[MooGroc]

About 4 yerars ago I completely stripped my Edson cockpit table with a heat gun and scrapper.

Then I followed the Epifanes directions for varnishing it and it still
looks terrific. The only disassembly I did was to remove the wire support
used to hold it in position when the table is in use.

This is a perfect winter varnish project. It's so much easier to get varnishing
right when you can do it at home without worrying about the weather. Every
winter I bring it home, give it a light sanding and add a coat of two of varnish.

Rum tastes a little better when served on a smartly varnished cockput table.

 

[MooGroc]

Thanks MY36. Is your table a drop-leaf or straight table? Ours is drop-leaf, so that could impact the decision. Come to think of it, I don't think you COULD varnish a drop-leaf table without taking it apart, could you? I mean, how would you varnish between the pieces?

My table is straight. That does make it easier. I think you can do a reasonably good good on tables and such with out taking them apart, but you can certainly do a better job if
they are apart. I usually only take things apart when they need a complete stripping and sanding before varnishing.

For yearly maintenance coats, I leave all hardware attached.