JEPS56

I too recently got screwed by an E-Bay seller. After winning the bid for a broken Academy with a perfect cabinet, I promptly payed him with Pay-Pal and E-Mailed him asking him to please pack the precious Academy with extra padding in a large box to protect it from damage. The stupid Jackass took an old U-Haul wardrobe box and cut it up to tightly fit the speaker then wrapped it in a couple of thin baby blankets! He shipped it by US Mail. When I received it most of the corners were damaged. I was so mad I sent him bad feedback, and You guessed it he retaliated with negative feedback . E-Bay is of no help at all on this type of thing. I have decided that the Feedback Forum serves no purpose to let other buyers know what to expect from some sellers, because when you tell the truth you can only expect retaliation.

If your speakers are Oiled Oak, you can buy wood bleaching solutions from Home Depot and Lowes. This will take out black spots such as a ring from a potted plant.Then lightly sand and re-stain and oil with Watco or Boiled Linseed Oil.

Just finished doing a little veneer work myself. There are a few tricks to it. Not the easiest job I have ever done; but mostly patience and technique. First get all of the flaws out of the substate with wood putty and block sand or use an electric sander. Use contact cement from a woodworking store. I've heard that the nonbacked veneer is prefered. Put a coat of glue on both surfaces and let them dry until slightly tacky. Lay dowel rods between the surface and the sheet of veneer to support it until you have it lined up like you want it; book matching the grain and so forth . Then start in the center and press it together while removing the dowel rods. Rub the veneer with a rag to remove any bubbles. The veneer should have at least three or four inches overhang to make it easier to trim. There are several ways to trim the edges: but I'll tell you a trick that an experienced woodworker told me. Buy a new metal file. Old ones are rusty and have metal in them. Wash it in soap and water and dry it. Pull down slightly on the overhanging piece while filing on the edge until it becomes thin enough to break off. This method will leave a nice sharp corner comparable to the original klipsch. Veneer is very delicate and splinters easily. Take your time and the results are very rewarding. Hope this helps and good luck.

Heres the Item. 5738849599.

No, that one had water damage. This one was obviously damaged by the U S MAIL rough handling because there was next to nothing between the cardboard and the speaker. I have been working on it though, so it is looking better. I used a steam iron on the corners and it does seem to pull out the worst of the dents. BLO makes the wood look nice too. Jim

I just got an Academy off of Ebay. This Speaker had a mint Oiled Oak cabinet; that is before they shipped it to me. I Emailed the seller and asked for extra padding and very good packing. It was shipped in a baby blanket then wrapped tightly with a couple layers of cardboard. When I got it from the U S Mail, almost all the corners were damaged! I was very disappointed but I think I can repair the corners. Just goes to show you what you can get from some of these people when you buy off Ebay. I am open to advise on how to repair the cabinet without re-veneering the whole thing. Jim

Help! I need a nice Oiled Oak Academy to match my mint Chorus II fronts. I have searched Ebay for six months. Does anyone want to sell one?