how to nickel plate the edge of a turntable

[Chilesave]

I need to have the metal parts on my Victor V replated. The nickel plating on the edge of the turntable is completely gone. Is there any way to renickel the turntable without destroying the turntable felt? The felt is original and I would hate to lose it in the process of plating the edge of the turntable.

Anyone have any experience with this?

thanks,

[gramophone78]

The short answer is no, since the part is "tanked". If you wish to retain your felt. I would recommend having the table edge buffed on a wheel by a shop. It will look as good as new. I would place masking tape on the felt edge to stop the black from getting on it.

[Chilesave]

Thanks, I agree that is the best idea. Buffing it out will also keep it from looking "too" shiny which would be more appropriate. Thanks!

[ambrola]

Dick,
I have used files for this. It is a long and hard process, but you can get it to look new. You start with a rough file to get the junk off. Then you switch to a fine file to get the scratches out. Call me.
Ronnie

[Phonofreak]

I've used sandpaper to polish the edge. I started with 100 grit and worked my way down to 220 grit. Then I buff the edges.
Harvey Kravitz

[martinola]

Hi Chilesave.

Another way to do it is to carefully, very carefully, use a single-edged razor and peel away the old felt. The glue should be pretty powdery by now and if you go slow and are careful it should come up pretty cleanly. I've done it with my Credenza and my C-19. Both turntables needed plating and both felts needed cleaning (in Naptha) and then some restoration (ie: filling moth holes). The fibers for patching were harvested from the underside while scraping off the excess old glue. It took longer, but I think the results were worth the bother.

I highly recommend using Naptha to clean the felt. It got all of the grease out as well as decades of grime. Good luck with your project!

- Martin

[fmblizz]

Like others have said you are better off buffing it out. I made up a jig using nuts, washers and a bolt to put the turntable on my Drill press. Starting with 150 grit and going to 1000. Actually goes along quite fast. Then use a rubbing compound and finally polishing compound. I normally spray a clear coat to preserve it.

The drill press really makes an easy job of it.

Blizz

ps... this thread probably belongs in Tips & Tricks

[JerryVan]

I would clean off any dirt and loose rust then leave it alone. I would rather see honest aging & corrosion, than polished bare metal which I believe looks tacky and messed with.

[ambrola]

I would clean off any dirt and loose rust then leave it alone. I would rather see honest aging & corrosion, than polished bare metal which I believe looks tacky and messed with.

Not me. I like them to look good. I polish all the bright work.

[JerryVan]

I would clean off any dirt and loose rust then leave it alone. I would rather see honest aging & corrosion, than polished bare metal which I believe looks tacky and messed with.

Not me. I like them to look good. I polish all the bright work.

Well yes, I polish brightwork too, when there's anything left to polish. I realize this is my take on things and not meaning to criticize.