Heresy HWO wood care

[GRB]

When I got my '85 CWO Cornwalls, they looked dried out. No scratches or dings, just had what looked like a haze. I tried a couple of furniture oils, but did not like the results. My Stepdad is a retired cabinet maker and he suggested the following:

Lightly sand with Wet / Dry 800 grit sandpaper. Lightly sand with OOO steel wool, then put on three successive coats (allowing to dry 24 hours between each coat) of Minwax Antique Oil Finish (which I obtained at a paint store.) In addition, lightly sanding with the 000 steel wool between each coat. The minwax product is not really clear, but no pigment really present either. This took three nights to complete. This did "build a finish." They look spectacular if I do say so myself. The finish is hard, with a satin sheen. They sort of look like they were oiled then wiped dry. I have had a couple of people say they look brand new. I am not sure what else is in this stuff, but it does contain some linseed oil. Whatever is in it, it is good stuff.

[WMcD]

Thanks for yours GRB.

I'm annoyed at myself for displaying some misdirected anger which came out in my rant. I've edited.

I'm in total agreement with your step dad and your results.

It is a bit of a shame that when first time home craftsmen, like most of us, are ready to put down a nice finish the subject is contaminated by what is done commercially. That is to say, do it real fast and thick, and get it out the door.

And perhaps the whole Saturday morning at Home Depot is similar. They, whoever "they" are, sell that the project can be completed by sundown, if you buy the right stuff.

However, wipe on varnish is just wonderful, in my experience. It follows your experience. But I did use Scotchbrite pads, rather than steel wool.

The best way is to invest 30 minutes a day, over three or four days.

Gil

[GRB]

Gil,

Didn't really see any anger in your comment. I was chuckling as I read your comment about Home Depot. I originally wanted to put something on once and be done. I went to Home Depot and called my Step dad while I was there looking at wood finishing products. He told me about the Minwax product and that I might have to get it at a paint store. He told me if I wanted a nice finish, to take the time to do it right. He has been working with wood for 50 years and he has built some amazing things (his company was contracted to build cabinets and displays for Bass Pro Shop for several years). He laughed at me and said that you can't just slap a finish on a half inch thick and have it look good. Good advice. He has seen the Corwalls and approved of my work.

[nu2toobs]

One thing would stress to everyone that uses boiled linseed oil, is that it can spontaneously catch fire if you are using a rag. I applied it to my desk in my home office and the linseed smell was very strong. While working on my computer the odor was not going away, in fact it seemed to get worse.

I looked over at the waste can and there was smoke rolling from it. It was the surgical sponge(cotton gauze) that I used to apply the finish. The sponge was too hot to pick up and was brown from heat with smoke was boiling off of it and then I picked it up with tongs and threw it in the sink and dowsed with water. Needless to say, my wife wasn't real happy with the situation.

If we would have went to bed before noticing the smoke, this may have been a disaster. That being said I love the look of boiled linseed oil finish

[rcarlton]

One thing this thread did was motivate me into using my Watco rejuvenating oil on my speakers.

[Buddy72079]

See email from Robert Land (Klipsch Group)

Hello Buddy,

Wow, did you just get these? 2 K-horns and a Belle from the same year is a rare setup indeed. FYI all three are from 1975.

All three speakers have an Oil finish on them (BK-WO; KB-WO WO = Walnut Oil). For oil finishes we recommend WATCO Rejuvenating Oil. Use a clean cloth and apply 3 4 coats (with the grain). Be sure to allow ample drying time in between coats. If you take your time with this you can really get these things looking sharp again.

When replying to this email, please include the original message and all replies.

Thanks,

Robert Land

Tech Support Specialist

Klipsch Group Inc.

[T_Phillips]

THANKS to all that have replied and discussed this issue! I used the Old English for now and it seemed to do a good job. I now have lots of other good ideas for the future.

And I have to say WOW to many of you (not the least of which is Buddy) in admiring your Klipsch equipment! I hope to add to mine over the years. My dream for 20+ years has been K-horns and a Belle Klipsch. I'm delighted with the Heresy's for now.

Terry