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Sounds like I'm going to be busy. Yeah, not got to pick it up yet. It's at the back of a barn so I hope it's restorable. Will try and post photos if I can work out how you do it. I'm hoping it will have an "early piano" sound which would be great for the chamber music enthusiasts in the vi...

It has to be French Polish, and yes, I do know what I am talking about - I am the local French polisher - I've been doing it for years and am quite aware how long it takes! French polishing is my spare-time earner. I've done countless of items of furniture before but is the first time, however I hav...

Thanks. Yes, I do use pearl glue from a gluepot for the majority of the work I do to keep authenticity but in some circumstances PVA woodglue gets a better result.

What would the key tops have been stuck on with originally? Looks like it might have been rabbit skin glue or fish glue to me.

Yes I can see that now. It's the first time I've worked on burr walnut. Would using diluted black shellac be suitable for hiding the contrasting edges of the veneers? PS do you think it looks best to leave the hinges as they are or polish and lacquer the hinges when you take them off (or does this m...

I remember seeing a polycarbonate skeleton (see through) piano once at an exhibition. Looked amazing at the time but it would look crap as soon as any dust started to gather inside the casework or would be a nightmare to keep clean.

Yes, it is quite possible, but it must be REALLY heavy. The main problem with making something of this size in porcelain is being able to achieve acceptable dimensional tolerances. It will just be the casework made in porcelain but I expect it is made in smaller sections and assembled later. The Vic...

Yes I know John Boddy Timber - it's only 7 miles from here. I get all my French polishing supplies from Rydenor who are local. Yes, you're right - I should do it properly and not take short cuts. I will try after all to obtain some burr walnut veneer and build up the corners as you say, but join in ...

Hi everyone. I have been offered (for free) an early rare John Broadwood upright I am told from the 1840s. As the opportunity doesn't come around that often, I've decided to grab it before it ends up on the guy's woodburning stove! Therefore, this will end up as my next project and I was wondering i...

Thanks. I might just cut back the polish in a rectangle around the lettering. It will be difficult doing what you say with the corners as it's burr walnut veneer and any joins will be noticeable. The epoxy can be stained so I'll have a go with the epoxy on a piece of scrap timber before I try it on ...

Come on, it can't be real - these Ebay items have got to be a wind-up. Is it just me or is anyone else wondering what the **** that ebay description is all about! If it's not a wind up he must have done way too many drugs. That's nothing compared to what inane abortions he has listed at the moment. ...

John T - You will have to cut back to undamaged material - You could try Tripoli powder or Rottenstone powder (the light coloured version). Very safe on plastics. If you want a brilliant shine, then Vonax and a polishing mop but be careful not to apply too much pressure and melt the surface. To ever...

Hi. I've recently acquired a huge August Forster upright from 1902 in walnut finish which I am in the process of restoring. I have stripped down the original polish and finished with 0000 wire wool ready for French polishing. However the underside of the top board lid and the underside of the keyboa...