The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

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!

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

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

Wes

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.

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

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

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

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.

Looks quite handsome now Mat.

Clay

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).