Both the brass and the wood of the body were in a bit of a state. For some reason I can’t fathom, a previous owner has hacked a bit of the bottom of the front. The top was pitted, scraped, and a wonky spirit level had been screwed on, but not quite central! I knew I’d have to remove that or just the fact it’s not central would have driven me nuts! So it was out with the sand paper again, several evenings for an hour here and there.
I filled the holes left by screws, took the brass off and gave a clean, two coats of the yew stain, a coat of the matt varnish, lightly rubber down and then another coat. Put the brass back on, oiled the two “movement” mechanisms with the tiniest amount of WD40, that worked a treat! I may give the brass another further clean, I’ll see how it all looks when put together, but I don’t want it too shiny!
Next un-avoidable task: Bellows!
S.H.O.U.T. 
The great work continues! It’s looking really good, Andy. Good luck with the bellows, although if the rest of the work you’ve done is anything to go by, I’m sure they’ll look (and work) perfect.
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Hi Nigel! I admire your confidence!! lol Spoiler alert – if I never see another set of bellows it will be too soon! but… watch this space!! I’ll have to edit out the swearing 🙂 – Cheers Andy
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Swearing at inanimate objects that refuse to play ball is one of life’s great stress relievers (is what I tell myself when I do it). 😀
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