The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have an Edison Home and a Truimph cylinder phonograph, each with the 2/4 minute play set up. The carriage drive screw sleeve on the mandrel shaft is frozen solid to the mandrel shaft. I've tried PB Blaster, freezing, harsh language, all to no avail. Still won't budge. Is there a sure fire way to loosen that up without damaging the threads on the drive screw or the finish on the top deck? Or am I going to have to accept them as 2 minute only players?

Thanks! Cliff

Heat the screw area with a pocket butane torch. It will melt the oil varnish holding it like glue

MicaMonster wrote:Heat the screw area with a pocket butane torch. It will melt the oil varnish holding it like glue

Thanks! I will give it a try (on the Home first..) Cliff

Holy cow! It worked beautifully, just as you said! Thanks! Cliff

It is comforting to know that I am not the smartest person in the world. The world needs a lot of people smarter than I am.