Tried my first cleaning per ideas from TMF

[premis2]

I'm new to this hobby and have just joined this forum. I searched the forum for refinishing ideas and came across the GoJo and 0000 steel wool procedure. Since I had both items in my tool box I started on my guinea pig (a VV 210) that I am using to learn on. The 210 was horribly alligatored and pitch black in color. The top was the worst as I could not make out the wood grain.. Here are some pics on my progress.

I did the top first, took three times , then the vertical surfaces, which were much easier.

Thanks guys, this was too easy.

[FloridaClay]

WOW If you get the same result on the doors, etc., as with the top you are going to have a beautiful machine.

As a general inquiry to the board, I have been using Kotton Klenser and am usually pretty satisfied with the result. For those who have tried both, how do your results compare using Kotton Klenser vs. GoJo?

Also, re GoJo, which of the numerous types of GoJo hand cleaner do you use?

Clay

[OrthoSean]

Honestly, I've never noticed a difference between the two, other than a much higher price for KK. Just my $.02.

Nice job on the 210!

Sean

[lakesideglenn]

Beautiful job!!! I am new to this hobby myself and have a 215 and 2 VV-XI's that need to be cleaned and polished and have been debating on using Gojo or lemon oil with the oooo steel wool. You just helped me decide to go with the Gojo. Did you apply any polish after the gojo treatment?
Again, well done!
Glenn

[premis2]

Beautiful job!!! I am new to this hobby myself and have a 215 and 2 VV-XI's that need to be cleaned and polished and have been debating on using Gojo or lemon oil with the oooo steel wool. You just helped me decide to go with the Gojo. Did you apply any polish after the gojo treatment?
Again, well done!
Glenn

Not yet. I am doing this in my spare time and have to let the first pass dry and harden prior to going over it again. The top still has checking in the shellac, but you can only notice it at certain angles. This was an extreme case since the Victrola was nearly black showing almost no woodgrain.

Good luck on your project

Mark

[OrthoSean]

Hey Mark,

Wise move letting it dry. I usually try to let the cabinet dry for at least a day between Go-Jo passes, two seems best, though. Otherwise, you end up with a tacky finish that does dry eventually, but on one of the first machines I ever did this way (a 210 as well, go figure) I was over excited, I guess, and just kept on going. I ended up with a couple of small spots where the finish actually thinned a bit from going too much with it all at once. It isn't awful by any means, but I notice it.

Sean

[alang]

Also, re GoJo, which of the numerous types of GoJo hand cleaner do you use?

Clay

You have to look for the non-pumice or pumice-free version of GoJo, that's the important thing. Where I live this is impossible to find, so I use GooP hand cleaner (pumice-free) available at Walmart or Harbor Freight for example. It also works just as well as Kotton Cleanser and you should also let it dry for at least a day between cleanings.
Andreas

[premis2]

Also, re GoJo, which of the numerous types of GoJo hand cleaner do you use?

Clay

You have to look for the non-pumice or pumice-free version of GoJo, that's the important thing. Where I live this is impossible to find, so I use GooP hand cleaner (pumice-free) available at Walmart or Harbor Freight for example. It also works just as well as Kotton Cleanser and you should also let it dry for at least a day between cleanings.
Andreas

I'm sorry. I just looked at the tub during tonights cleaning and it is Goop that I am using! Sorry to mislead anyone. The crankside vertical surface recieved round two of cleaning and came out great.

[Orthophonic]

I know one thing - some of you don't mind work at all!!! I tried hand cleaner and 0000 steel wool on the top of my VV 240 which is almost black. After a half hour of steady scrubbing, a little of the alligatoring had worn down a little bit but not much difference was noted except where I bore down VERY heavily. Is GO JO different from other brands of hand cleaner for grease and that sort of thing? I'm afraid I might be allergic to that much work! BTW, it's still black for the most part

[premis2]

My cleaning process of my VV 210 is coming to a close. I have cleaned all of the cabinet except the front two center doors. I will be handling those last.

This cabinet was so filthy it took 5 cleanings, 3 with steel wool and 2 with a bar towel before the color of the towel turned from black to stain color.

I stopped and photographed the results. The outside now resembles the interior lid (original finish) as the photos indicate.

My question is after the next cleaning which will be Murphys Oil Soap. The finish in the pictures appears gloosy because it is still wet. It will dry to a satin finish however. how do I put a finish matching the gloss shellac to match the original factory gloss. I do not want to use shellac.

Here are some pics