alligatored finish

[Jerry B.]

The use of sandpaper is really hazardous. There is a really high chance that you will sand through the finish on any edge or curved surface. You might get away with it on a broad flat area but even then it would be difficult. I revisited the photo of the Vic IV and the photo was directed at the scalloped area on the base that showed some crazing. A surface like that would be very difficult to successfully sand without going through the finish. I use Kotton Klenser or pumice free Go-Jo with 0000 steel wool and am very careful on edges and curved surfaces. That's my best suggestion. Jerry Blais

[Tinkerbell]

Just my two cents, for what it's worth... and that may not be much.

This is a subject that will probably be debated until the end of time as it can be a very polarizing topic... though not nearly as much as the topic of refinishing.

I have actually come to appreciate the appearance of an alligatored finish as it allows me to honor the phonograph's living history, and as such, I prefer to simply conserve the existing finish with a good cleaning and protecting.

That said, as not everyone shares the same view, there is always the possibility of re-amalgamating the existing finish. However, if the alligatoring has gotten to the point where it is badly flaking, simple re-amalgamation may not be enough to allow the existing finish to reflow into a satisfactorily smooth surface... in which case, you may wish to apply a few coats to shellac to level things out.

You can always test a small, hidden area to see how well the finish may re-amalgamate, and whether or not you have the patience to do so on the entire piece.

[alang]

I would leave it alone. The finish looks great for a 100+ year old machine. I've seen re-amalgamation gone bad and I would take alligatored over that any time. Re-amalgamation can work ok on level surfaces, but everything with a curve or at an angle will most like run off and look ugly. There is no going back to original.

Andreas

[phonogfp]

Add my vote for leaving it alone. It looks fine - there's nothing there to apologize for.

George P.

[Valecnik]

For some reason I didn't notice the pic before responding previously. After having seen the picture, definitely, leave it alone. It's perfect imho.

[Chilesave]

I also recommend leaving it alone. Too risky that the finish gets messed up. I also think it looks great as is.

[gramophone78]

I would like to add one thing.....to the members that offered "their" advice and ideas on "finish" restoring tips. I hope you all realized and fully understood the machine in question (in this case a Victor IV) is not a cheap nor easy machine to find. A machine that is worth good money and not a common upright or table top model.

Bruce said it best... "I didn't notice the pic before responding previously".

I would feel sick (as anyone)if a member were to "rush" out and start something "recommended" that could not only ruin a machine but also his investment.

Leo, since no one has asked......can we all see the "whole" machine??. Vic. 4's are my favorite and I for one would love to see it.

[Tinkerbell]

I also did not see the link for a photograph, (I guess like many others, I get used to seeing photos embedded in the post), and as I mentioned in my previous post, I rather prefer the alligatored finish as it pays homage to the piece's history.

[Le0]

I would like to add one thing.....to the members that offered "their" advice and ideas on "finish" restoring tips. I hope you all realized and fully understood the machine in question (in this case a Victor IV) is not a cheap nor easy machine to find. A machine that is worth good money and not a common upright or table top model.

Bruce said it best... "I didn't notice the pic before responding previously".

I would feel sick (as anyone)if a member were to "rush" out and start something "recommended" that could not only ruin a machine but also his investment.

Leo, since no one has asked......can we all see the "whole" machine??. Vic. 4's are my favorite and I for one would love to see it.

it wasn't cheap indeed but I much prefer the machine over the money.
I will take some outdoors pictures tomorrow as I can't do anything good with indoors light.

and for all other members, thank you very much for your highly valued opinion; I will leave it alone.

[Le0]

I took the pictures indoors finally, with some sketchy lighting solution but it worked somewhat ok...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JKXh ... G_1686.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JX48 ... G_1684.JPG
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGODIb4v7-M[/youtube]