Edgy Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 The original literature I got with my HOO Heresies says to oil the wood. From the few things I've found on here, it seems that Watco gets mentioned, but I've been unable to find it locally. I found this stuff at my local hardware store. Is it OK? I tried it on my slanted risers, and it seems to work fine, no discoloration or anything. But I wanted to check before I did the speakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WMcD Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 We've had a lot of traffic here over the years. In my view, it arose because Klipsch, in the instruction literature, was never clear about the most favored "oil". Without recovering a lot of old ground: 1) I believe most people use the so called lemon oil by Old English or Homer Formby. (I do.) I always point out that this is mineral oil with some lemon perfume. If you like what you got on the risers, I see no need not to continue. I'm a bit surprised there was no color change. Maybe you still had the effect of the darkening from the factory. 2) In in post IIRC a Klipsch factory guy recommended Watco Rejuvenating Oil. http://watco.net/CBGResourceCenter.asp That should get you to the MSDS. If not, you can go to the Rustoleum site. At one time in the past I had said that because it is non-boiled linseed, it does not build a finish. But reading what several sellers say (probably based on instructions on the can) it does. (You can Google.) The MSDS says it has resin. And note it is reported as changing the color. My guess is that any oil will. 3) There was a report that the factor was using Birchwood Casey oil/varnish. The ammo in your picture reminds me of it. I can't vouch either way. I'm a bit puzzled because my old Heritage speakers seem to be without any varnish. Further, so many people have reported water/planter ring damage which varnish should prevent to some extent. Wm McD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Travis In Austin Posted January 31, 2009 Moderators Share Posted January 31, 2009 Edgy, I think Gil has given you an excellen summary of what has been kicked around here for a long time. I really like the Watco Rejuvenating oil. I lot of folks like just simple BLO but I would add, from what I have read from several sources, BLO will also darken the wood over time. You can also try Tung oil on a spot to see if you like that. Unless the speakers are in a harsh enviornment, (sunlight, heat, etc.) it is something you do once every couple of years. Old English is more of a monthy thing to clean and dust with, but I'm wondering what folks recommend for oil finished Klipsch, that are already in good shape, to clean and dust with that does not react with the oil finish or create a build-up that you have to deal with when it is time to reapply Watco or other oil. Travis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgy Posted January 31, 2009 Author Share Posted January 31, 2009 OK guys, thanks. Yea, the Old English looked fine on the risers, so I guess I'll continue. I have no idea on the maintenance history of the speakers, just that I am the third owner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbon summit Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 OK guys, thanks. Yea, the Old English looked fine on the risers, so I guess I'll continue. I have no idea on the maintenance history of the speakers, just that I am the third owner. That leads into my question. What if you don't know what was used before? Does it matter? Is there a way to (I don't want to use the word strip) clean off the old oil and start fresh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSport Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Thanks to Dr.Bill's recipe'...I just oiled all my speakers...nice little workout...so much work (teasin') that I am a little light headed...perhapsthat's just the recipe' talkin'...I oiled 4 Heresys, 1 Academy center,2 Klipschorns and a dining room server and the walnut case for myMcIntosh MAC1900...easy as the Dr. says...soaked right in and after alight wipe with a clean cotton rag, ready for another year... *remember* BLO heats up as it dries so any rags andwhatnot should be thouroughly washed with water and soap and disposedof safely...preferrably outside... the Drs. recipe' IIRC: 3 parts Gum Turpentineto 1 part BLO...I found mine at Home Depot but should be able to findanywhere...good luck but wanted to share...mmmmmmm, smells nice... ...Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Roland Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Back in the 70s, when I owned a pair of walnut oil Cornwalls, Klipsch recommended Formby's Lemon Oil. It made my Cornwalls glow! The Old English oil should be fine. George Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Warren Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 I use the real deal. Mix one part (volume) of Turpentine (Mineral Spirits works too) with two parts of Boiled Linseed Oil, apply with brush, let sit for half hour or so, then rub the excess off with a clean rag. The rubbing is the so called "hand rubbed finish". Q-man turned my on to this method. Applying the mix when warmed up will improve the penetration. The rags get warm when piled up, they want to ignite so dry them carefully when your done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groomlakearea51 Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 I use the real deal. Mix one part (volume) of Turpentine (Mineral Spirits works too) with two parts of Boiled Linseed Oil, apply with brush, let sit for half hour or so, then rub the excess off with a clean rag. The rubbing is the so called "hand rubbed finish". Q-man turned my on to this method. Applying the mix when warmed up will improve the penetration. The rags get warm when piled up, they want to ignite so dry them carefully when your done. As everyone seems to have noted, many different ways, but.... they work and satisfy the owners!!![][Y][Y] When I redo/ reveneer a set of cabinets (for me or for forum buddies), I generally use John's method above to, in substance, "seal" the pores. After the rubbing, I'll wipe off the surface with a min spirits damp rag and let dry for 24 hours. After that, about every couple months, Old English Lemon, or Almond. Watco Rejuvenating Oil or Watco Danish? Very similar in application, somewhat different formulas, etc. Effect? Pretty much the same in the end. Consider that it's going to end up as a case of how much "sheen" do you want. The less BLO used in your first "treatment", the more "satin" in appearance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 I usually shower and add a dab of Old Spice, I clean up real nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSport Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 ...and I would have bet you were a Hai Karate man...[] Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groomlakearea51 Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Watco with some Old Spice mixed in? Huhm... "Designer Speaker Oil"? You could make a fortune catering to the ultra-high end crowd.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbon summit Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 As everyone seems to have noted, many different ways, but.... they work and satisfy the owners!!! When I redo/ reveneer a set of cabinets (for me or for forum buddies), I generally use John's method above to, in substance, "seal" the pores. After the rubbing, I'll wipe off the surface with a min spirits damp rag and let dry for 24 hours. After that, about every couple months, Old English Lemon, or Almond. Watco Rejuvenating Oil or Watco Danish? Very similar in application, somewhat different formulas, etc. Effect? Pretty much the same in the end. Consider that it's going to end up as a case of how much "sheen" do you want. The less BLO used in your first "treatment", the more "satin" in appearance. Groomlakearea51, You mention when redo/reveneering a pair of speakers you do that method and then every couple of months use Old English. Since mine are already oiled from the factory I'm I right to assume I should skip the first step to seal them and just use Old English from now on? As far as speakers you are not the original owners of, does it matter what was done before? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groomlakearea51 Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Correct if they are oiled. That being said.... a good practice on "used" oil speakers, unless you know otherwise, is to presume that may not have been oiled that much, or oiled unevenly, improperly, etc.. (speakers from eBay are 99% in that category....). So ... a good practice is to wipe simply them down with mineral spirits multiple times and remove old oil, BLO, etc. Let them dry, inspect, look for shiny spots and repeat until after drying there are no "shiny" spots. Then do the Watco and light oil of your choice from that point on. Just a suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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