The cabinet is both structure and historical surface. Before sanding, staining or filling anything, decide whether you are preserving age, creating a clean game-room piece or attempting a full cosmetic restoration.
Start with stability
Loose joints, swollen wood, delamination and damaged mounting points matter more than scratches. The cabinet has to support the machine safely, especially when doors or access panels are open.
Clean before refinishing
Decades of dust and residue can make a finish look worse than it is. Begin with the least aggressive cleaning method appropriate to the surface and test in an inconspicuous area. Old decals, printed labels and faux finishes can be much more fragile than the wood beneath them.
Preserve identification evidence
Do not sand through stamps, labels, pencil marks or hardware locations before photographing them. Cabinet marks can help establish maker, era and previous modifications.
Replacement hardware
If original screws or brackets must be replaced for safe use, bag and label the removed parts. Modern hardware can be a practical service choice without pretending it is original.