Ep 3. Right Here, Rum Now

In the third episode of season 3 of American Restoration, titled "Right Here, Rum Now," the crew at Rick's Restorations takes on a unique project: the restoration of an antique wooden rum barrel. The barrel, which dates back to the late 1800s, has been in the owner's family for generations and is in need of some serious TLC.

The episode begins with the owner bringing in the rum barrel to the shop, where Rick Dale and his team assess its condition. The barrel has suffered extensive damage over the years, including rotting wood, broken metal hoops, and missing pieces. However, the team is determined to restore it to its former glory for the family to enjoy for years to come.

To start the restoration process, the team carefully removes the metal hoops that are holding the barrel together. They then use a combination of heat and pressure to straighten out any bent metal pieces, being careful not to damage the fragile wooden staves of the barrel.

Next, the team begins to address the rotting wood. They carefully remove any damaged pieces and cut new ones to the right size. They then use a variety of techniques to blend the old and new pieces together seamlessly, so that the finished product looks as close to the original as possible.

One of the more challenging aspects of this restoration is recreating the barrel's missing pieces. The team uses old photographs of similar barrels from the same time period to get an idea of what the missing pieces would have looked like. They then use a combination of woodworking techniques and modern tools to create accurate replicas.

Once all of the pieces are in place and the barrel has been sanded down, it's time to put the metal hoops back on. The team carefully measures and fits each hoop, making sure that they're not too tight or too loose. They then use a mallet to tap the hoops into place, securing the barrel's shape.

The final step of the restoration is to add a finish to the barrel. The owner has requested a natural-looking finish that will protect the wood without altering its color too much. The team tests out a few different finishes before settling on one that meets the owner's specifications.

Overall, the restoration of the rum barrel is a challenging but rewarding project for the team at Rick's Restorations. They're able to breathe new life into a piece of history that has been cherished by one family for generations. The restoration process is not just about fixing what's broken, but also about preserving the history and memories that are attached to the object.