Bench-Repair-1

Begin the bench-repair-1 by breaking down the back first. Use a cordless screwdriver if you have one, and a box-end wrench on the nut. This bench has 4 fasteners that hold the back in place... remove these fasteners and the back will come off as one piece. Once you have it removed, set it aside for now

Next remove the remaining wood rails that make up the benches seat. There are two fasteners per board. Have someone help you hold the heavy cast iron side pieces while you remove the last board.

Now that the bench is 80% disassembled, begin to prep the new boards. Take the time to sand the boards prior to cutting them to size. It's much easier to sand the large board then each individual rail. You will still have some touch-up once they are cut but the majority of the sanding will be complete. If you're like me... the less sanding... the better! I like to run each board through these sandpaper grits from: 80Grit, 120, 180, and a final sanding with 220. That will keep the splinters out of your... well you know.