Thanks Tim! Yes the clear coat darkens the wood just like oil would. I have one more drum coming for the kit, its a 10 x14 " tom. Wish I could start spraying the other shells but I think I will wait until all of them are ready and do the shells, hoops all at once.

Come to think of it Tim, you got my mind thinking about that black hoop again. You know, a dark walnut stain would give a nice contrast to the zebra veneer.

Jeff - There is a guy (Bondo,) who posted a thread in the 'Vintage Drums' forum (it really belongs here, in the Restoration section!) about 'getting a drum shell back into round'.

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?p=293429#post293429

I think the shell is toast. As a pro woodworker, your opinion would be helpful to the guy. Pop over there and have a look-see.

John

That is going to be a serious cool kit!! Thanks for the pics.

Creighton

Your welcome! Thank you!

Oh boy, my 10 x 14 showed up last night. Now I can get it wrapped and finally spray all the shells. It was concert tom, I am going to drill for bottom lugs and fix up the edges.

Ok, 10 x 14 is ready for finish. Just need to router a round edge on the hoops and sand them then they are ready for stain and finish. I have to work on my real job tomorrow but Sunday I will start the finishing with level sealer like I always do, then top coat. I think this wood will require several coats of the level sealer. So, see ya Sunday!

Ok, so while all your work is spectacular, that hoop repair and sanding for paint prep is off the dang charts. I just cleaned up a pair of 28" hoops and failed miserably as a.) my skills are pedestrian at best and b.) I had a very short window of time on which to work on them. Makes me feel tiny and rather insignificant. Beautiful, beautiful stuff.

Thanks Scott!

Well the day has come. I have all six shells ready for a quick sanding with 150. Then is off to the spray booth. Hope to get them all done today! I will check in with progress as the day goes on.

Nice Jeff. Is it a 2up 2 down kit? I see what looks like 2 mounted toms?

Glenn, yes you are correct. They are 22, 13,14,16,18 and a 7x14 snare made from a six ply marching drum. All of these drums came from good folks right here on VDF. I am leaving the bass virgin and want to try the suspension mounts that you attach to a cymbal stand. I figure if that don't work I can always mount a post on the bass drum.

OK, drums sanded and read for level sealer.