The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello once again, everybody. I just picked up an Edison Home today for a nice price, but it would only serve me well if it were a 2/4 minute machine, which it is currently not. Is it possible to modify the feedscrew mechanism with the proper adapters to permit variable operation?

Sometimes you can get the adapter kits, but it's often a lot cheaper to buy either a Model D phonograph or find one already so equipped.

I have a B with combination attachment--or at least three-quarters of one. They're nicely made. However, they're a lot easier to find already attached to an old phonograph so it's easier to sell a 2-m machine and then upgrade.

Just my two cents but adjust for inflation.

How much do these conversion kits run, usually? I may also be want to convert it to the large carrier eye carriage. Would that be possible?

The kits required to convert a two minute Home or Triumph are quite extensive and include a different complete feed screw and mandrel with shaft as well as the shifting mechanism. Plus the kits are slightly different between the A, B, and C series machines. There is no way to modify the parts on your two minute Home. You need the conversion parts for your specific model of Edison Home.

VanEpsFan gave good advice. You are probably better off to service and clean your two minute Home, sell it, and apply the proceeds to buy what you really want. What can you net for your two minute Home? At the next O'Hare Expo in June I'll have a Model B Home with 2&4 minute gearing and it will be priced at $400. It has its original finish including the paint and striping on the deck.

A word of caution... If you decide to look for the correct parts to upgrade your Home you need to know exactly what you need. The unique parts are marked. For example, a feed screw might be marked H B (Home model B), and it may be only a fraction of an inch different from a H C feed screw. But that small difference in length is critical. Parts that are interchangeable between a Home and Triumph will be marked as "Model B" or "Model D", etc.

Jerry B.

I intend to keep this machine since it would be difficult for me get another one (at least at the price I got it at) unless I went all the way to phono-show; none of which are near me.

This combination kit just came up on Ebay, and in the literature included it states that it is for the Model A and B.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363243883091

Is this kit complete and comprehensive? I don't see a switch in the photos. If this set does not contain everything I need, could you please point me in the direction of a forum member that may have the parts necessary? Also, how different do the large-diaphragm reproducers sound compared to the small-diaphragm models?

I think it's what you need minus the H reproducer. Am I missing anything? Others?

Jerry B.

AFAIK, the switch was only included with the Model A conversion kits. The Model B kit as shown has the raised ridge on the shifter which makes it easy to push and pull it to adjust the speed.

The Ebay conversion kit linked in this thread sold for about $307 plus postage. It's cheaper to buy a complete machine.

Jerry B.

In this case, the kit was "new old stock" complete with original wraps, box, and instructions, something that is quite rare.

The typical unit sold today has only the parts and sells for maybe half the hammer price of this lot. Of course they don't show up very often since they would be removed from an otherwise junk machine.

This video gives an overview of the 2/4 gearing on the Home and triumph machines and how it works:
https://youtu.be/0LR5xxupUKs