Hello, I am new to the forum.  I own a pair of Heresy HBR's, still raw and unfinished.  I would like to replace the grilles as my cats have had their way with them.  I'm also planning to clean them up and put a nice finish on the cabinets.  Any suggestions on where to get the grilles?  There like a black fabric now.  Is one of those Fornby wood restoration kits the way to go?

Thanks,

Jeff

Ahhhh, a project.

Search the threads for the grill cloth (I assume the boards are still okay - on second thought maybe not) and you can use the old board for a template.

Refinishing is always tricky since the the project can grow and become very ambitious (and hence time consuming). You should probably ask yourself the following questions

How much time are you willing to spend?

Do you have any experience with this sort of task.

Is this a cosmetic upgrade that would be making them look presentable or making them look stunning?

What shape are the cabinets currently in? Are there scratches, gouges, or chipped edges or corners?

Are they currently stained or do they have any discolorations (potted plants leaking are a common one)?

Are you okay with their current color?

From this we, as a group, can better advise on the multitude of options (oiling them, staining them, painting them, veneering them etc).

Some of these options are not necessarily difficult, but they could require considerable prep work (in multiple steps). The results can be stunning however. BTW do these have risers on them, if not would you like to make some?

Anyhow, scope out your final goal so we can offer more appropriate advice. Do search the threads for what others have done - it can provide inspiration.

-Tom

Send me an email, I have some original grills for sale.  gregroberts@roadrunner.com

Greg

One option, Bob Crites (BEC) on this forum has black grill cloth OEM

Tom,

Thanks for the quick response.  I do not mind spending a few hours per speaker, but have limited experience. I would like to make them look really great.  The cabinets look mostly dirty with surface scratches, a few small gouges.  The edges and corners are not chipped.  They appear to be raw, maybe a light stain?  I love the current color and would like to keep it, maybe add a clear coat?  I'm hoping new grilles and a clean up will make a big difference.  Here is a link to some photos.  What do you think?

 <a href='http://jeffeman.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album02&id=139_3926_001' title=' - Photo Sharing by MyPhotoAlbum'></a>

http://jeffeman.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album02

Ahhhh, With the criterion of a "few hours per cabinet" this is my advice.

Clean the cabinet surfaces to get off any old smudges, wax, dirt etc. Avoid any abrasives (sanding or steel wool). If they are very dirty you can lightly use a finish deglosser (this is actually a dilute version of stripper - so use it sparingly and remove any residue - again, follow the directions).  If it is necessary to remove scratches, sand the cabinets throughout very lightly (do not round the corners and use a sanding block) with a very, very fine grit. Hopefully, you will not need to do this second and third step. If there is furniture stain on the cabinets, then the project will become more involved if you need to sand or degloss to surface.

Get some Watco danish oil (the light color & not the pigmented forms). Sometimes this will be called the "antique oil".  Follow the directions for multiple coats. Just don't let it dry too long before you wipe it off. This will offer some protection and be a low sheen (which will not highlight imperfections in the cabinets). Do not bother with a coat of clear and do not use any furniture products with silicone in them. Using a Danish oil will not offer protection from potted plants etc, so be sensible.

Good Luck,

-Tom