Refinishing Antique Treadle Machine Cabinet
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: NE Wisconsin
Posts: 1,350

Now that we've finally gotten some cooler weather in Wisconsin, I've started trying to refinish my treadle machine cabinet. It has a lot of what I call "alligatoring" on it.
I used the mixture of equal parts of boiled linseed oil, vinegar and turpentine on 0000 steel wool that I read about on this site. That did a good job of cleaning, but didn't budge the finish. The cabinet is wood veneer, as most of the older ones were. I don't want to loosen, that if at all possible.
Anyone have suggestions for me?
p.s. I sent a PM to Billy, but he's not answering. My understanding is that he's dealing with illness right now.
I used the mixture of equal parts of boiled linseed oil, vinegar and turpentine on 0000 steel wool that I read about on this site. That did a good job of cleaning, but didn't budge the finish. The cabinet is wood veneer, as most of the older ones were. I don't want to loosen, that if at all possible.
Anyone have suggestions for me?
p.s. I sent a PM to Billy, but he's not answering. My understanding is that he's dealing with illness right now.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 662

I'd use Formby's also. It will take off the finish, but not hurt the veneer or veneer glue. Many of the strippers will loosen the glue. If I remember right you use Formby's by dipping steel wool in the liquid and rub on the finish to loosen it, then clean the loosened finish off with clean steel wool. It does not sit on the wood so doesn't damage it.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 6,487

Glenn's username is just that - Glenn. He's been traveling but he does has a tutorial available here. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-97670-1.htm
I'm going to try Charlee's recommmendation of Howards's Restore A Finish and Feed-n-Wax on mine. Glen isn't fond of this combo because it darkens the wood, but it's what I have here. It did a nice job on a 1930's dressing table, but my 1904 machine's cabinet may need more than this. I know my 1924 cabinet will clean up well, but it's in much better condition.
I'm going to try Charlee's recommmendation of Howards's Restore A Finish and Feed-n-Wax on mine. Glen isn't fond of this combo because it darkens the wood, but it's what I have here. It did a nice job on a 1930's dressing table, but my 1904 machine's cabinet may need more than this. I know my 1924 cabinet will clean up well, but it's in much better condition.
#6

Originally Posted by irishrose
Glenn's username is just that - Glenn. He's been traveling but he does has a tutorial available here. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-97670-1.htm
I'm going to try Charlee's recommmendation of Howards's Restore A Finish and Feed-n-Wax on mine. Glen isn't fond of this combo because it darkens the wood, but it's what I have here. It did a nice job on a 1930's dressing table, but my 1904 machine's cabinet may need more than this. I know my 1924 cabinet will clean up well, but it's in much better condition.
I'm going to try Charlee's recommmendation of Howards's Restore A Finish and Feed-n-Wax on mine. Glen isn't fond of this combo because it darkens the wood, but it's what I have here. It did a nice job on a 1930's dressing table, but my 1904 machine's cabinet may need more than this. I know my 1924 cabinet will clean up well, but it's in much better condition.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 2,609

Charlee, we do agree on one thing here refinishing is the last resort and should be avoided if not needed. LOL I am all for anything that prevents one from stipping the original finish unless it is completely gone as in a lot of cases with old sewing machine cabinets. Most people can strip but don not know how to apply the new shellac finish.
Charlee looking good in your avatar!
Glenn
Charlee looking good in your avatar!
Glenn
#8

Thank you Kind Sir! :) We took that at the beach last month. It was a bit windy!
I know what you mean about shellac!! That stuff is a...well...let's just say it's not easy to work with! I'm going to have to use it on this Davis, but I'm NOT happy about it!
I know what you mean about shellac!! That stuff is a...well...let's just say it's not easy to work with! I'm going to have to use it on this Davis, but I'm NOT happy about it!
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 2,609

Originally Posted by Charlee
Thank you Kind Sir! :) We took that at the beach last month. It was a bit windy!
I know what you mean about shellac!! That stuff is a...well...let's just say it's not easy to work with! I'm going to have to use it on this Davis, but I'm NOT happy about it!
I know what you mean about shellac!! That stuff is a...well...let's just say it's not easy to work with! I'm going to have to use it on this Davis, but I'm NOT happy about it!
Glenn
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