Restoring a Music Box
The restoration of a Music Box is not for the feint hearted.
Doing any work on a music box mechanism for the first time is nerve racking, not to mention dangerous, especially if you've not thought it out beforehand.
Similarly, re-polishing a case takes some skill and knowhow.
I only began restoring in 2019. Although I did already have some woodworking skills, I decided to attend a week long course to learn how to restore antique furniture properly.
As for the mechanism, I read up on the process bringing together tips and processes from several quarters, practicing as I went and making decisions on what I feel are the best methods.
Having successfully restored several boxes, some with the help of a local engineer friend and The Musicbox Restorer - who is a professional, I decided to write some Tips and Tricks to help any newbie restorers.
Although I've mainly shown several large cartels being restored, the principles are exactly the same for a tiny 18 note box.
Doing any work on a music box mechanism for the first time is nerve racking, not to mention dangerous, especially if you've not thought it out beforehand.
Similarly, re-polishing a case takes some skill and knowhow.
I only began restoring in 2019. Although I did already have some woodworking skills, I decided to attend a week long course to learn how to restore antique furniture properly.
As for the mechanism, I read up on the process bringing together tips and processes from several quarters, practicing as I went and making decisions on what I feel are the best methods.
Having successfully restored several boxes, some with the help of a local engineer friend and The Musicbox Restorer - who is a professional, I decided to write some Tips and Tricks to help any newbie restorers.
Although I've mainly shown several large cartels being restored, the principles are exactly the same for a tiny 18 note box.
This is the same music box before and after restoration.
To see the full restoration diary, click this link
To see the full restoration diary, click this link
Do let me know if you find these tips useful, or if you need advice on any aspect that I've not covered.