Hello to all. What a great forum. I have been restoring and playing antique radios for many years but recently decided to finally get a phonograph. Got a nice Columbia Graphonola Nonpareli. It is in great condition and plays very well. It also winds and plays with no clunking or rumbling noises. I do have some questions for all of you mostly about spare parts and maintenance. Here they are:
- I oiled the machine, it works great but is comletely caked in nearly dried grease. I am very mechanicaly inclined so I'm thinking about taking it down and cleaning everything including the four motor springs. Any wisdom to pass on to me? I have read almost everything I could find on this site.
- Govenor weights. Literaly shedding material all over the inside of the cabinet. Look like they are made of a whie rubber substance but could be completely oxydized lead too. I'm afraid to touch them. Are these available?
- Reporducer arm is pitted. I understand this is pot metal. Is there any reasonable way to shine it up or am I better off leaving the petina on it?
- Need two cabinet parts: top hold open strut. Someone forced it down without unlatching it. I was able to straighten it but the bottom was broken off. I cut a new wedge into it and it works for now but is too short. Anyone know where I can find another one? finally, a replacement knob for the sound door. These are wood but are attached to the door by dowel not a screw. Looking for a replacement so I don't have to fabricate one of those too.
I would appreciate any of your advice and knowledge. I really enjoy this machine and want to get it up to 100%.
Thanks!
Tom
New Guy
- Valecnik
- Victor VI
- Posts: 3828
- Joined: Sat Jan 10, 2009 3:28 pm
- Personal Text: Edison Records - Close your eyes and see if the artist does not actually seem to be before you.
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Re: New Guy
Greetings Tom from the owner of a restored 1923 Stromberg Carlson super hetrodyne battery set on which I can listen to the Czech AM radio. Well at least I can pick up one station with no antenna.
Re. your questions:
Regarding, cleaning, oiling, if it's not clunking I would not do the springs. You might get by adding some vaseline or molybednum grease. Other more technically oriented people on the forum can provide more detail.
Governor weights - They probably are oxisized lead. Google Ron Sitko on internet. If the new weights are available, he's probably got them.
Reproducer - leave it alone. Careful with it!
Cabinet parts - Advertise in "Yankee trader" with pictures of what you are looking for. Somebody might come through for you.
Good luck!
Re. your questions:
Regarding, cleaning, oiling, if it's not clunking I would not do the springs. You might get by adding some vaseline or molybednum grease. Other more technically oriented people on the forum can provide more detail.
Governor weights - They probably are oxisized lead. Google Ron Sitko on internet. If the new weights are available, he's probably got them.
Reproducer - leave it alone. Careful with it!
Cabinet parts - Advertise in "Yankee trader" with pictures of what you are looking for. Somebody might come through for you.
Good luck!
-
- Victor Jr
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2010 11:39 pm
Re: New Guy
Valecnik:
Thanks for the advice. I'll stick to just doing a little cleaning and oiling. I have made another post with my govenor problem. They are coming apart quickly. The pictures tell it all. I have to find replacements or find something to put on them to stabilize their deterioration. Don't think it will be long before they come off.
Tom
Thanks for the advice. I'll stick to just doing a little cleaning and oiling. I have made another post with my govenor problem. They are coming apart quickly. The pictures tell it all. I have to find replacements or find something to put on them to stabilize their deterioration. Don't think it will be long before they come off.
Tom