Cheesebrough Hayrake Assembly

"Any specific instruction for putting the rake together? The thing is beautiful."

   Sand the rake parts first, and then seal them with an oil. I prefer this oil  http://www.bioshieldpaint.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=267 It makes these snaths and rakes look like a million bucks! It will age to a beautiful, rich, semi-glossy, honey color over time.  Then gently spread the tines of the handle, and insert the tapered ends into the wider side of the holes on the rake head. It only fits one way. Careful you don't let the tines slip out of your fingers, while doing this, because it will give your other fingers a painful slap! Four hands might be better.

I pre-drill two holes for the brass nails taped to the tines. After the tines are in all the way, put the nails into the holes and hammer them in. I prefer these wider headed nails, to the ones included in the repair kit, because you can pull them out, and take the rake head off, if you ever have to replace a tooth. Also, some handles have a definite top and bottom side, in terms of looks, because of the grain. I write TOP in pencil on the top side near the tines. The teeth side would of course be the bottom side. 
   You can sand the handle down quite a bit, to make it lighter. I like to sand the teeth smooth also, though they will smooth out on their own eventually with use, and even become somewhat naturally tapered over time.
  Replacing teeth is actually quite a pain because they are held in place with a tiny nail from an air-gun. When using the rake, never rake the ground hard, or you might snap off a tooth. If you are careful, you will seldom break a tooth. The teeth are made of hickory and are quite strong, if used properly. The only time they break on my hayrakes usually, is when kids use them.
  
  Ken Van Tol, at the Cheesebrough Manufacturing Co., says that if you take care of your rake, you will have a family heirloom in the making.

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