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Post by neophone on Sept 12, 2006 21:19:35 GMT -5
Gents,
What was the finish used on Edison Phongraphs, shellac, lacquer or a varnish? What's best to clean my H-19? Should I wax it?
Regards, J.
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Post by maroongem on Sept 14, 2006 12:36:33 GMT -5
John,
The finish on your H-19 is probably shellac. You can test an area not visible(like under the turntable) w/denatured alcohol and see if it desolves. If it does, it's shellac. I use Kotton Klenser on my machines and you would be amazed at the crap it removes.
Bill
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Post by neophone on Sept 15, 2006 0:48:38 GMT -5
Bill,
Thanks, I've used Go-Jo in the past with very good results. I guess it's the same exact thing as Kotton Klenser. Do you use wax or oil on your machines? I still haven't decided wich route to take.
Regards, J.
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Post by maroongem on Sept 18, 2006 10:08:17 GMT -5
John,
I use Butcher's Wax if the machine has been refinished. If not, then i just use a light coat of lemon oil.
Bill
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Post by neophone on Sept 19, 2006 4:33:19 GMT -5
John, I use Butcher's Wax if the machine has been refinished. If not, then i just use a light coat of lemon oil. Bill Bill, Thanks! So far I've only really worked on one of my machine cabinets, my VV-X. I've still got som more work to do on that one. The H-19 doen't really need anything but regular cleaning and dusting. So I guess the oil is all it'll need. Regards, J.
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Post by Matt Brown on Sept 24, 2006 0:47:41 GMT -5
The finish on your H-19, John, is indeed shellac, with the exception of the top which was refinished - the top has a coat or two of shellac and then one coat of satin finish varnish over that - I was on a "varnish kick" when I refinished the top of that particular machine..... the varnish used was a high quality "Old Masters" varnish, which I always thought (and still think) gives great results.
As for what to use to spiff it up.... I suggest one of two options:
- lemon oil. You can't go wrong with "Old English" - any machine is going to look a lot better with a nice coat of lemon oil. Downside to this, is that you'll need to do this more often than wax.
- wax. You can't go wrong with wax either. I suggest either Briwax, Howard's Citrus wax, or even a product called "Feed N Wax" which is also made by Howards. Downside to wax is that it will build up over the years, so every couple of years you should remove the wax and re-wax. Upside is that a good coat of wax will generally hold you for 6 months to a year before you notice any wear.
Matt
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Post by neophone on Sept 24, 2006 1:24:14 GMT -5
Matt, Either or is "non-invasive" to the finish? That's the only thing that's stopped me so far with any of my machines. I want to do the least invasive maintenance, at least on the machines that have good original finishes. My new Granada X is going to need to be stipped so that'll be a different story. (I still have to make room here someplace for it , then to top that connundrum off-somone sent me a listing for a hump-back Vic for $80.00!!!! I think I'll have to pass, I'm out of room right now. ) So good old Old English will do the trick? That sounds good! Thanks Regards, J.
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Post by Matt Brown on Sept 24, 2006 1:26:06 GMT -5
I think both wax and oil are fine to use on an original finish - I prefer wax, personally, but that's probably because I'm lazy and don't want to have to wax/oil the finish as often Matt
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Post by neophone on Sept 24, 2006 1:50:54 GMT -5
I think both wax and oil are fine to use on an original finish - I prefer wax, personally, but that's probably because I'm lazy and don't want to have to wax/oil the finish as often Matt Matt, That's something to think about.... I'll have to mull that one over. Regards, J.
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Post by gramophoneshane on Sept 24, 2006 3:39:14 GMT -5
Im a bit of a wax freak myself.Mainly because it can be removed at a later date, and thats what most people used back in the olden days.The only down side to wax is that it can get finger marks left on it, but a quick rub with a rag and all is good again.
