[Chas]

A-K used shellac in many forms for wood and metal finishes. Tinted shellac for wood finishing and pigmented shellac for metal. Mixed with naphtha for crackle finish. Often, aggressive cleaning with alcohol will remove both the wood and metal finishes. Wood grain metal panel of the A-K 55 Kiel table will be ruined as well as the painted device cans on the chassis if splattered with alcohol...

The filler in the mahogany on the breadboard is intact. removal of the tinted shellac can be done with alcohol/rags and wood chips. If the color of the board is brighter and desirable then white shellac applied and then French Polished will bring back the OEM "Piano" finish. Many online sites have the French Polish method well described..

Allan Douglas preferred that type of finish over changing to varnish. Lacquer is also an option in a transparent toner. With toner it can be highlighted or darken around instruments and lighter in open areas. A coat of gloss clear lacquer would complete the job. Done in a hour or so, left for a week to cure hard...

Colored tinted shellac may be hard to find, but Mohawk will have the transparent toner.

GL

Chas

BTW thanks for the 5-wire cable tip. I have been looking for some time for a cable for a Browning-Drake Resistance coupled kit set...