The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Those of us interested in the somewhat later 3-speed record player type machines have probably faced the issue of vulcanised idler wheels - where the rubber has gone rock hard. Some years ago I used a company in USA that did good work - http://turntablebasics.com/idlerwheels.html

I tried them again in 2020. I sent them an idler wheel from an HMV autochanger for restoration, pre-paid as per instructions on their site. I sent it in September. There has been no response, no wheel returned, no answers to emails. I conclude that they are no longer in business, but you cannot tell that from their web site.

I suggest that none of us use that site again, unless you can make contact with them in advance. They accepted my payment but I have received no refund.

Does anyone know of a firm that can and actually does refurbish these wheels? Unfortunately I do not have the HMV wheel, as it has not been returned, so I am going to have to modify something else. The HMV one had a built-on axle rod about 2" long, not like a normal idler.

Thanks if you have any suggestions.

Regards


Try http://www.kenselectronics.com/lists/phonodrive.htm When I rebuilt a wire recorder for use at Syracuse University, this company rebuilt a drive puck for a Webster Chicago machine.


Best Of Luck !!!

David Evans

Does anyone know of a firm that can and actually does refurbish these wheels? Unfortunately I do not have the HMV wheel, as it has not been returned, so I am going to have to modify something else. The HMV one had a built-on axle rod about 2" long, not like a normal idler.

Thanks if you have any suggestions.

Regards

David Evans