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Post by neophone on Sept 29, 2006 4:56:02 GMT -5
Gents, You know I'm still vacillating between the two. I think my concern is reversibility-just in case I screw-up I did use an oil, I can't remember what kind on my VV-X but I used wax to protect what was left of the finish of my VV-VI-a after I made a mess of that. I used Minwax paste finishing wax for that. I suppose the majority consensus is wax if I remember correctly for the other board as well. Matt who makes Briwax? Unfortunately I have a shortage of decent hardware store around here. Home Despot, Walmart and Lowes took care of the little guys. So I have a tough time finding the odder products sometimes. I still need to find something to clean my first Granada, it's in very good shape and I'm afraid the Gojo would be over-kill. What's the mildest way to clean it? The Orthos were laquered if I recall correctly. I know I'm a worry wart! (or is it worry-wort?) ;D Regards, J.
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Post by gramophoneshane on Sept 29, 2006 8:09:32 GMT -5
When it comes to preserving an original finish, i dont think theres such thing as a worry wart! Its a much better attitude than "strip it and give it a coat of plastic. The only wax i ever use is good old fashioned bees wax. Like i said earlier though, It does tend to show up finger marks, but i dont really find that a problem (if you have young children it might be though) You should be able to get it pretty easy at larger antique or restoration shops,or in a pinch, make your own. If you do go for another wax, make sure it doesnt contain silicon. The silicon seeps into the wood, and if you or someone else ever has to re-laquer it, youll find youll have to sand a couple millimeters off the surface before the laquer will take properly. Bees wax is just a case of a rag dampened with turps to remove it, and it wont effect a new laquer or shellac finish. Bees wax requires a bit more elbow grease than its modern counter-parts, but I find its worth it because you get more control over the amount of shine you want to the finish. 4 or 5 coats over the course of a month can bring bare timber up like glass. I worry (wart) about oils and chemicals in modern waxes that penitrate, especially on veneered woodwork, that over a period of time may end up weakening the glue, or cause the finish to let go of the timber. It might take 10 or 20 yrs, or it may not happen at all, but i dont like to take the risk! Wax has better water repellent properties too, incase you have mates like me, that dont think twice about putting their beer cans etc, on your furniture.(saying im a wax freak was pretty accurate so far hey!) I use mild soapy water to clean most furniture/gramophones, followed by clean water to remove any residue, and then dry it off. Just do small areas at a time so your not wetting the surface for long, and let it dry really well before you wax.Always test the finishes reaction to moisture first though, cause some finishes will turn white almost instantly. I use wax on good nickel plating too.It stays shiny for alot longer. The platings got to be good though, otherwise you risk trapping moisture under the nickel. Youll find 95% of antique furniture that has a good original patina, will have spent its life getting bees waxed.
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Post by Matt Brown on Sept 29, 2006 14:37:42 GMT -5
Can't go wrong there! I agree, john - don't worry about it any longer, as there's nothing you can screw up. Try the oil - start with Old English lemon oil - put a coat on, rub GENTLY with 0000 steel wool, and wipe off - you'll be amazed at how much dirt comes off. Do that until your heart's content, and then put a final coat on and leave it on. If you're happy with how it looks, then sit back with a beer and reward yourself with a few good DD's ;D
If not, then try a coat of wax - beeswax, carnuba wax, briwax, any of the high-quality furniture waxes (not the stuff you spray on!) - see how you like the way that looks. If satisfied, great. If not, then perhaps it's time to consider more drastic measures.....
Matt
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Post by neophone on Sept 30, 2006 4:16:45 GMT -5
Matt, Sound good. Old English Lemon Oil is easy, I must have three or four bottles lying around. If I can get my butt up early this coming week I'll give it a shot. who's buyin' the beer? And just one? How 'bout a "spack" ;D Regards, J. ....of course I may be busy listening to Diamond Discs this coming week! ... ;D ;D ;D ;D
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steve
Full Member
Posts: 130
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Post by steve on Nov 17, 2006 22:33:53 GMT -5
Homes were heated with coal and wood and the amount of soot that settled on some of the phonos is amazing, especially cylinder phonos.
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