How to clean an Edison S-19 phongraph wood cabinet?

[apruizii]

I just picked up an Edison S-19 phonograph for $100 that works fine but the cabinet is a little rough and the finish is dull and flat. I want to clean the entire cabinet to hopefully bring back some of the luster. This is my first time doing this kind of thing and don't want to ruin anything. I've included some photos trying to show the condition of the wood. Would using Kotton Klenser wood restoration cleaner followed by Howard Feed N Wax do a good job or are there better products to use? Also how do I clean the gold colored horn and hardware at the ends of the legs...are they brass? And what would be a fair price to ask for the S-19 after the cabinet has been cleaned? I would appreciate any information with regard to my questions. Thanks!!

[52089]

Kotton Klenser is fine, but white Goop or Gojo will do the same job at a fraction of the price. The finish on your cabinet is quite alligatored. You could try French polishing it, but it's a lot of work for what is a quite common machine. With the scratches and uneven finish, I would probably use Howard's Restor-a-finish on it, then Feed-n-wax. Waiting a few days between using each product is always a good idea.

The S-19 is a common machine, particularly in mahogany, that's usually available on Craigslist for under $200. It's a great "beginner" machines, but knowledgeable collectors would generally only buy this model in near mint shape with a reproducer stylus in excellent condition. Your best bet is to use it as practice for future restorations and simply enjoy having it; you won't make a significant profit if you choose to sell it.

[apruizii]

Okay, thanks for the information. How would you suggest cleaning the brass looking hardware at the bottom of the legs?

[GrafonolaG50]

On mine, I used Ammonia and Brasso. I used 0000 steel wool and non pumice gojo on the cabinet followed with feed and wax. I'd use Restor-A-Finish on yours though, get the finish uniform. Enough elbow grease will cut down the alligatoring, or you can try re-amalgamation (reflowing the original shellac). If you reflow, make sure the shellac finish is as close to 100% clean as possible. Doing these things got mine from looking like it had been finished with road tar to looking good again.

[apruizii]

Victor II and IV, thanks for all of the tips. I'm going to clean the cabinet first with Gojo (original formula, non-pumice) and then follow it up with Restor-A-Finish and then finish with Restore-Feed and Wax...