Columbia model 214 portable

[anchorman]

Thanks! If I’m reading this correctly, shaft diameter is about 8mm? And there are two grooves?

[nostalgia]

Yes, 8 mm and there are 3 grooves.

[anchorman]

There’s a ton of damage to the case. None of it irreparable, but it will need re-covering or painting, or otherwise covered in some sort of thick veneer.

It looks like there’s been a butcher in here, and it’s missing the manual start/stop lever. I’m sure I can make something if nothing can be found. A screw has been used for the flip stop on the tone arm, in place of the original pin. And it looks like a new screw put in for the governor control. Too bad they didn’t bother to round over the tip so it doesn’t scratch the governor lever.

[anchorman]

The motor has also been operated on by this butcher, and now has sheet metal screws holding the spring barrel together instead of the proper machine screws.

Also some slop in the pivots. Hopefully I don’t need to install new pivot bearings somehow. The gears have some wear, but not excessive, and the fibre gear looks to be in good shape, so maybe there is hope. It does spin when I give it a few turns on the winding shaft. The marking “75-A” is cast into the top plate. Has all the hallmarks of a garrard motor, including the interior mounted governor weights. Perhaps it will still run properly and quietly once cleaned and adjusted?

[nostalgia]

I am admiring your patience and work here. You are already here doing work that I never could get close to doing. The starting point for sure what not the best with this butchered portable. Good luck with the restoration, I really like to see the progress.

[anchorman]

I’m still trying to decide if it is worth it! But I have a friend who wants a machine to play in his garden, and I could cobble this back together and even if slightly ugly will suit his purposes.