What are your longest frustrating long term projects?

[AmberolaAndy]

I have a Harmony front mount disc machine [all original, good label, nice blue horn] that is patiently waiting for an original sound box/reproducer. I have owned this phonograph since around 2000 and it is still incomplete. This is the model where the elbow and sound box are all one piece. A similar part is used on Busy Bee and Aretino machines. I am holding out for an original - not reproduction....

I seem to keep missing them on ebay... and/or the price is awkwardly high when an example finally comes available....

I get it, I know good original parts cost money. But, it is a Harmony front mount phonograph, not an original Berliner or Zonophone...

I have a few other project machines that have lingered way too long. But, this Harmony phonograph seems to always stand out in my mind!

A lot harder to get a Harmony machine together than a B-19 or Triumph!

[AmberolaAndy]

I also wonder what’s that part you want replicated that you can’t find that will revive a machine?

For me it’s the Tonearm post for the VV 2-60 portable machines!!

[MikeB]

A Zon-O-Phone and a Talkophone, both with working motors and nice cabinets, but both are front mounts that are missing at least one of the support/traveling arms and horns. I may never find the parts I need to make them complete.

[VanEpsFan1914]

I also wonder what’s that part you want replicated that you can’t find that will revive a machine?

For me it’s the Tonearm post for the VV 2-60 portable machines!!

I found a VV-2-65 tonearm in the shed the other day. Do you think you need it?

[AmberolaAndy]

I thought it was going to be the Triumph that would be a long term frustrating project…Nope!

After my experience with replacing the spring on the winding pawl shaft, it’s my B-19 Diamond disc machine will be that long term pain in the butt project I throw money at and get no results. (Yes I am very discouraged at time of writing this)

But at least I have a full set of screws next time…

[Jonsheff]

This Victrola XVIII 18 Was one of my longest frustrating projects, stored in a damp basement caused loose veneer and back door trim missing, lots of problems to fix

[AmberolaAndy]

This Victrola XVIII 18 Was one of my longest frustrating projects, stored in a damp basement caused loose veneer and back door trim missing, lots of problems to fix

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John you are the KING of higher end bowed cabinet Victrolas!

[Hoodoo]

I bought a portable machine a few years back that was in sparkling condition, but it had been stored for many years with the felt pad on the speed regulator pressed hard against the aluminium governor disc, with the result that the disc had distorted and the speed "fluttered" badly. The motor is a Steidinger, and after years of searching I finally found one on German ebay. Deep joy! Alas, the seller was not prepared to post to the UK, so it back to waiting!
Barry

I had a bent/warped governor on a machine once and a machinist friend refaced it on the lathe (both sides, so it didn’t go out of balance). If yours is not too bent, perhaps that would work for you.