The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

dzavracky wrote:I don’t know anything about correct color.... I just want to do it right. The 3rd image I posted showed the color of the wood with mineral spirits..... is dark enough?

Yes, it's dark enough and looks good...

"In any case, I assure you I'm not imagining it or making it up."

I believe you and David's case looks like there is some original stain on it... I just think it's dark enough already and will look great with just some amber shellac.

It would be easier to not stain the cabinet...... can any other members give their input on whether or not to stain the case?

If you don't know anything about the correct color, then you need to invest the time to learn what the correct color is. Look at original machines either in person (which is preferable) or in quality photographs like the ones in Tim and George's books.

The restorations that Martinola performed using Van Dyke Brown dye stain (refer to my post from 2 days ago) look as close to "correct" as I have seen, and I have seen plenty of original and poorly refinished Edison machines in my many decades of collecting.

My advice: You need to use a dye stain of the correct color. Just applying multiple coats of orange shellac will make it look just OK. If just OK is good enough for you, fine. If you want a first class restoration that could be mistaken for an original, you will need to stain the case.

AZ* wrote:If you don't know anything about the correct color, then you need to invest the time to learn what the correct color is. Look at original machines either in person (which is preferable) or in quality photographs like the ones in Tim and George's books.

The restorations that Martinola performed using Van Dyke Brown dye stain (refer to my post from 2 days ago) look as close to "correct" as I have seen, and I have seen plenty of original and poorly refinished Edison machines in my many decades of collecting.

My advice: You need to use a dye stain of the correct color. Just applying multiple coats of orange shellac will make it look just OK. If just OK is good enough for you, fine. If you want a first class restoration that could be mistaken for an original, you will need to stain the case.

Totally agree!

AZ* wrote:If you don't know anything about the correct color, then you need to invest the time to learn what the correct color is. Look at original machines either in person (which is preferable) or in quality photographs like the ones in Tim and George's books.

The restorations that Martinola performed using Van Dyke Brown dye stain (refer to my post from 2 days ago) look as close to "correct" as I have seen, and I have seen plenty of original and poorly refinished Edison machines in my many decades of collecting.

My advice: You need to use a dye stain of the correct color. Just applying multiple coats of orange shellac will make it look just OK. If just OK is good enough for you, fine. If you want a first class restoration that could be mistaken for an original, you will need to stain the case.

I didn’t have a whole lot of time to look up Edison homes this past week. I have 4 tests and then all this coronavirus stuff. I will definitely be staining the cabinet and making sure I have plenty of photos to reference

dzavracky wrote:I didn’t have a whole lot of time to look up Edison homes this past week. I have 4 tests and then all this coronavirus stuff. I will definitely be staining the cabinet and making sure I have plenty of photos to reference

Slow down! What's the rush? This is a hobby, not a job. There should be no deadlines. I can certainly understand the desire to see the fruits of your labors as soon as possible. There have been times when I stayed up late at night to finish a project because I was so close! It's exciting, and you want to get it done. I understand that.

But you need to take the time to do it right.

AZ* wrote:

dzavracky wrote:I didn’t have a whole lot of time to look up Edison homes this past week. I have 4 tests and then all this coronavirus stuff. I will definitely be staining the cabinet and making sure I have plenty of photos to reference

Slow down! What's the rush? This is a hobby, not a job. There should be no deadlines. I can certainly understand the desire to see the fruits of your labors as soon as possible. There have been times when I stayed up late at night to finish a project because I was so close! It's exciting, and you want to get it done. I understand that.

But you need to take the time to do it right.

Yes you’re right. Since I already messed up real bad on this project I’m determined to finish it right

[quote="Do you ever use grain filler?"

I have used grain filler on mahogany restorations but it is tricky to use and not distort or cover the wood's details. I did a walnut restoration recently using grain filler as part of my finishing schedule and regretted it, i ended up stripping it again and finishing without it using wood dye. it takes a lot more to fill the grain without it if you are looking for a smooth look. if you do decide to use it, make sure you seal the wood first so it doesn't come out to dark.