Philco 38-7CS restoration

[bgadow]

I missed this thread the last time it was up. I've never seen this model-very attractive, I think! I'm a big fan of the '38 Philco lineup. One of the first classic radios I ever knew was a 38-4 (I think) that my uncle has. One of these days I need to take a look at it for him; maybe, instead of paying me, he can will the radio to me? I did finally pick up a 38-3 and it is a real favorite of mine. It has an intermittent somewhere which causes it to jump out of alignment.

[bandersen]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

When your coffee is like tar or grain filler it is time to get it elsewhere.

What is the purpose/effect of grain filler?

It fills in all the open pores in the wood. Mahogany and walnut are especially rough or "open pored" when raw. If you want to get a nice smooth finish you need to fill them in. It's like grouting tile.

I used to do it with shellac or lacquer sanding sealer by doing many layers and a lot of sanding. Grain filler is much easier and faster.

[Electronic M]

The wood looks darker than before. Is that something that will be noticable when you are finished? And if so is that desireable?

Sorry for all the questions.

[bandersen]

No problem - ask away. The grain filler is pretty dark, so yes, it does make the whole cabinet darker overall. Generally, darker filler does look better but there are lighter shades and even transparent fillers available.

[leadlike]

After you fill it, generally how many coats of shellac/lacquer do you apply? Do you use a sanding sealer?

[bandersen]

I've been using Deft lacquer sanding sealer lately. It seems to have some extra stuff in it that makes it look cloudy in the can but it dries clear and fast. After about an hour I sand after each heavy coat and use as many as it takes to make the surface really smooth. Usually 2 or 3.

[bandersen]

I finished with sanding and moved on to toner lacquer.
First, I masked off the area around the lower shelf and sprayed a few light coats.
Once that dried, I masked it off and sprayed the top. Next up I'll move on to the sides.
I find it a lot easier to work in small sections rather than attempt to get an even coat over the whole cabinet at once.

[bandersen]

I masked off the whole top and recessed panel so I could spray the inner edge with dark walnut toner. It was a pain, but looks nice I think.



I really like the way the veneer changes appearance depending on your point of view
When I first got the set, I though the "L" was a different shade of toner.

[Electronic M]

Wow that looks niiice!

[Reece]

What a transformation!

[bandersen]

Thanks!

I finally have the sides prepped for toner. I'm doing the front first then the back. I find it hard to get an even coat over a large cabinet when working with just a spray can.


It's amazing what a little toner lacquer will do

[bandersen]

Another section is done. I've found it's a really good idea to spray toner in the same direction as the grain. Otherwise, you may end up with a checkerboard effect.


The changing grain orientation on this cabinet could make that a little tough to do, but breaking it up into sections is working out well.

That white stuff is just some residue from sanding the lacquer sealer. I can either clean it out or let it melt into the final coats of clear gloss.

[Kevin Kuehn]

This is turning out very nice.

I'm amazed at how you do these large cabinets using only aerosol cans, and apparently right in the house. Do you use an exhaust fan, respirator?

Have you ever looked into a HVLP spray setup?

[bandersen]

I do my big spraying projects out in the garage or back porch. There's an open door just to the right, off frame, leading to my back porch with open widows. Also, I have a couple open windows in the room where I'm spraying that creates a good draft leading outwards.

More importantly, I'm just using a light dusting of toner and it doesn't travel far. I'm also doing small sections at a time. It's much easier to control the toner that way. Something I've learned after making a few mistakes - use toner very sparingly!
Before the toner, I applier the lacquer sanding sealed with a brush so no spraying. For the final coats of clear gloss spray lacquer I will take it outside.

I finished off the backside and bottom trim over the weekend. That leaves the top edge to tackle.

[bandersen]

I'm finally done with the all the toner