The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Did the edison company fill the grain when finishing these machines? If you before or after staining?

Thanks

I'm pretty sure they filled the grain on nearly all of their cabinets. I suggest filling before staining; as you're going to be sanding the surface down smooth.

Bill

do you know what they used to fill the grain?

Thank you

Edison, as well as other phonograph and furniture companies, filled the grain after dyeing the cabinet with aniline dye. The filler they used was made from seaweed (specifically Kelp). This type of filer is no longer available so you will need to use a modern grain filler, like Por-O-Pac by Behlen. Modern fillers are applied before dyeing as they need to be sanded smooth after they harden.

I noticed that some grain fillers come in "natural" color, which is stated to dry grey, while others come in walnut, mahogany, and other wood colors. What color would be appropriate for grain filling oak cabinets and what for mahogany? In another thread someone said to use black for better contrast and more dramatic grain patterns.

Thanks
Andreas

Thanks everyone

V6