[Geoff]

Just wanted to post an update on where I'm at right now. There was a small area where the side in the back was separating from the arch support. This was easy enough to fix with some wood glue and a clamp:

[Image: http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/main.ph...alNumber=2]

Once this was done I finished with the wood filling. I actually went through the process of filling voids and sanding three times. I’d do it once and then find some other smaller spot that I overlooked. Then again and find another small spot that was overlooked. As of last night I’m totally done with filling and everything is nice and smooth.

[Image: http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/main.ph...alNumber=2]

[Image: http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/main.ph...alNumber=2]

[Image: http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/main.ph...alNumber=2]

[Image: http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/main.ph...alNumber=2]

[Image: http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/main.ph...alNumber=2]

[Image: http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/main.ph...alNumber=2]

The next steps are to try and secure the Philco 640 label on the inside. This label is crumbling and starting to fall off in many places. My plan is to go in with a small brush and glue and try and re-adhere the label where it is coming off. Once dry I will cover the label (and another label on the inside that has the run #) with something and then clean out the inside of the cabinet a little more. I will follow the cleaning with a coat of black oil stain. Once dry I will begin the grain filling process. I’ve done a LOT of reading and watching YouTube videos covering the topic of grain filling and found it almost sounds like no two people follow the same process. Very frustrating for a novice like me. As I see it right now I have three options moving forward:

Option #1
- Stain the cabinet with Walnut stain
- Apply a sealer such as sanding sealer
- Apply the grain filler (I’ll be using Pore-O-Pac)
- Apply another coat of sealer
- Apply a mist coat of clear before moving onto the toned colors

Option #2
- DO NOT stain the cabinet
- Apply a sealer such as sanding sealer
- Apply the grain filler (I’ll be using Pore-O-Pac)
- Apply another coat of sealer
- Apply a mist coat of clear before moving onto the toned colors

Option #3
- DO NOT stain the cabinet
- Apply the grain filler (I’ll be using Pore-O-Pac)
- Apply a sealer such as sanding sealer
- Apply a mist coat of clear before moving onto the toned colors

The above were based on various recommendations from the manufacturer of the grain filler, various posts here, and videos from YouTube. Right now I am leaning towards Option #3 but invite feedback from others on what they recommend. I’ve got plenty of time before making a final decision.

- Geoff