The PHILCO Phorum
Philco 624 Farm Radio - Printable Version

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Philco 624 Farm Radio - GregP - 05-04-2020

I tried to search for this piece here but nothing specific came up among the titles.  Not all that sure what I would search anyway.
I purchased this cabinet yesterday and would like to restore the finish or at least pay an homage to the finish.  The piece has been sanded down.  There are is a water stain on the top and a bit of peeling, water damaged veneer.  Veneer is all intact though so just a matter of gluing it down.  Mostly I need help with the stains and colors.

Is there someplace where there is a listing of colors used? Where they were originally applied etc.  Looks like the bottom rail and the outside inch of the front are darker in the pictures I saw  I have seen pics of originals?...some variations on the color scheme though.  
Here's a picture of the cabinet.
Thanks in advance

RE: Philco 624 Farm Radio - klondike98 - 05-04-2020

Interesting set. A photo of a 645k

https://philcoradio.com/gallery2/1936b/#Model_645K

has the same cabinet I believe. Read through some of the cabinet restoration threads to get some info on restoration techniques. Generally toning lacquers were used more than stains then a clear lacquer finish. There is sometimes a need to grain fill as well. Rattle can toner lacquer sprays are available from Mohawk and I use Deft clear gloss sold at most hardware stores for the finish

Color choices are sometimes difficult to make but Mohawk medium brown walnut ultra classic might be good for most of the lighter areas and perhaps dark brown walnut for the darker areas. The good thing about lacquer is that it’s easy to strip off if you don’t like the result. Use of polyurethane finishes is discouraged because they are very difficult to remove

Other folks will surely have some thoughts and advice. We all have different refinish techniques and skill levels.

RE: Philco 624 Farm Radio - GregP - 05-05-2020

Wow some great stuff on your website.  Thanks for the info and that picture of the 645 is the best example I've seen.
Thought mine was all stripped down.  The area I test wiped is the only area currently sanded down.  Looks like an older refinish is on there now.  I know it was popular awhile back to take things all down to bear wood and then clear coat them somehow.  I have no idea what they used for a finish.  Looks like it will come off but it's going to be a lot of work to get into some of those small areas.  Maybe I can take it in and have it media blasted  Icon_lol. 
I'll be combing through the refinishing threads for sure.  Thanks for the input!

RE: Philco 624 Farm Radio - Paul Philco322 - 05-05-2020

Soda blast is novel and effective. Had a guy use it on a Philco 345T. Came out nice, then he lacquered it, easy for him as a pro. He thinks radios are little cute projects, not like big dining room sets and hutches and the like. Paul.

RE: Philco 624 Farm Radio - GregP - 05-05-2020

I might check into soda blasting.  That is the medium I was thinking wouldn't hurt it.  Upon further examination it looks like only part of it was sanded.  Just the left hand side in the front where the oak is on a diagonal.  

 I'm looking at either media blasting or stripper.  Just not sure which stripper to use.  Sanding looks very labor intensive in some areas.   I am open to suggestions.

Also looking for ideas for the water stain.  I took a piece of 600 grit paper to it and it takes a little off of the water stain.  I've heard a lot of different solutions to water stains and am open to any ideas.

Is there anyone or any place that might know what woods and veneers are used in this cabinet?  Looks like oak on the front. The side pieces on the front might be cherry?  The bottom I am unsure of also.  The sides and the rest look to be mahogany veneer.  I have no idea about the stripes?  Tiger oak?

Any help is very much appreciated.

RE: Philco 624 Farm Radio - klondike98 - 05-05-2020

I have been successful at taking out water stains with oxalic acid. you can buy it at the hardware store. Mix up a slurry and put it on the stained area. Let it sit keeping it moist with refreshed applications, usually for a lot longer than you would expect and hopefully the stains will reduce enough to look good. Scroll down this thread: https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=10018&pid=70611#pid70611 to see an example.

Someone else will have to comment on the veneers.

I've used two stripping methods. When I need to do the work indoors (if its winter) I use Citristrip. Takes off the old lacquer layers nicely. If I can be outside I'll use lacquer thinner and lots of paper towels (wearing good nitrile or rubber gloves). I've also used 0000 steel wool and lacquer thinner followed by paper towel wipe off. (if the finish is polyurethane, all bets are off...) Citristrip is actually (in my opinion) gentler than lacquer thinner and tends to leave any grain filler that was in the pores alone.

RE: Philco 624 Farm Radio - GregP - 05-05-2020

Thanks Bob!  Citristrip is what I was thinking of too.   It's easy to work with too.  I'll pick up some oxalic acid tomorrow also.  I think I'll wait to see what the water stain looks like after stripping it.  I don't expect it to go away by any means.  Want to see what I have when the finish is gone.

I sure appreciate all the help.  It's so very nice to have a project....I might have to find more.  Is this an addictive hobby lol?

I'll check out that thread too.