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Re: Columbia Grafonola Tabletop Barn Find and info on its restoration
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 6:12 pm
by Inigo
You're a master! I'll do like you say : looking always at the final goal, not at the work to do in between... That's why I get stuck many times at an intermediate step... Thanks for the advice!
Re: Columbia Grafonola Tabletop Barn Find and info on its restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2021 12:28 pm
by Herderz
Thanks guys, Well I started on the louvers. First I routed my back cuts on ΒΌ" oak.
Then I figured the layout for length - 12 β
", height 3" and location pivot pin holes 3" center to center. This is based on a horn opening of 13" X 6". I am looking for a 1/16" gap side to side for mounting hardware and linkage.
I set up my drill press vertically to drill the pivot pin holes. No room for error here, they have to be centered and straight. Drilled with a #32 0.117" bit. It took several practice attempts on a scrap board before I got the press set up right.
I pre-mounted the louvers for function and any adjustments before adding the veneer. I just had to tweak the lower cam lever that I fab'd with a slight bend for clearance to the corner post. I am pleased with were I am at so now I can disassemble and veneer and finish.
Re: Columbia Grafonola Tabletop Barn Find and info on its restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2021 12:42 pm
by dzavracky
Great job!
David
Re: Columbia Grafonola Tabletop Barn Find and info on its restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2021 5:07 pm
by Curt A
dzavracky wrote: Sat Jul 31, 2021 12:42 pm
Great job!
David
Dittoes... Making the hardware had to be a satisfying feeling...
Re: Columbia Grafonola Tabletop Barn Find and info on its restoration
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 2:33 pm
by Inigo
Congratulations! Master!

Re: Columbia Grafonola Tabletop Barn Find and info on its restoration
Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2021 12:29 pm
by Herderz
Thanks guys, I veneered the louvers with tiger oak, centering the book match to match the lid. I got them stained with golden oak ready for shellac.
I got them finished with 10 coats of shellac along with the rest of the case. I put a satin finish on the case #0000 steel wool. I like where I am at and it has the look that I want.
Here is a before and after on the total case.
Re: Columbia Grafonola Tabletop Barn Find and info on its restoration
Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2021 12:34 pm
by Herderz
While finishing up the case I polished the tone arm and reproducer using MAAS polish on the nickel plate. I cleaned the Mica and cleaned the gasket which was in great shape with no dried cracks or hardening.
Re: Columbia Grafonola Tabletop Barn Find and info on its restoration
Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2021 12:36 pm
by Curt A
Great restoration...
Re: Columbia Grafonola Tabletop Barn Find and info on its restoration
Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2021 3:43 pm
by Inigo
Guys... Hats off!

Re: Columbia Grafonola Tabletop Barn Find and info on its restoration
Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2021 8:58 am
by pg1876
Truly inspiring - thank you for sharing another exceptional restoration!