An A-300 restoration Chronicle

[OldRestorer]

The veneer is here and ooooh is it pretty...

There are a few saw cuts I dont like but i will try to sand them out...

[Curt A]

Great restoration work... I really enjoy watching it transform...

[OldRestorer]

My springs are new, The grease is fresh, and the reproducer is on the way!!

I have too many open projects right now so I should not have touched the DD yet but I was very excited... I will try to clear the bench today and finish up the 3 record players I have open..
Then I will glue and clamp the new walnut on the grill form... I bought the modeling clay to recreate the feet too!

[OldRestorer]

It's here!

[OldRestorer]

I am collecting all the sawdust for my attempt at reproducing the feet as a mold..

Today I found something special.. It is the only DD I have ever owned... I bought it many years ago but thought it was just a record. I learned I could not play it so I have never actually heard it... I cant wait to get her back together and finally hear her play... I have waited 17 years to hear this record.

Phase 3 of the restoration is complete...
I cut the veneer roughly and layered it with glue.. I stupidly attached it without having my top board. I could not find it so I had to use a few record players to weigh it down.. I hope I did not screw it up...

I stripped and toned the cabinet inside pieces and grill surround. They were badly flaked and missing the finish..
These are the only parts I will be refinishing...

[OldRestorer]

She is coming together!
The newly lacquered inside trim pieces are back in. The turntable is back in place with the new spring barrel. I put on the new reproducer and she is all complete inside...
I really want to listen to her sing but I am holding out for the grill to be done and in place. I am going to make a video of it's maiden voyage playing the first DD I ever bought.

[OldRestorer]

Today I spent a good part of 3 hours routing out the grill.
I sanded it smooth and gave it a coat of light stain. I will let it dry tonight and then tomorrow I will clear the grill.
Thats it for the grill then... I can put it in and play my first record!
I really hope it is a good song, lol....

Kirk

[fran604g]

Kirk,

While you have your impressive A 300 apart, would you please take my survey? I have been compiling information on the various Model A/B 250 units (yours is merely a variation of the A 250) for quite some time, and would appreciate your participation.

Here is a link to my questionnaire. http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=22897

Look through the posts, there's a wealth of information that may be very helpful to you understanding how some of the other extant versions of your​ A 300 were constructed.

Thank you,
Fran

[hearsedriver]

Kirk, that grille looks amazing! Great job!

[OldRestorer]

Thank you Cliff!
I finished the grill today and all I need to do is remake the feet.
The cabinet does not match the grill right now but as soon as I freshen up the cabinet they should be much closer. The original grill was fairly dark so I wanted it to match what it was originally.