[Grady Clay]

Mike,

Wonderful story. I hope your wife got pictures of you and your son doing this, the results are great – both technically and emotionally.


My son and I had a similar treat. When we bought this house there was a big old rickety (and abandoned) picnic table. It was relegated to leaning against the side of the house, out of sight, out of mind while we used our newer table.

At some point there was a need for a larger table so Chris (6) and I brought the table “in from the cold” so to speak. It was so floppy I was surprised it didn’t fall apart from hauling it to the porch.

As you can imagine; lots of work, replacing the braces and cross ties and well over 100 carriage bolts, washers and loc-nuts the table was strong enough for many more years of use and abuse. With four benches and two chairs it comfortably seats 10. It has been the out of doors work bench, painting place, race kart stand, and dinner table. It has extra drill holes, a little over-spray, and a few transmission oil stains.

Now 15 years later it is as good as it was when rescued from firewood fate and revived. It has sufficient fun memories that it is commemorated with a miniature replica on our centerpiece Christmas tree (another story).

Best,
Grady

PS; Be sure you and your son sign and date the underside.