring.co.uk) and as you will see, have an interest in your kind of problem; I'd be quite happy to come over to look at things with you and chat about whethe Benring could assist or maybe point you in the right direction. Up to you to email me at: a_grimes@btconnect.com
Cordially,
Tony Grimes

All respect to you Tony, I am a 30 year wood conservator and also studied materials engineering, I use every filler under the sun including epoxy mixes myself, I am sure your products are excellent and of some interest to many on here it's just that this guy already hacked off all the friable sapwood so there is nothing to repair, just a discoloured plaster burnt sausage.

If you want to sell more to end user then perhaps look at updating your website, which seems to be stuck in 2006. More photos, photos of the actual products and perhaps detailed photos of work progression to show people how you prepare the job and stop epoxy getting everywhere you don't want it.

I think people would especially be interested in any low VOC systems you have as using standard epoxy over large areas indoors is horrendous and really needs an air fed respirator.

PS You were mentioned in a thread dating from 2011 where I commented about using epoxy and the OP purchased your products. They are quite expensive, 2 - 5x what I currently use but I might try your solvent free consolidating epoxy for sensitive customers.