cleaning/restoring oiled walnut finish

[RichardP]

Because the search function is screwy for a few days, I can't bring up

previous threads on cleaning the oiled walnut finish (on my new '82

Belles!), although I know many such threads are out there. Please

excuse the repetition.

The WO finish is good but fairly dried out, and upon BLOing a small

section, I noticed that the cloth comes away fairly dirty. What could I

do to clean the veneer before oiling the rest of the cabinet? I seem to

recall someone recommending oiling, then using 0000 steel wool, then

oiling again, etc., although someone else recommended against steel

wool. I also recall similar conflicting recommendations about using

Murphy's Wood Soap.

Please help a guy out who wants to get his new speakers looking their

best (they already sound great, and crossover refurbishing is on the

schedule).

[michael hurd]

Steel wool is o.k. but I would hesitate to use it because you may get partcles into the magnetic gap on the drivers, and that would not be a good thing.

As an alternate, I would suggest you look for the finest 3m scotchbrite nylon scuff pad available. They are white in color and sold at bodyshop supply stores. These are similar to a potscrubber, but much, much finer and larger in size.

Remember that rags, etc that have BLO on them can spontaneously combust, if you do not dispose of them properly.

[rplace]

Not sure if it is sacrilegious or not...but I just cleaned my 78 Belle center with Murphy's Oil Soap. The label says it is good for all finishes of wood. Used a 100% cotton towel and got it good and soapy...but not very wet. Rubbed it all down then dried it with a different dry towel (label says no need to rinse). Repeated this a few times.

When I was done the water that I was wetting the cleaning towel with and ringing out in a bucket was filthy...so I assume I got a lot of dirt/crud off of the wood. I oiled them when dry and they look a lot better.

Hope this helps!