The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

So beautiful! Thanks for the step by step pics. Great to watch your progress.
Where did you order the ball bearings from?
I’m looking forward to seeing the stunning finished case!!!!!!

Thanks Artiebressan, I got the ball bears from Gettysburg Antique Phonographs, he has a Ebay store that you can order from. His name is Walt Sommers.

It's been very interesting seeing how you tackle issues from the perspective of a somewhat, (but perhaps not totally), different hobby. A chance for all of us to learn new methods and techniques. Fun!

Well thanks Jerry, Yeah there is always more than one way to skin a cat! I am always open to different ways of doing things, just my nature. The finish that I am putting on my Victor I would not recommend to others unless that they just want to do it. I have got about 10 days at 5 hours each day so far and am still not done to my liking. I think it will be great looking in the end, but there are easier ways. The project is just about to big to use this process and I would never think of using it on an upright or console cabinet. A good gun smith would charge $800 to $1000 to do a wood stock in this manor and people will pay to have it done to there favorite firearm. Right now I have the time and it is keeping me from making a new acquisition that I don't need. Spring will be here soon and I can get on with my other routines to fill some of the void.

Well probably the last update on this project, it is winding down as far as the restore goes but my little Victor will be wound up many times going forward. I achieved grain filling with linseed oil finish at coat number 8. I put on 2 more coats to finally say uncle. I have run through a lot of #0000 wool and quite frankly just got tired of wooling her 10 times in 10 day. Same thing each day, watching the grain fill in. Then finger coating the case pieces again. I would never stripe a finish that is original but I will redo someone's redo. So I 0000 buffed her and re assembled the case. Looks smooth with a satin sheen using the wool. I will let her age a little then bees wax her a little. I have found a good spot for my Victor in the corner of my work station, perfect for a quick windup and play as I work on this project and that. Happy, Happy!

Absolutely stunning! I guess this is what you could call French "Finger" Polish finish.

Thank you for sharing the process with us.

Bruce

Well you learn how to finger stroke each piece to get the result you are looking for.

Really beautiful!