The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I agree with the glue method. I have had to piece together a very ornate Brunswick grill, many places missing small sections but most of the original layers of veneer were present. I used a good wood glue and weighted down each section with a piece of wax paper under and over the glued part to prevent sticking.. Most good wood glues like Elmers, and others are stronger than the wood it self.. Of course I don't abuse the material in any way either.. Another thing that helps is the staple your grill cloth to a piece of plywood that is flat, pulling it very tight as you go. Then put some glue on the rear of the grill around the edges and weight the grill down to the cloth. Again I put waxed paper under the material so that the glue won't seep though and cause it to stick to the plywood. That taunt material as well as strong wood glue joints seems to hold it very well without additional support.

larry

I had an H19 that some kid dropped the grill from and shattered into pieces. I put it back together like a puzzle and glued each piece to a heavy file folder. When it was completely assembled, I brushed wood rot hardener (from Lowes) on the whole thing, let it dry, then cut out the center pieces with an X-acto knife... It worked well and was as sturdy as new.

I had to glue the grille on my BC-34 back together, adding some bits of backing and veneer to cover a few spots, then carefully restoring the finish: it came out pretty well.

Bill

You could actually just replace the grill with a new one from Gramps Treasures

http://www.grampstreasures.com/phonograph_grills.html