A quick touch up for an old wooden-cased meter - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Pamphonica · 15th Jan 2024, 7:20 pm

Just a quick tidy-up for a 1960s meter in a nice wooden case.
The meter was fine (99.8% accurate!) and clean, but the varnish on the case was flaking and made it look shabby.
I rubbed down with fine (000) wire wool soaked in meths (well-ventillated!) and got rid of all the flaking. A rub-over with teak oil restored the grain, and a quick polish finished the job.
Probably only 20 minutes, but the effects are rewarding.
-Jeremy

Radio Wrangler · 15th Jan 2024, 7:31 pm

Looks right for its period, not too glossily new.

David

Cruisin Marine · 15th Jan 2024, 9:27 pm

I have always had probz with Varnish cracking and flaking.
That new finish is rather lovely. Well done.

Nickthedentist · 15th Jan 2024, 10:22 pm

Impressive. Sometimes the quick "rough-and-ready" jobs yield the most dramatic results and are most rewarding.

60 oldjohn · 15th Jan 2024, 10:56 pm

Re-finishing wood is always a difficult job to get right. You look to have achieved perfection with that case, well done.

John.

Pamphonica · 16th Jan 2024, 10:46 am

I forgot to add that I treated a few deeper scratches with Topps scratch remover before applying oil. You can just see the pot of that wonderful stuff in the photo!
And the wire wool rub-down was not done on the bench. It leaves tiny filings everywhere and is best done outside or away from electronics!
-Jeremy

newlite4 · 16th Jan 2024, 3:52 pm

I have always preferred this method to a complete rub down and revarnish Jeremy. It is quicker, better for the original veneer and more honest. By carrying out this level of refinishing you are preserving the natural ageing and ensuring an easily maintained finish for years to come. It is great for me since I can carry out a quick durable refurb before passing an item on to the next owner.
Neil

stevehertz · 16th Jan 2024, 4:01 pm

Excellent, thanks for the tip.

radiomobile · 16th Jan 2024, 5:16 pm

Excellent job. 20 minutes well spent.

15th Jan 2024, 7:20 pm	#1
Pamphonica Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,885	A quick touch up for an old wooden-cased meter Just a quick tidy-up for a 1960s meter in a nice wooden case. The meter was fine (99.8% accurate!) and clean, but the varnish on the case was flaking and made it look shabby. I rubbed down with fine (000) wire wool soaked in meths (well-ventillated!) and got rid of all the flaking. A rub-over with teak oil restored the grain, and a quick polish finished the job. Probably only 20 minutes, but the effects are rewarding. -Jeremy Attached Thumbnails __________________ Jeremy, G8MLK, BVWTVM Friend, VMARS, BVWS Secretary. www.pamphonic.co.uk www.bttt.org.uk

15th Jan 2024, 7:31 pm	#2
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,924	Re: A quick touch up for an old wooden-cased meter Looks right for its period, not too glossily new. David __________________ Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done

15th Jan 2024, 9:27 pm	#3
Cruisin Marine Octode Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 1,008	Re: A quick touch up for an old wooden-cased meter I have always had probz with Varnish cracking and flaking. That new finish is rather lovely. Well done. __________________ "Behind every crowd, there's a silver Moonshine"

15th Jan 2024, 10:22 pm	#4
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,874	Re: A quick touch up for an old wooden-cased meter Impressive. Sometimes the quick "rough-and-ready" jobs yield the most dramatic results and are most rewarding.

15th Jan 2024, 10:56 pm	#5
60 oldjohn Dekatron Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 3,990	Re: A quick touch up for an old wooden-cased meter Re-finishing wood is always a difficult job to get right. You look to have achieved perfection with that case, well done. John. __________________ My favourite text message "I'll be there in five minutes, if not read again"

16th Jan 2024, 10:46 am	#6
Pamphonica Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,885	Re: A quick touch up for an old wooden-cased meter I forgot to add that I treated a few deeper scratches with Topps scratch remover before applying oil. You can just see the pot of that wonderful stuff in the photo! And the wire wool rub-down was not done on the bench. It leaves tiny filings everywhere and is best done outside or away from electronics! -Jeremy __________________ Jeremy, G8MLK, BVWTVM Friend, VMARS, BVWS Secretary. www.pamphonic.co.uk www.bttt.org.uk

16th Jan 2024, 3:52 pm	#7
newlite4 Octode Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bath, Somerset, UK. Posts: 1,807	Re: A quick touch up for an old wooden-cased meter I have always preferred this method to a complete rub down and revarnish Jeremy. It is quicker, better for the original veneer and more honest. By carrying out this level of refinishing you are preserving the natural ageing and ensuring an easily maintained finish for years to come. It is great for me since I can carry out a quick durable refurb before passing an item on to the next owner. Neil __________________ preserving the recent past, for the distant future.

16th Jan 2024, 4:01 pm	#8
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,839	Re: A quick touch up for an old wooden-cased meter Excellent, thanks for the tip. __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..

16th Jan 2024, 5:16 pm	#9
radiomobile Pentode Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Bristol, UK. Posts: 132	Re: A quick touch up for an old wooden-cased meter Excellent job. 20 minutes well spent.