Hi,
I've been asked to restore this "Bengali intermediaire" reproducer.
It needs a new stylus and a swivelling connector. I also suspected that the cork/pressed wood ring attaching the diaphragm was not original.
I did some research and managed to have a picture of a complete one to have a reference. The owner told me that he was almost sure that instead of a spider it must had a dome mounted stylus.
I started by analyzing the ebonite to look for cracks and I found 3 problematic areas around the perimeter.
Fearing that I could end with multiple pieces I decided to remove only the external ring that holds the diaphragm.
I then started doing the ring.
And after tons of swarf it ended like this:
Its a light press fit to avoid putting pressure on the cracks. I might cheat a little bit and glue it with shellac after plating it.
Then I attacked the connector. The body was the first piece I turned.
Again, as the collar had a small crack I opted to do a very light press fit and I will glue it.
I notice that the connector is at a slight angle downwards and not straight like the Pathé. I will post a picture of it when its finished.
Last thing I did was the swivelling ring. I did 2 just because I had enough tube.
And that's all for this week end.
I still need to do:
Connector external ring
Vertical shaft
Stylus holder
Put it all together
Nickel plating
Stay tuned!
Le Bengali intermediaire restoration
- walser
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Re: Le Bengali intermediaire restoration
I trust that the owner will be duly grateful for the time and skill you are devoting to this restoration.
- walser
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Re: Le Bengali intermediaire restoration
Tiny update:
During lunch time I managed to squeeze some minutes on the lathe and did the external ring. As usual I try to make something different to differentiate it from a genuine piece. In this case, I made the knurling in the opposite direction. As you can see in this last picture, the connector is slightly angled downwards.
Regards,
Pedro Martínez
During lunch time I managed to squeeze some minutes on the lathe and did the external ring. As usual I try to make something different to differentiate it from a genuine piece. In this case, I made the knurling in the opposite direction. As you can see in this last picture, the connector is slightly angled downwards.
Regards,
Pedro Martínez
- walser
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Re: Le Bengali intermediaire restoration
Small update on the progress.
This weekend I only managed to work one hour on the reproducer and nickel plated the retaining ring and connector. Only the sapphire needs to be installed. I will turn a small socket to install it on the dome. Regards
Pedro Martínez
This weekend I only managed to work one hour on the reproducer and nickel plated the retaining ring and connector. Only the sapphire needs to be installed. I will turn a small socket to install it on the dome. Regards
Pedro Martínez
- walser
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Re: Le Bengali intermediaire restoration
Its done!
Last night I was able to finish it.
First thing was to create a stylus of borosilicate glass and make sure the tip was perfectly round: Then a tiny socket was turned: Some minuscule drops of shellac later gave this nice dome: And some minutes later it was glued to the diaphragm and this is the end result: Tomorrow it will be shipped back to its owner.
Regards,
Pedro Martínez
Last night I was able to finish it.
First thing was to create a stylus of borosilicate glass and make sure the tip was perfectly round: Then a tiny socket was turned: Some minuscule drops of shellac later gave this nice dome: And some minutes later it was glued to the diaphragm and this is the end result: Tomorrow it will be shipped back to its owner.
Regards,
Pedro Martínez
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Re: Le Bengali intermediaire restoration
Once again I admire your skills. Well done.
Andreas
Andreas
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Re: Le Bengali intermediaire restoration
Stunning workmanship. I envy your skills.
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Re: Le Bengali intermediaire restoration
Excellent workmanship !!
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- Victor O
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Re: Le Bengali intermediaire restoration
Hola.
Cuanto cobras por restaurar un reproductor?
Saludos
Tony
Cuanto cobras por restaurar un reproductor?
Saludos
Tony
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Re: Le Bengali intermediaire restoration
Te envío un privado