Restoration of Old Redwood Leahy Incubator

Recently I found an old redwood Leahy incubator on ebay. I was very pleased on finding it because I have been looking for awhile and couldn't find one in my price range for the longest time. The one I got is the Model 416 E. Otherwise known as the Leahy Favorite Incubator it has 5 trays and is constructed completely of redwood. I am planning on restoring it. What I am currently doing is sanding it down and shining everything off. After that I am going to put a coat of urethane, a type of varnish on it, which will bring out the color of the wood and seal it. The first picture is what it looked like when I bought it. The next several are ones are of the incubator after I sanded it off. As you can see, I took a couple of the metal parts off, to aid in easiness of sanding and varnishing. The top of the incubator swings up, revealing the works of the incubator. If any of you know where I can get the guard to cover the light switch on the front, I would appreciate any advice. As I put the varnish on and finish restoring it, I will try to put some more pictures of it on here if you guys want to see it. Anyway, here are the pictures. I hope they show up!

Beautiful wood. It will be a stunner when you are done.

Imp

WOW I'm jealous what a great project please keep us posted on your progress with it.

I used an old Brower "Tin Hen" last year. It rocked using a bator that was older than I am. Good hatches too. Sometimes i think craftsmanship and style trump our modern disposable materials.

That's not any sort of standard switchplate that I know of. You may want to try purchasing a blank metal cover and try drilling/filing holes to the proper size.

I'd do a little research as to what they were originally finished with. My first thought is that the heat and humidity coming though the wood might lift a urethane finish. I would think that a traditional linseed oil or oil based varnish would be better suited. Although I could be wrong...

Nice, keep the pix coming. Maybe I'll get inspired to do my 30E.



The lever on the right hand side is the turner. It rocks all 6 trays in one motion.

That is really neat. My husband saw one on craigs list in our area that someone was selling. It would be a really neat project and something cool for my son to have when he is older if we decide to do it. Let us know how it goes. Hope it works out good for you!!

Awesome....

love it!
I love redwood....

For spare parts or an operators manual, try Sunny Creek farms out of Minnesota. http://sunnycreekfarms.zxq.net/ they have parts for a lot of models. If they don't have one, maybe they can direct you to a place that does.

David

I have the same exact incubator. Fortunately, mine is in near mint condition. It was very well taken care of. Whole house smells like redwood when it's running. You can get a few parts from Sunny Creek Farm. The old man helped us out. He might be able to help you as well.