Reproducer doesn't make contact at end of cyllinder

[GregVTLA]

I believe this is the problem, when I tighten the end bearing a bit it’s tight enough to keep the reproducer on the record, but the mandrel is unable to spin. It seems the bearing may be a bit worn also. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to help a first time Edison owner, it means a lot.

Greg

[gramophone-georg]

Thanks so much, that’s solved my slowdown problem! Now, however, it seems the mandrel pin is worn down, which seems to cause it to sag. How could I repair this?

Here's Wes K.'s tutorial on how to solve that. I had this issue really bad on a 2- clip Standard and this worked:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKurDTGRMAk

[Chuck]

There seems to be some slight misunderstanding
of how the carriage arm is suppose to rest on
the smooth horizontal surface of the guide on the
bedplate casting as it travels.

The machine is made to have the carriage arm
in contact with the horizontal guide. That guide should
be smooth, free of rust, and it should also have a light
coating of oil on it.

Once the carriage is down in the playing position,
with most of its weight resting on the guide that is
a part of the bedplate casting, at the same time the
halfnut should be LIGHTLY engaged with the feedscrew.

This happens because of a slight "springyness" that is
(or should be) built into the halfnut mounting.

The halfnut should contact the feedscrew when the
carriage arm is about .010 to .020 inches above
the horizontal guide. This puts a very light preload
pressure on the feedscrew, but not enough (by a very
long shot!), to lift the carriage off of the guide bar.

As the carriage is lowered into the playing position,
just before the carriage comes to rest on the guide
bar, the feedscrew is engaged by the halfnut. The final
.010 to .020 inch distance that the carriage is lowered
to rest on the guide bar serves to push the halfnut
GENTLY against the feedscrew.

[GregVTLA]

Here's Wes K.'s tutorial on how to solve that. I had this issue really bad on a 2- clip Standard and this worked:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKurDTGRMAk

Thanks George! This video looks to be just what mine needs, however, I'm having trouble figuring out the equivalent adjustment on a Home. I've twiddled with all of the available screws to no avail. What do you guys think?

[Lucius1958]

Here's Wes K.'s tutorial on how to solve that. I had this issue really bad on a 2- clip Standard and this worked:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKurDTGRMAk

Thanks George! This video looks to be just what mine needs, however, I'm having trouble figuring out the equivalent adjustment on a Home. I've twiddled with all of the available screws to no avail. What do you guys think?

A question: have you checked to see how much end play there is on the mandrel with the gate open?
(just checked my Home A to investigate).

Bill

[GregVTLA]

Yes, the mandrel is allowed to bounce up and down a good bit. Tightening the end gate bearing enough to stop this results in grinding the motor to a stop.

[JerryVan]

Greg,

If you still have the problem after ever so slightly backing off from the point where you "grind the motor to a stop", then try this.

Buy some shim washers with an inside diameter large enough to slip over the vertical shaft that the end gate swings on. There are varying thicknesses of these very thin washers so that you can adjust the end gate, and subsequently the end bearing, upwards to allow the record to meet the stylus. The spring washer on the top side of the end gate pivot will most likely allow for the raised end gate position. If not, place some small shims under the spring washer itself to raise it as needed.

https://www.mcmaster.com/#shim-washers/=1bcp556

[JerryVan]

Greg,

Thinking more about it, if your Home is the variety where the end gate has a locating pin at the locking end, then my shimming suggestion above will not work for you. The pin will not allow the gate to be raised, (unless you remove it I guess). I don't believe they all had that feature.

[GregVTLA]

Well, I think I’ve done it! I noticed the mandrel bearing was a bit worn, so I rotated it and used Jerry’s advice to step back only the tiniest bit then tighten the screw. Seems to work now! Only think now is the speed fluctuations, but at least I can play it. I’ve noticed this machine seems to be really fussy, look at it wrong and it’ll stop working correctly. I’ve defining got some work ahead of me but thanks to all who helped me figure out what is hopefully the hardest issue!

[NEFaurora]

If you bend the loop outwards a bit...It will lower the reproducer and weight. Also, You may have two warped cylinders as well..It's not uncommon.

:0)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer