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A while back I bought this B-19 off Ebay. It was in really bad shape and came out of the box in several pieces. Looking at the sellers photos it was in bad shape and just what I was looking for to help pass the winter months. All the joints were loose, most of the top veneer missing, side veneer flapping in the wind, the top of the rear frame was broken off, grille missing, large section of the lid broken off, etc etc. I love rescuing these machines. here are a few pics of its rescue. I got a grille from Gramps treasures.

Wow, stunning!

Your work is a great inspiration for me, particularly with this B19. I managed to convince my favorite TMF member (and good friend ) to sell me his Chalet. It has some weirdness going on with the cabinet finish, and will most likely need to be stripped completely, but I'm really looking forward to bringing her back to her former glory!

Can you tell me what stain you used, and any other particulars that might help me with my upcoming project?

Best,
Fran

With pics like this....I could start to collect Edison machines. Very nice looking restoration. I have heard nothing but great things regarding Gramp's grilles.

Beautiful work! Really excellent!

I'll bet it didn't look THAT good when it was new! Congratulations - -

George P.

fran604g wrote:Wow, stunning!

Your work is a great inspiration for me, particularly with this B19. I managed to convince my favorite TMF member (and good friend ) to sell me his Chalet. It has some weirdness going on with the cabinet finish, and will most likely need to be stripped completely, but I'm really looking forward to bringing her back to her former glory!

Can you tell me what stain you used, and any other particulars that might help me with my upcoming project?

Best,
Fran

Well thanks. I stripped this machine with Citristrip (It is non-caustic.) I usually use much more harsh strippers but found this at WalMart and tried it. Worked great.

After the cabinet is stripped I wash it down with mineral spirits, make any repairs that are needed. In this case a lot, including re-veneer the top. Any glue work usually presents a problem as they never accept stain - to get around this I use an air-brush with stain until the repair vanishes.

Once dry I used Minwax cherry stain.

For final coats I used a HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray system. First I mixed (Red Mahogany alcohol soluble aniline dye) into a jar of shellac. Sprayed the machine with two coats, sanding between coats. Then I sprayed Deft semi-gloss lacquer which I tinted with (oil soluble Red Mahogany aniline dye). This is where it gets a bit tricky in that with all the machines I have done over the years the final coat of lacquer must match the original color inside the lid. This is accomplished by not allowing the shellac and/or lacquer to be come too dark prior to the final coat of lacquer which ideally should be clear. I lightly tint the shellac and lacquer allowing the color to darken gradually. After spraying the first coat of lacquer, it is allowed to dry, then wet sanded. The second and final coat of lacquer (normally clear)is applied and again wet sanded. The machine is then allowed to dry for at least a week. Once dry I hand rub the lacquer with Deluxing Compound (Wood Workers Supply.)

Anyway thats how I refinish cabinets. I have done many Victors and Edisons. In the case of Victors I never bought one if the inside lid decal was messed up. Cheers

Bill K

Thank you very much, Bill.

I doubt my work will be as nice as yours is, but I'll give it my best!

Fran

I love your piano finish where you see the wall paper in the reflection off the side of your cabinet. I think most of us could learn a lot from you. Jerry Blais

Very impressive. I have the Natural color Chalet, I think your rouge color one is much nicer and goes better with the home decor. The one I have does not blend well with most modern furniture. I think I will keep my eyes peeled for a rouge color chalet.

I have pics of mine under the featured machines on the forum.

fran604g wrote:Thank you very much, Bill.

I doubt my work will be as nice as yours is, but I'll give it my best!

Fran

Little practice Fran and you will be out there rescuing these machines from the junk pile Don't forget to share the completed machine with us. Have a nice weekend. Cheers

Bill k