Columbia Grafonola Question

[mattrx]

I recently purchased a table top Columbia Grafonola. It is in rather poor condition cosmetically, but does work and does play. I would like to take apart the reproducer and rebuild it. However, I am unable to get it off the tone arm. I am afraid of breaking the tone arm with the effort. I would also like to take the tone arm apart at the elbow, and polish it there, because it does not move as freely as I think it should. So, can anyone direct me to a source, or give me some advice on removing the reproducer from the tone arm, and separating the tone arm at the elbow?

Thanks!

[downsouth]

Hey Matt, Put it in the freezer overnight and see of the pot metal will get cold enough to shrink somewhat so you can then turn the reproducer off.

Wes

[downsouth]

Well Matt, did you have any luck getting the tonearm apart from the reproducer?

Wes

[mattrx]

Yes! I tried the freezer trick, which worked on the mandrel bushing of the Standard E. It did not, however work here. Walt Sommers gave me some advice and it worked. I had soaked it in penetrating oil for a couple of days and that did not seem to work. He suggested soaking, and lightly tapping it periodically with a small hammer or back of a screwdriver. He said to have patience and it would eventually work. It did. I then lightly sanded the pieces and lubed them, they work great now! I worked a lot this weekend on it. It looks much better than it did.

Thanks for the advice Wes, and the follow up.

[mattrx]

I thought someone might want to see a pic. Thanks again to all who provided advice, both as a pm, or a post!

[edisonrestorer64]

Nice one I have one I purchased with the motorboard but I am cleaning house so the old worn case will get tossed maybe this year or next or maybe even restored if i want to and sold
have a good one

[Bruce]

Mat, nice job in restoring you Columbia. I`m sure the original owner would recognize their machine after you finished.

[m0xiemama]

I went to ebay to see about buying it and saw that it was sold. Testament to your great work. I will have to add you to my favorite sellers because I always want to buy what you're selling.

[FloridaClay]

Looks quite handsome now Mat.

Clay

[mattrx]

Thank you all for the kind comments! I was pleased with the way it turned out. I recently picked up 2 Edison Standards and a VV-50, and so I needed to make some room. My wife and I have an 8 yr old and an 11 yr old. Gotta leave room for their toys! (The kid's toys take precedence over mine right now).