The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

If the streaky gunk won't give up then you gotta use paint remover. Too bad as it's awful stuff. Plays hell with the stain and often the grain filler too. Use mineral spirits to wash this stuff off. Water can lift veneer and loosen joints. For staining I would use powdered stain dissolved in alcohol for the same reasons. If you make the stain not too dark, you can blend light areas to dark with repeated applications.

wjw,

Thanks for the reply. Grain filler and paint stripper (non fuming) on order. We'll see. I want to do my very best, as this is a machine that deserves the best in my opinion. Hopefully my best (after a steep learning curve and a little help from like minded friends) will produce a desirable product. Work hard, pray, research much, and ask advice of those that have "been there and done that".... Hopefully that will get me where I need to be.

This weekend the last of the missing wood was filled in and stained, the crank and escutcheon were installed and the Howard's Restor-A-Finish was applied to the remaining scratches. I still need to fabricate the back motor access door, apply some veneer to the top of one rear door in back, and finish prepping the right side of the cabinet. Then stain, shellac, and a lot of sanding.

Thanks. This has been an exciting journey to watch unfold.

Clay

Yes, you have done a fine job with this Victrola!

Thanks Don and Clay.

I was out of town for a week, and have been working every day since. So not much progress lately. I did get a horn (both cast iron and wood portions) while I was away. I tried to install them Monday, and the cast iron portion fit perfectly, but the horn is ¾ to deep (front to back). Any ideas on how to modify the horn I have, or does anyone have a line on one that might fit?

I am still looking for the speed indicator escutcheon and the need cup holder (have a needle cup-need the wood holder) if anyone has these for sale.

I am off work for a few days next week and hope to finish the right side and then sand and final coat the rest of the machine.

Speed indicator escutcheons and the wooden holders for needle cups show up on eBay with some regularity. And George Vollema is almost certain to have them.

By the way, where is Bartlett? I grew up in East Tennessee.

Clay

I got an email from George today and he does have the speed indicator bezel I need. No needle cup holder, however. Bartlett is just North and East of Memphis along I-40. I grew up in middle TN and spend a good deal of time in East TN. Where did you live?

At various time in Morristown (about 40 miles east of Knoxville) and the Tri-Cities area.

Clay

Do you have all the escutcheons? Check out craigslist Castle Rock, WA and look for the top of the line hump top. I'd give him his $50 and ask for the knobs and escutcheons. Jerry