[Lewiss]

Hi All,

I have a Model 80, the cabinet has been previously stripped down to bare wood and is ready for the finish.
Problem; on the front, there is what looks like a small round indentation that looks like what you would see if the radio had been shot with a BB gun.
What is the best way to fill this?
I plan on using the Mohawk Ultra Classic Lacquer toners recommended on this site.
Perfect brown for the main cabinet and either medium brown walnut or light walnut for the inner front.
The BB indentation is on the front in the light color area.

Also Which Mohawk sealer should I use?

Thanks for your help.
Lewis

[Phlogiston]

Don't fill.

Use an iron to steam the dent out. Caution: this may loosen veneer.

[Lewiss]

Ok, just tried hot iron with a damp wash cloth, it did raise the indentation, should I try some more? I'm afraid of raising the veneer.
Looks like a piece of the blue washcloth is in the indentation.

Lewis

[klondike98]

If it is cloth then it should be able to be picked out of there with a needle or if you have it, a dental tool. Gently scrape it to see if you can loosen it up and get it out. I don't have any experience with steaming out dents so listen to what Russ (phlogiston) says.

[Lewiss]

        Tried some more steam, does not seem to want to rise up any more.
Here's a pic of the original indentation and with the latest round of steam.
I read on the net about radio cabinet restoration using glue and sawdust. Is this something worth trying at this point?

Lewis

[Phlogiston]

It looks like some of the wood has been lost. So more steam probably won't help. Use mahogany wood filler - or walnut or a mix of both. Mahogany is usually too light and walnut too dark. TOO DARK usually looks better than too light.

[Lewiss]

Thank you Phlogiston, hopefully the Mohawk Ultra Classic Lacquer toner medium brown walnut or light walnut will cover over the filler and hide this damage.

Lewis

[Phlogiston]

It might, but I would not count on it. Think of it this way - you have 2 dots, one is white and one is brown. If you try to match them by spraying both with brown toner, the white one will always be lighter until you spray on so much toner that they are both black. Not a good thing.

Try to get the "hole" to match as closely as possible prior to using toner. Using a paint brush and toner on the spot is OK.

[Lewiss]

That sounds like a good idea !
What about lightly sanding the front to get a bit of sawdust, then takeand mix it with lacquer toner, fill the depression, let dry, then lightly sand, then spray entire front area?

Lewis

[Phlogiston]

Woodworkers have done that. Early filler was just sawdust. If you try, do not mix with toner. I think that I would mix the dust into some mahogany wood filler.