Michaels HiFi
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #1
Ok guys - time for the Comparison Experiment for All Ages.
Many of you know of my extensive digital, tube rolling and vibration experiments where I have tried dozens of combos over a couple of years and experimenting with just about every conceivable variation to see what works, what doesn't, and especially to uncover new and unique ways to tweak a system others haven't tried.
Now it's time for that with vintage restoration!
Over the last year you've see the thread of my vintage restoration experiments. I literally have no idea what I am doing an am teaching myself as I go along.
I've been learning new wood finishing techniques and how difference finishes work and look on 80 year old cases. I've been learning how to safely clean 80 years of grime off faceplates while keeping undisturbed the delicate silkscreening on them. And I've been able to clean and restore 70 year old military metal cases on testers.
And now I'm going BIG.
I bought this junker of a tester to experiment for several specific test2:
1) The black finish around the meter is a common finish on many old testers. It does not react well to most cleaning products and methods.
TEST 1: Trying different products and methods, discover what works the best to clean it and restore its luster.
2) The meter face is metal and is yellowed.
TEST 2: Trying different products and methods, what works the best to remove as much yellowing as possible WHILE NOT removing / damaging the printed numbers and colors OR burning through the paint.
3) Refinishing techniques on the wood case.
TEST 3: After cleaning the wood with solvent to remove grime and waxes, doing a light sanding, how do different products work for both a complete wood stripping AND simply applying over an original but clean finish.
4) BRASS. BRASS. BRASS. The faceplate is solid brass. This is a nightmare to work on.
TEST 4: Trying different products and techniques what cleans the brass, damages the brass, or is simply wasted effort?
5) Strip off all uses screws, bolts, and parts I may be able to repurpose when needed on other vintage testers.
I've already started and needless to say I've cut up my hands on the metal case quite a bit. Good thing I'm current on my tetanus shot!
My plan is to try 30+++ different methods and products - some labeled for this use and some not labeled for this use.
So stay tuned and let the fun begin!!
Many of you know of my extensive digital, tube rolling and vibration experiments where I have tried dozens of combos over a couple of years and experimenting with just about every conceivable variation to see what works, what doesn't, and especially to uncover new and unique ways to tweak a system others haven't tried.
Now it's time for that with vintage restoration!
Over the last year you've see the thread of my vintage restoration experiments. I literally have no idea what I am doing an am teaching myself as I go along.
I've been learning new wood finishing techniques and how difference finishes work and look on 80 year old cases. I've been learning how to safely clean 80 years of grime off faceplates while keeping undisturbed the delicate silkscreening on them. And I've been able to clean and restore 70 year old military metal cases on testers.
And now I'm going BIG.
I bought this junker of a tester to experiment for several specific test2:
1) The black finish around the meter is a common finish on many old testers. It does not react well to most cleaning products and methods.
TEST 1: Trying different products and methods, discover what works the best to clean it and restore its luster.
2) The meter face is metal and is yellowed.
TEST 2: Trying different products and methods, what works the best to remove as much yellowing as possible WHILE NOT removing / damaging the printed numbers and colors OR burning through the paint.
3) Refinishing techniques on the wood case.
TEST 3: After cleaning the wood with solvent to remove grime and waxes, doing a light sanding, how do different products work for both a complete wood stripping AND simply applying over an original but clean finish.
4) BRASS. BRASS. BRASS. The faceplate is solid brass. This is a nightmare to work on.
TEST 4: Trying different products and techniques what cleans the brass, damages the brass, or is simply wasted effort?
5) Strip off all uses screws, bolts, and parts I may be able to repurpose when needed on other vintage testers.
I've already started and needless to say I've cut up my hands on the metal case quite a bit. Good thing I'm current on my tetanus shot!
My plan is to try 30+++ different methods and products - some labeled for this use and some not labeled for this use.
So stay tuned and let the fun begin!!