Not much of the original varnish left, the wood had split around the screws. I used Gorilla glue and a c-clamp to repair the checking. Their not kidding when they say Gorilla glue expands 3-4 times its original volume. It sands easy when it's dry and is waterproof. A couple of hours with some 100 grit sandpaper cleaned up the old varnish and glue.
8/20/2006
After I filled the checks and cracks, more sanding with 120 sand paper and the 1st coat of varnish goes on. It will definitely need a 2nd and maybe a 3rd coat. I put one of the screws in the tiller and hung it from the back porch roof to apply the varnish. No runs, fingerprints etc. In this 100 degree heat it dries quickly.
