The PHILCO Phorum

Good day!

The cabinet restoration on my once-lovely Philco 41-280 is progressing well. The cabinet was generally very sound with no evidence of water or dampness damage, even so, I took the thing apart breaking it down into its basics to facilitate stripping and all that hand-sanding.

The original veneer on the big curved side panels was badly chipped at the rear edge (on both panels). I poped off the old veneer and will re-veneer with paper-backed mahogany that I selected at my local Woodcraft store for its excellent grain match for the rest of the cabinet.

Of course, the 'photofinish' on the two upright pieces that flank the speaker opening were boogered up... yuk.

So, on to my two questions...

1. While I have considerable experience, I have never veneered a panel quite so 'curved' as these from the Philco. Any particular tips, techniques, or cautions would be greatly appreciated.

2. Similarily, I would like to remove the photofinish [paper] and veneer the upright with real wood. But the profile of these uprights is "S" shaped and the radius is pretty tight nearest the speaker. Has anybody successfully veneered these upright pieces? If so, I'd love to know how you did it.

Many thanks!!

Rob

Well first of all the 41-280 does not have any mahogany veneer on it, the original veneer was French walnut, either straight cut or quarter sawn (I'm not sure which). Second I don't know of anyone that has replaced the dienoc with veneer on those vertical styles near the speaker grille, I suppose it is possible but the only way that I can think of veneer it is with a vacuum bag or by using some sort of clamping jig. The easies way to replace it is by using paint or by using more Dienoc which is still made by 3M.
Regards
Arran

Thanks, Arran, I appreciate your response. Yes, I am aware that there was no mahogany veneer, I hand selected the veneer available at Woodcraft for its reasonably-faithful 'match' for the grain on my radio.

I don't have a vacuum press, so I'm stuck with having to "make do."

Perhaps my efforts are going to prove a bit "sub standard" as compared to most of the restorations I see on the Phorum... I'm not striving for 100% (or as near as practical to) originality; I'm working toward an attractive, fully-functional piece that can transport me back to 1945! Even so, so far, I'm having a lot of fun working on this old beauty, and I truly appreciate the info and guidance from you and the others on the Phorum!!

RFP Wrote:I'm working toward an attractive, fully-functional piece that can transport me back to 1945! Even so, so far, I'm having a lot of fun working on this old beauty

And that my friends is why we are in this hobby.

I wasn't even a thought when these sets were being made but I really enjoy restoring them it's frustrating and fun at the same time but the end result is something to be proud of! If your happy with the results then thats all that really matters.