Speaker cabinet refurb .

[brian2957]

OK chaps , the reason I'm asking for advice about this is because I haven't got a clue on how to go about this so I thought I would ask for advice on the forum . I've seen some outstanding refurb work which has been done by AOS members and would like to try this myself.
A couple of months ago I bought a very nice pair of MA R852 speakers at a bargain price from a member on here . I've decided that I'm going to be using these for the foreseeable future .
The cabinets of the 852s are OK , however I really think that the cabs would benefit from a little refurbishment . I'm looking for suggestions and advice from the experts on here .

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/P1010517_zpsgm0af6yi.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/P1010517_zpsgm0af6yi.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/P1010511_zpsp96oimke.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/P1010511_zpsp96oimke.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/P1010510_zpskmdtuzgi.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/P1010510_zpskmdtuzgi.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/P1010509_zpsoregaptp.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/P1010509_zpsoregaptp.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/P1010507_zpsdv0j2dtp.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/P1010507_zpsdv0j2dtp.jpg.html)

I've tried to take the best photos I can and would welcome your suggestions on how to approach this . BTW the white discoloration isn't a trick of the light , it's actually there and I'm not sure what has caused it or how to deal with it.Thanks .:)

[struth]

Nice speakers Brian. Looks like they have been stored in a damp place at one time. cant be sure but it looks like blushing. if its lacquer or shellac then try using 0000 steel wool and linseed oil (ive got a big bottle of food grade stuff if you need any),rubbing with the grain. youll need to remove the drivers as front need done. if its too bad then you may have to completely remove the surface finish with a spirit like turps. you can buy restoration liquids from the likes of liberon etc.

[brian2957]

Thanks Grant . Do you rub down with the wire wool then apply the linseed oil or use the wire wool to apply the linseed oil ?

[struth]

apply the oil with the wool. if it not too bad then it should go away without having to remove the lot. try it on one of the sides or back first. got plenty of finishes here if you need any

if theyve been varnished the youl need to remove that as the oil wont work

[struth]

id be tempted to strip it all and refinish tbh. do a proper job:eyebrows:

[karma67]

A word of caution,if your using oil,soak the rags in water before throwing in the bin.

[brian2957]

id be tempted to strip it all and refinish tbh. do a proper job:eyebrows:

That's the road I was thinking of going down Grant as I think they may be very nice if done properly . Any tips on how to go about this ?

[brian2957]

A word of caution,if your using oil,soak the rags in water before throwing in the bin.

Thanks Jamie , I'm very wary of oily stuff like this .

[struth]

use a spirit base to get the old finish off Brian then repair any imperfections. give a good sand down with some wet n dry or rougher wire wool..id use rougher wire wool with the spirit by the way.and wipe down with a damp sponge then dry one. once happy u have the choice of finish. danish oil ..liberon oil. youll need many coats of those. my favourite is a sealing shellac followed by 2 coats of good wax. if any staining needs done then that can be incorporated. i often use waxes with stain in as it gives a nice finish without any over blown areas.but if you have a good finish after shellac then clear wax will do. got plenty stuff here if it will save you money as you dont really need much and if its a one of job it can be costly mate

take your time and go with the grain at all times. it a very satisfying job and soothing if you want it to be..enjoy it

[brian2957]

Thanks Grant . If it's OK I may bring them over to yours for your opinion on a plan of action . You have PM mate .

[Gazjam]

Look forward to seeing the progress on this Brian, they are great looking speakers.

[Reffc]

As Grant suggests, remove drivers then gently rub down using either a restorative oil or I'd even use a finishing oil as there is enough spirit content in many to act as a restorative. I'd go easy on cleaning with any concentrated spirit based cleaner on veneered cabs, as it can debond the glue joint unless you apply very sparingly. You may even find that a light rub with a 320 or higher grit finishing paper and a re-application of finishing oil is all that they need. You could do a trial on one of the bases and see how that comes up.

[brian2957]

As Grant suggests, remove drivers then gently rub down using either a restorative oil or I'd even use a finishing oil as there is enough spirit content in many to act as a restorative. I'd go easy on cleaning with any concentrated spirit based cleaner on veneered cabs, as it can debond the glue joint unless you apply very sparingly. You may even find that a light rub with a 320 or higher grit finishing paper and a re-application of finishing oil is all that they need. You could do a trial on one of the bases and see how that comes up.
Thanks Paul , can you give me an idea what restorative oils and finishing oils would be suitable for this . I'm afraid I'm a complete numpty here , but willing to learn form those who know . I'm quite looking forward to this and I think I will enjoy doing it myself . Thanks for the advice :)

[Reffc]

That's a good question because there's a huge choice of products these days and also some common misconceptions about restoring woodwork. Myth #1 is that woodwork needs "feeding" or "nourishing" or similar nonsense but the whole purpose of wood finishing is to seal the surface to prevent drying out, cracking and to improve durability and aesthetics by bring out grain etc.

To fully restore tired finishes depends entirely on the original finish. Many speakers, especially at the budget end, use a spray applied PU based coating, so all that is often needed if the finish looks really tired is a gentle rub down and a re-application of a PU rich finish such as General Finishes Topcoat. It is a superb highly durable finish available in a range of finishes from gloss to Satin. Applied using an applicator sponge after gently rubbing down existing surface (and I do mean a light running down) with finishing paper (start with a light rub with 180 grit and finish with at least a 320 grit).

For oiled finishes, a gentle re-coating of Danish Oil...apply sparingly (I recommend Mylands but there's plenty of choice) using either a scotch brite type pad (nylon is fine) or very fine grade wire wool. Allow to dry thoroughly, give a gentle rub with a nylon scour pad to remove any surface imperfections and apply a second thin coat using a soft lint free cotton rag. The more coats you apply, the deeper the sheen. For a semi-gloss finish, you usually want 4 coats or more.

For waxed finishes, first some of the old wax may need removing using a proprietary wax removal cream (don't use this on your legs ;)), then a gentle rub down with a wire wool pad lubed with a little wax polish. Brywax is popular and have a decent range of finishing waxes. I use Ercol and Mylands Classic wax compounds. Imho, the lower the solvent content, the better. Look for waxes waxes containing Carnauba and Beeswax.

[brian2957]

Wow ! that's a very comprehensive answer Paul so thanks for that . I'll have a look at the items you have suggested and see which ones are fool-proof . Thanks again for taking the time Paul .
I don't wax my legs mate , I use double sided tape or a blow lamp :lol:

[underzone]

Good plan. I would always avoid using wire wool though. The latest stuff to use is micromesh. It is as fine as wire wool but doesn't leave bleedin millions of bits of metal behind :)

[brian2957]

Thanks James , I'll have a look at this .

[struth]

The new liberon stuff doesnt do that ....its pretty good

[struth]

Had Brian and Gary round showing me these speakers and they are lovely. a bit of elbow grease and they will be top notch. lovely zebrano grain

[brian2957]

Yup looking forward to doing the work on them Grant . Thanks for the advice and the loan of the gear .

[iscm]

Yup looking forward to doing the work on them Grant . Thanks for the advice and the loan of the gear .

Did the speakers ever get finished?

[brian2957]

Nope , sold them on Ian . Bought another pair from Grant of this parish , which I still use today :)

[wee tee cee]

You need some spendors in your life!!

[brian2957]

OK :D

[Wakefield Turntables]

Love to try some old Spendors, Harbeths or Rogers.