[SteveJB]

I am gluing up a de-laminated cabinet.  If I remove the screws inside the cabinet that hold the center section in (part that has the grill) will it pop out or is it glued in place also?

Thanks,
Steve

[SteveJB]

The arch is coming apart too.  Outside of making a form to clamp it back, is there a better way to glue it up?

[Steve Davis]

Steve, the front panels can sometimes be a little difficult to break loose from the arch. If you just use brute force it will pull some veneer from the front panel. You may need to work a razor blade between the panel and arch to break it loose.

The front arch on some Philco cathedrals were made in two pieces and joined with a corrugated joiner. These arches almost always separate. Other cabinets (sometimes the same model) they made the arch one piece, with continuous banding across the joint. These cabinets never have the problem. 
It might be worth a try to glue and clamp the arch back together. It would be a major project, but the best repair would be to take the cabinet apart, remove the veneer from the arch,cut the banding back and reinstall banding across the joint. 
Here are some pictures of an early 89B that I made this repair.

[Image: http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae335...3_0127.jpg]

[Image: http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae335...3_0134.jpg]

[Image: http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae335...3_0142.jpg]


[Image: http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae335...3_0146.jpg]

[SteveJB]

Thanks. I was thinking of that. Ill see if I can get it off.

The top and sides are also coming apart. I thought of making a curved piece of wood to match the curve, but I will need an inside and outside piece to clamp it right or it will crack. Is there a better way?

[Ron Ramirez]

Hey, I recognize that 89B front arch!

[Image: http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k420/...g~original]

SteveJB, what Steve D. didn't tell you is that this 89B cabinet had been repaired by a previous owner, who did a sloppy job. In addition, the top/side veneer was splitting and delaminating. It looks like a new 89B now, with many thanks to Steve D.

[SteveJB]

It looks great.

That's a bit like my problem. The sides, top and front are de-laminating.  Whats the best way to repair it is the main problem for me.

[Steve Davis]

Ron, I thought you might recognize this cabinet.

Steve

[PhilcoJohn]

Nice job!!!

[Steve Davis]

Steve, when the wrap-around is badly delaminating, for me it is easier to make a new one rather than try to repair the original.

Steve

[fields 100]

SteveJB,
I always remove the front section prior to refinishing.My 16B front panel was pretty stubborn. You can try soaking the seam with a lacquer thinner and carefully pry it out inch by inch. One important thing- there is a wooden block on the bottom. It hides 2 screws and needs to be removed to take them off. Personally, I would replace veneer without removing the arch.

[SteveJB]

Thanks for the help.  I have all the screws out, but the face seems like it is glued in tight. Ill keep trying. 

I thought of making a new wrap around but it may be over my skill level.  Only the top layer is coming off.  Maybe I could glue a new walnut veneer in place of that.