Black Box Cabinet
 

What would be the best way to repair the cabinet on my BB that I am restoring?
I have completed both the amp and deck, now all that remains is the cabinet, I’m hoping that using Danish Oil will be ok for most of the cabinet but not the top, I have considered removing all the veneer, but I decided that would be a step too far, I’ve never done a veneer on a cabinet before.
I have read many posts on the subject but I’m still not sure, all advice and guidance will be most welcome.
John

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

Maybe replace just that bit? Its easier than it looks.

In summary, you find suitable veneer of similar grain and thick ness, cut a piece that is slightly bigger than the area and make it rectangular say. Lay it over the area and carefully mark the on the cabinet the edges of your new veneer, preferreably score them. Then cut out the extra bits of veneer from the cabinet, now you have a piece that fits perfectly that can be glued in place and stained / finished.

It may be worth experimenting on scrap veneer to find the best combination of stain and finish to use, possibly with grain filler also. Or carefully sand and refinish the whole top to ensure consistency

Even poor jobs of veneer replacement blend in well unless you look out for it. Though I do have a 30s HMV Radiogram where somebody did this but managed to get the grain direction wrong :-):D

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

All good advice fom PsychMan but one other little tip might help. If you make the shape of the new veneer insert irregular with jagged edges pointing in the direction of the grain it'll tend to blend in even better when the job is finished. An example of such a shape is attached.

Alan

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

Thank you all for your replies, I’m hoping to get a small piece, I’ve put a request in the “Wanted” section.
I forgot to ask what glue should I use ?
John

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

I’ve been offered some veneer in the “Wanted” section, many thanks for your replies.
John

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

Just received two pieces of veneer with many thanks to YESNABY.
John

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

That looks like the finish has come off, not the underlying veneer. Wipe it over with white spirit as this will show the natural colour and grain.

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

PJL you are absolutely correct, I just took another look at the cabinet and could easily remove the surface, so as you correctly observed the veneer is ok. Many thanks
John

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

Which will be the best way to remove the surface, white spirits? Any advice would be most welcome.
John

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

I have now started on the lid of my BB. I used paint stripper, for the first time, so messy I don’t think I shall do this again!
John

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

I might be wrong but it does look as if there are traces of the old finish still remaining. If so the new finish/stain won't take to the surface evenly and you may end up with something that looks less than satisfying. You might consider another application of stripper, sorry.

Alan

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

Your right Alan, that was my first “coat” so I did it again and then used fine sandpaper, it now looks more acceptable, I think?
John

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

Looks a treat John. Should come up really well.

Alan

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

It looks much more natural.

Were it me, I'd be wondering about stripping the rest of the cabinet to that standard and varnishing without stain!

David

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

Wouldn't that be "upcycling" rather than "restoring" :devil: Though at least it's not the "slap a coat of emulsion over it" variety :censored:


Indeed I must confess to liking the light colour much better myself......


Perhaps just the whole lid rather than the whole cabinet?

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

Thank you all, I agree David, I did think about that option but I’m going to hold back on completely stripping the cabinet, it’s the first time I’ve used paint stripper and probably the last, it made such a mess. As a matter of interest should the paint stripper give you tar like horrible sticky stuff?
John

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

That's fairly normal. You're lucky you've got paint stripper that works on your varnish... some of it has to be removed mechanically. You've had it easy, actually!

David

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

Thank you, it did take a lot of effort, luckily I had a very sharp tool, without it I don’t think I would have succeeded, that is why I very reluctant to attempt the whole cabinet.
John

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

Looks very good John, you've done well. I've used a heat gun and scraper followed by sanding before for this sort of thing. You may have more trouble doing the curved surface - there's that old saying "quit while you're ahead";)

I have to confess that I did chuckle a bit when you thought you had missing veneer and got someone to send you some when it turned out to be all complete in the first place;D Never mind.

Re: Black Box Cabinet
 

I think your right, I’m just doing the top, and all because of that small amount of wear on the lid, but it’s keeping me busy.
Yes it’s nice to think we all try to help each other with bits and pieces, as the song goes!
John