Reproducing the fretwork at the top of a Victor VTLA

[Chilesave]

Just a quick ask for some help. I have a VTLA that I picked up recently that has some of the fretwork around the top that has been broken off and is missing. Has anyone tried to have this reproduced or have any tips for reproducing portions that can be used to repair it?

[Phonofolks]

You will need some molding clay and plaster of paris or somee other hardening composition. First you need to make a clay mold. Place the clay on the unbroken part of the fretwork to form the imprint. Carefully remove the clay without damaging the imprint. Note the imprint should be the same thickness as the fretwork. Make some plaster of paris, or some other hardening composition, and pour the solution in the mold and wait until it sets. Later, remove the clay and you have your new fret work. Cut or sand down to size to fit the missing pieces on your VTLA. Stain as needed. It should come out pretty nice. Let us know what happens. Good luck with the project.

[Cody K]

I have a similar project coming up, where I have to replicate a small part of a column on a Credenza grille. My plan is to use Plasticene to make a mold from the existing, matching piece, much as Phonofolks suggests above, and then use J-B Weld 8257 KwikWood Epoxy Putty to make the replica. I haven't used these exact materials in this way before, but the J-B Weld has the advantage of being very durable as well as sandable and stainable, so I think it should work just fine.

[dutchman]

I have used Phonofolks method several times and it works great. Good luck

[fonograph]

Dick, I think the best way is to find someone who is junking a VTLA. I know downsouth (Wes)had one at one time that he was parting out. I need a small piece myself. I haven't tried any of the methods listed above, but I did try making it from a thin piece of veneer. It's almost impossible to get the same shape with an exacto without breaking it into a hundred pieces. Bob

[JohnM]

Dick, I think the best way is to find someone who is junking a VTLA. I know downsouth (Wes)had one at one time that he was parting out. I need a small piece myself. I haven't tried any of the methods listed above, but I did try making it from a thin piece of veneer. It's almost impossible to get the same shape with an exacto without breaking it into a hundred pieces. Bob

Proper technique is to glue the uncut veneer to a sheet of kraft paper before cutting.

[Chilesave]

Thanks, I have used the modeling clay and cast method on other pieces of moulding that are very detailed and might be on the side of the phonograph. I was afraid to use this method since the fretwork on the VTLA is so noticeable.

I am trying to cut out some pieces from veneer as well; but, I don't think I will be able to get it done right.

If you know how I could get in touch with someone parting out a VTLA that would be very helpful. I also need the bullet brake and speed control assembly on the motor board, a crank and a crank escutcheon.

I really took on a tough project; but, I can't bring myself to let this one go.

thanks,

[fonograph]

Dick, I've got the speed control and the crank and maybe the escheon (is it type with screws or friction type). pm me

BTW, thanks John that sound like a pretty goood idea.

[Zeppy]

I've had to do it on my VTLA:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 984#p38984

The way I did it was to glue two sheets of veneer together (one sheet is too think)...glueing them together so the grain went ran in perpendicular to the other sheet (the sheet broket too easily when the grain ran in the same direction for both sheets). Since the entire fretwork was detached on mine, is used it to draw the pattern on the double veneer, and did a rough cut of it with an exacto knife. I then used a dremel to sand into final shape.

[Chilesave]

Thanks. Pm sent.