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I got a Consolette from a guy who does trash removal for $15. It works just fine but the body was scratched up something awful. I see no option but to compeletly strip it and start over. I want to be as period friendly as possible so what should I be using?? It was mahogany. Thanks for the input.

You might try Howard's Restore-a-finish before deciding to completely scrap it. That stuff can work wonders...

Pre 1925 machines were usually finished in shellac, although some occasionally used varnish. From 1925 on, most companies changed over to the new nitro-cellulose lacquer which had become available.

This may be too late in coming for this project, but i have used Minwax stain for years to cover scratches without refinishing. It works really well on the lacquered finishes. I find a color close to the original. Sometimes I mix some together to get the color i want. Then depending on the nooks and crannies, I either brush it on and wipe the excess off, or wipe it on. Then it is advisable to do it outside on a sunny day. It will dry faster. it will also dry inside, but it takes longer. Hope this helps in this or future projects. Ed

Thanks Ed. It wasn't too late. I have several project machines going but the main one I had to unfortunately strip the lacquer. The scratches were just so deep. The machine looks lovely in the raw wood....I almost want to just clear it or someone suggested oild rubbed finish. It wouldn't be accurate but it sure would look nice. Otherwise, I am thinking of getting a brush on lacquer and adding just a wee bit of tint to make it close to the original.

moxiemoma,
You may want to consider experimenting with aniline dye stain mixed in with your lacquer for a color base. I've used the aniline stain for refinishing some Edison Standards in shellac. Unlike most other stains that use pigment, aniline stains don't obscure the grain. I've a hunch that they were used to tint the original lacquer used on the Orthophonic machines. Van Dyke Brown or Perfect Brown would be good starting points for color matching. (The above photo is a pretty heavy application of Van Dyke Brown - I'd suggest a lighter dilution.) I'm not sure, but I think Mohawk makes spray lacquer in cans with tinting, so they possibly could be used for the darker accents.
Regards,
Martin

Thanks Martin! That is very helpful. That Edison looks lovely too BTW.

I second the Motion
Thanks Martin
I tend to use a clear schallac because it is what edison used in his factory this is great when restoring edisons.
Got this Important Info on the nest maybe this will help ua all

http://www.luckinlove.com/anilinedye.htm

THe Google Search I did

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=p ... 80&bih=816

As far as I know the Orthophonics used lacquer with the color in the lacquer rather than clear over a stain.

When my cabinet restorer redid my Credenza for me (another machine whose original finish was too far gone to salvage due to damage and the past use by some prior owner of a silicone polish) he used custom tinted lacquer with a low satin gloss and the results were spot on.

Clay

Thanks Clay. I had a feeling I would have to mix my own since they weren't a typical mahogany. Hopefully I can do a reasonable job. I won't even start until I am comfortable.