Sanyo Comet II restoration- formica removal

[Mrtoad]

Hello all,

I am hoping today to start to disassemble my Comet II to clean and restore. I was wondering if anybody has ever taken off the formica off the front and either replaced with a wood veneer or if even the wood under the formica is nice looking? Just trying to decide what to do. The formica on mine is not in bad shape, just think wood would look nicer. Just looking for thoughts on that and if it has been done before and if so are there any pics out there of the results.

Thanks,
Mike

[JACKSJE4]

I have contemplated this very task in the past, figuring I could find a really nice oak or cherry wood veneer to replace the Formica, however I have yet to take on the project since it seems so daunting. The wood under the Formica is not pretty - it is essentially a low grade plywood. Also, in my testing, I have found it difficult to remove the Formica without tearing up the layers of plywood underneath. Using a planer would probably be the best approach, however I do not own one.

Keep us posted (with lots of pictures) if you decide to proceed with this idea. It would make a wonderful project for the rest of us to follow.

~Jeff

[Mrtoad]

Jeff,

thanks for the reply. Hmm, I will consider doing but also a little nervous of ruining it. I will start looking to see if there is a way to remove without destroying the plywood underneath. If it looks like a good chance I will, I will most likely not do it. I will keep you posted however either way

Mike

[luckydog]

would using a hair dryer or iron do the job without damaging the plywood??

[CarlW]

How about a belt sander and some time...

[JACKSJE4]

How about a belt sander and some time...

And a breathing mask.

[Mrtoad]

Well, everywhere I searched so far says it won't come off but will keep searching. I don't want to ruin it so would rather the Formica than have that happen.

[Moparformances]

a planer will not take it off.. its to hard and will chip or tear out.. sand it or leave it

[Mrtoad]

a planer will not take it off.. its to hard and will chip or tear out.. sand it or leave it

Pretty sure I am going to just leave it. I liked the idea of a nicer finish but not at the task that would need to be performed. I will do my best to just make it look as nice as possible. I even looked at vinyl with a wood grain but the cost is pretty high and could look no better. So most likely staying original...

Started cleaning it up today. So far just the fold down door over the loader and the the win tray.

Thanks everybody for the suggestions.

[ANGRY GARY]

doesn't someone have a gutted out frame? seems it would be the perfect "cadaver" to practice on! i just trashed one last week. figures after it sat fir almost a month. i would have loved to give it a shot! let us know if you try it.
my thinking would be to divide an old face into three or four sections. use a saw and cut through the formica so that each section is completely separated from the others. so you can try the heat gun method on one. the sanding on another and the peeling on yet another. Dang i wish i still had the old frame.
i would think carl would have some old frames from his big buyout? maybe a donor one to practice on?

AG

[CarlW]

cardwii is the fortunate son with the "big buyout"...

A laminated frame is sought for this experiment. Not a stained frame.

I did donate a "beater" game last weekend to another member. I hope it is transformed into something fun and exciting.

[ANGRY GARY]

my bad! new guy dropping wrong names will not get me far here!

AG

[Mrtoad]

I agree a junker would be a good way to test. I got scared when I started reading about Formica removal. Granted everything I was reading was for counter tops but every response pretty much was to not do it and replace because doing it would most likely destroy the plywood underneath. I will just have to stick with the 70s groovy vibe I think

[CarlW]

AG,
What will "get you far here" is more blog posts!

I did enjoy reading about your beer / deer encounter. It reminded me of Tommy Boy...

[ANGRY GARY]

all i need is BEES!!!BEES!

[Mrtoad]

Ok so just an update. I contemplated trying to remove it and everything I read about Formica removal scared me off. I thought about putting wood veneer over the top but was concerned the thickness change may cause a problem. So not being sure and really not thrilled with the Formica I did something drastic. I know probably not everybody's cup of tea and some may like and some may hate but pics attached of my drastic decision. The thinking was to match some of the color in the playfield and in the Sanyo sticker that you can see in the close up.

Yay or nay?

[MrGneiss]

Looks good to me so far!!

[Mrtoad]

Looks good to me so far!!

Thanks. hoping to be done shortly.

[CarlW]

[Mrtoad]

i will take that as a yay

thank you