Amberola frog to prince

[LONG ISLAND]

How about just some good old fashioned praise??? This is a great restoration, especially since it is your first success... never mind the WD-40 meltdown. From my position, this salvaged an ugly, abused machine and turned it into a very nice one. Now you have traveled down a slippery slope, since this turned out well, you will probably end up with many more...

Curt, You are more than correct in your statement in regards to " old fashioned praise". It appears on this forum, as happens in everyday life, people never say GOOD JOB,but chose to infuse their " knowledge " to negatively discount the effort that was done. I for one think this was a fantastic result of his efforts. He did it and was proud and I commend him. Gerard

[LONG ISLAND]

My bad. I should have commented about the truly sensational transformation from a tired-looking hulk to a gleaming work of art.

Kudos for that.

I've always had a soft spot for Amberola 30s, ever since I was a teenager in the 60s. Small but rugged and they play wonderfully.

Out of curiosity, why does Curts' statement have to remind one to show praise before letting us all know the history of WD-40? Anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of mechanics, or the power of Goggle, knows the history of WD-40. Some of us on this forum are not " super collectors " but just enjoy our machines for what they are-----our enjoyment. Gerard

[gramophone78]

My bad. I should have commented about the truly sensational transformation from a tired-looking hulk to a gleaming work of art.

Kudos for that.

I've always had a soft spot for Amberola 30s, ever since I was a teenager in the 60s. Small but rugged and they play wonderfully.

Out of curiosity, why does Curts' statement have to remind one to show praise before letting us all know the history of WD-40? Anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of mechanics, or the power of Goggle, knows the history of WD-40. Some of us on this forum are not " super collectors " but just enjoy our machines for what they are-----our enjoyment. Gerard

Gerard, do you always have to try and stir the pot??. Just curious.....

[SydneyAde]

Looks great! Nice job!

Thanks Bob, although I'm learning, and I have more work to do. I had a feeling that this was too easy. Anyways, I appreciate your support, thanks. Adrian

[SydneyAde]

The Amberola 30 is a surprisingly good machine for its size. At first, I shied away from owning one because I thought it would not sound very good. After new gaskets, a new diamond (the old one was bad), and a new diaphragm (in the end I decided on one of Larry H's cylinder diaphragms) it sounds very good and very loud for its size! If the original reproducer does not sound good, try sending it to Steve Medved. He does wonders and has a new supply of diamonds for the diamond series of cylinder reproducers.

Thank you, I will take your advice, but I might have to leave it a while seeing that I have blown my budget. In fact I require a replacement stylus on two reproducers for an A 100 & C 19. Appreciate you advice

[SydneyAde]

The Amberola 30 is a surprisingly good machine for its size. At first, I shied away from owning one because I thought it would not sound very good. After new gaskets, a new diamond (the old one was bad), and a new diaphragm (in the end I decided on one of Larry H's cylinder diaphragms) it sounds very good and very loud for its size! If the original reproducer does not sound good, try sending it to Steve Medved. He does wonders and has a new supply of diamonds for the diamond series of cylinder reproducers.

Thanks John, I'm learning, and appreciate what ever advice I can get. I have a lot to learn, but I'm willing & able at the oment. Thanks

[SydneyAde]

^^^^
Agreed.

WD-40 is named for the 40th formulation of a "Water Displacement" compound that was invented in the 50s as a rust inhibitor. It is also very effective at removing rust, and can sometimes work as a penetrating oil, though less effective than products made specifically for that purpose. It obviously works well for simple household uses such as squeaky hinges. But it is an extremely low viscosity lubricant that is not suitable for any application that requires a heavier oil. Phonographs most definitely fall into that latter category.

One of the primary components of WD-40 is naptha -- lighter fluid -- which is an excellent solvent but that's about it.

You definitely want to clean it off thoroughly, then lubricate the pivots and pinions with a fine grade machine oil such as JohnM mentioned. Stay away from "all purpose" oils such as '3-in-1'. They attract dust and gum up over time, creating an abrasive compound that will damage pivots over the long term.

Thank you! It seems like that solvent bath I was thinking about to clean motors is imminent!
I trained as an electrician in my early years, and some of the stuff we used with motors and switchgear has stuck with me, however as you and the gentleman above have pointed out, it's the wrong application. Appreciated, Adrian

[SydneyAde]

How about just some good old fashioned praise??? This is a great restoration, especially since it is your first success... never mind the WD-40 meltdown. From my position, this salvaged an ugly, abused machine and turned it into a very nice one. Now you have traveled down a slippery slope, since this turned out well, you will probably end up with many more...

Thanks for your kind words Curt, actually yes, I think I'm in freefall, and have well and truly blown the budget with purchases. At least I have a full schedule now and can idle away the hours with a constructive and rewarding hobby. The only problem now will be to keep away from those bargains on ebay!! Thanks again mate

[SydneyAde]

Imagine what the next one will be like after all of this feedback. I appreciate the great job that you have done and for me the comments that we can learn by.
It has been a great learning curve for me. Especially the Singer 3 in one oil. That seems to be the oil that is advertised for any fine jobs. I have just washed and cleaned down a motor that I had just overhauled and re oiled the motor in straight sewing machine oil. I had to go to a sewing machine shop to buy it.
All the best, Tony

Hi Tony, agreed and I can practically shout across the pond to you!! This really is a great forum, and there is just so much to learn. What a great resource, and supportive people!!

[Lucius1958]

I certainly wish that had had the benefit of this forum when I obtained my Amberola 30 over 40 years ago: it might have saved me one or two abortive attempts at 'restoration' At least, I have got it into presentable shape by now...

I will concur with the majority opinion on WD-40: sewing machine oil or silicone spray are far better lubricants.

As for the finish, some coats of orange shellac ( and perhaps some dark paste wax afterwards) might mellow out the appearance…

Bill