Conservative Political Forum

General Category => Repair and Maintenance Support => Topic started by: Cryptic Bert on January 25, 2012, 09:24:04 PM

Title: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Cryptic Bert on January 25, 2012, 09:24:04 PM
I want to refinish my parents stereo cabinet. it's about 40 years old, made by Zenith and houses a turntable and receiver. it's a classic. I can still see my teeth marks when I used to chew on the flip up lid. anyway i have refinished furniture before with success but I have never found a remover that I really like. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Solar on January 26, 2012, 05:28:12 AM
I had a stereo just like the one you described and loved it, nothing like true sound reproduction.
But as to removing the finish, they were more of a stain that a lacquer based finish if I remember correctly.
Start with simple acetone and good gloves.

There are some really cool ones out there that work really fast, I would call a cabinet shop and ask them what they use, its been more than three decades since I used any and with the laws changing, they most likely took the good stuff off the mkt.
Last time I used it, it melted my rubber gloves.
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Cryptic Bert on January 26, 2012, 02:51:02 PM
Quote from: Solar on January 26, 2012, 05:28:12 AM
I had a stereo just like the one you described and loved it, nothing like true sound reproduction.
But as to removing the finish, they were more of a stain that a lacquer based finish if I remember correctly.
Start with simple acetone and good gloves.

There are some really cool ones out there that work really fast, I would call a cabinet shop and ask them what they use, its been more than three decades since I used any and with the laws changing, they most likely took the good stuff off the mkt.
Last time I used it, it melted my rubber gloves.


You're right about the finish. I just need to find a mild acetone. I've used it before on an old bed that was about 80 years old. It came out nice.  I think I may try and salvage the original components. Though finding a needle may be tough. The wiring is rather brittle. they don't make turntables like this anymore that won't break the bank.
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Solar on January 26, 2012, 03:40:13 PM
Quote from: The Boo Man... on January 26, 2012, 02:51:02 PM
You're right about the finish. I just need to find a mild acetone. I've used it before on an old bed that was about 80 years old. It came out nice.  I think I may try and salvage the original components. Though finding a needle may be tough. The wiring is rather brittle. they don't make turntables like this anymore that won't break the bank.
I think Minn Wax make something similar to Old English scratch cover but lasts years longer.
I know Sacramento has actual stores that specialize in old components like tubes and needles.

Here's a list of guys in my area.
http://www.californiahistoricalradio.com/repair.html (http://www.californiahistoricalradio.com/repair.html)
But this one may be closer to you.
http://www.soundsclassic.com/ (http://www.soundsclassic.com/)

But shop around, the prices vary considerably...
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Cryptic Bert on January 26, 2012, 06:01:05 PM
Quote from: Solar on January 26, 2012, 03:40:13 PM
I think Minn Wax make something similar to Old English scratch cover but lasts years longer.
I know Sacramento has actual stores that specialize in old components like tubes and needles.

Here's a list of guys in my area.
http://www.californiahistoricalradio.com/repair.html (http://www.californiahistoricalradio.com/repair.html)
But this one may be closer to you.
http://www.soundsclassic.com/ (http://www.soundsclassic.com/)

But shop around, the prices vary considerably...

Well I want to remove the finish so I can stain it to match the new furniture in our new flat. I went to the Sound Classic Website. That place is a Godsend! it looks like I can keep the current components based on what they offer. I wish my dad was here. He'd be chuffed to bits.
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Solar on January 26, 2012, 07:33:13 PM
Quote from: The Boo Man... on January 26, 2012, 06:01:05 PM
Well I want to remove the finish so I can stain it to match the new furniture in our new flat. I went to the Sound Classic Website. That place is a Godsend! it looks like I can keep the current components based on what they offer. I wish my dad was here. He'd be chuffed to bits.
If I remember correctly, some tubes are still being made.
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Cryptic Bert on January 26, 2012, 09:42:40 PM
Quote from: Solar on January 26, 2012, 07:33:13 PM
If I remember correctly, some tubes are still being made.

They were the first things I saw on the site. That's when I realized this project is going to be awesome. i was originally going to replace everything with high end Onkyo. I love Onkyo. Everything I have is Onkyo. But Onkyo or anyone else won't be able to recreate the sound.
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Solar on January 27, 2012, 06:07:48 AM
Quote from: The Boo Man... on January 26, 2012, 09:42:40 PM
They were the first things I saw on the site. That's when I realized this project is going to be awesome. i was originally going to replace everything with high end Onkyo. I love Onkyo. Everything I have is Onkyo. But Onkyo or anyone else won't be able to recreate the sound.
I agree wholeheartedly!!!
Onkyo makes phenomenal audio equipment, but there is no replacing the warmth in sound of an actual record being distributed through passive coils to the speakers.
The only advantage state of the art systems have over the old stuff is the removal of scratches and the incessant humm created through resistance.

But there is no comparison to the depth the old systems created.
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: hokiewoodchuck on January 27, 2012, 04:18:43 PM
Would that be a stripper in a can or the bare-azzed kind with scraper in hand?  ;D
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Solar on January 27, 2012, 04:27:23 PM
Quote from: hokiewoodchuck on January 27, 2012, 04:18:43 PM
Would that be a stripper in a can or the bare-azzed kind with scraper in hand?  ;D
God I hate using a scrapper, if it can't be washed off, then it gets a coat of paint. :))

Welcome to the forum Hokie. 8-)
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Cryptic Bert on January 27, 2012, 11:20:17 PM
Quote from: Solar on January 27, 2012, 06:07:48 AM
I agree wholeheartedly!!!
Onkyo makes phenomenal audio equipment, but there is no replacing the warmth in sound of an actual record being distributed through passive coils to the speakers.
The only advantage state of the art systems have over the old stuff is the removal of scratches and the incessant humm created through resistance.

But there is no comparison to the depth the old systems created.

I have the best of both worlds.I have a turntable with a USB that connects to my laptop. I installed software so I can download a record from my turntable to my laptop and burn a CD with all the scratches and noise removed. When I transfer records to discs it allows me to listen to the music anywhere and I don't have to worry about damaging any collectable vinyl.
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Solar on January 28, 2012, 07:31:52 AM
Quote from: The Boo Man... on January 27, 2012, 11:20:17 PM
I have the best of both worlds.I have a turntable with a USB that connects to my laptop. I installed software so I can download a record from my turntable to my laptop and burn a CD with all the scratches and noise removed. When I transfer records to discs it allows me to listen to the music anywhere and I don't have to worry about damaging any collectable vinyl.
I have got to get one of those, many of my records are well played and have scratches.
Most of my collection is from the early 60s to the early 70s, but some from the 40s that my parents had.

What brand do you have that gets rid of the Scratches?
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Cryptic Bert on February 27, 2012, 08:27:29 PM
Quote from: Solar on January 28, 2012, 07:31:52 AM
I have got to get one of those, many of my records are well played and have scratches.
Most of my collection is from the early 60s to the early 70s, but some from the 40s that my parents had.

What brand do you have that gets rid of the Scratches?

I use Ion audio. The turntable comes with software.

I just stared the rebuild. I have removed the lid and the louvered speaker doors, and the back. Immediately I can appreciate the build quality. Even small things like screws going deep into the wood. The next step is to attempt to remove the turntable, speakers,and head unit intact.
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Ford289HiPo on April 22, 2012, 03:49:56 PM
Quote from: The Boo Man... on January 25, 2012, 09:24:04 PM
I want to refinish my parents stereo cabinet. it's about 40 years old, made by Zenith and houses a turntable and receiver. it's a classic. I can still see my teeth marks when I used to chew on the flip up lid. anyway i have refinished furniture before with success but I have never found a remover that I really like. Any suggestions?
(https://conservativepoliticalforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.refinishfurniture.com%2Fimages%2Fcitristrip_lg.jpg&hash=072c477e432103dccd5bd72028c163944951f7c7)

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6490 (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6490)

Excellent stuff. It will also remove automotive grade paint from metal parts.

Then again:










(https://conservativepoliticalforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn-i.dmdentertainment.com%2Ffunpages%2Fcms_content%2F18402%2Fstrippertext.jpg&hash=4817d286fdc84e3528a8602af5aae24b2dc96069) :biggrin:
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Solar on April 22, 2012, 04:38:52 PM
Quote from: Ford289HiPo on April 22, 2012, 03:49:56 PM
(https://conservativepoliticalforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.refinishfurniture.com%2Fimages%2Fcitristrip_lg.jpg&hash=072c477e432103dccd5bd72028c163944951f7c7)

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6490 (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6490)

Excellent stuff. It will also remove automotive grade paint from metal parts.

Then again:










(https://conservativepoliticalforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn-i.dmdentertainment.com%2Ffunpages%2Fcms_content%2F18402%2Fstrippertext.jpg&hash=4817d286fdc84e3528a8602af5aae24b2dc96069) :biggrin:
Oh man, I used that stuff, ate right through my gloves, but damn, it does work, and pretty fast too.
Title: Re: Anyone know a good wood stripper?
Post by: Ford289HiPo on April 22, 2012, 08:16:32 PM
Quote from: Solar on April 22, 2012, 04:38:52 PM
Oh man, I used that stuff, ate right through my gloves, but damn, it does work, and pretty fast too.
I used it to strip wood, and for S&G, I tried it on auto parts. It takes the finish off real quick. I find it's safer to rinse the part with a hose. The stripper and paint washes off real easily. What doesn't come off with the wash can be scraped or sanded clean.