Winding a phonograph

[JerryVan]

I also collect and drive Model T Fords. I don't drive them wide open throttle, and I don't wind my phonographs to the end either, for the same reasons. It's old, why subject it to that?

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

I've done it to mine for years, never had a spring break in the process. If it was originally designed to be fully wound, why not use it as designed?

[Le0]

I wind my machines enough to play the record I want to play. but IMHO there's no harm if you fully wind it; just stop when it feels tight.
I always let the spring go once I'm done with the machine.

[JerryVan]

I've done it to mine for years, never had a spring break in the process. If it was originally designed to be fully wound, why not use it as designed?

Because the spring is now approx. 100 years old, (assuming it hasn't been replaced), and metal fatigue, coupled with work hardening at the ends, can make it far more brittle than it was when it was made. Further, when a spring lets go it can do lots of damage to a potentially very rare machine, breaking cast iron spring barrels and stripping teeth out of gears. I think we can all agree that sometimes, springs break. Do you think they are more likely to break when fully wound, or when wound somewhat less than that?

By all means, do as you wish. I'm just explaining my reasoning and methods with regard to the original poster's question.

[OrthoSean]

Do you think they are more likely to break when fully wound, or when wound somewhat less than that?

Well, if my experience counts for anything...in 32 years of owning many dozen phonographs, I've had a grand total of two mainsprings break on me. Both of them broke while the machines were playing, neither was fully wound at the time.

Sean

[Uncle Vanya]

I also collect and drive Model T Fords. I don't drive them wide open throttle, and I don't wind my phonographs to the end either, for the same reasons. It's old, why subject it to that?

Oh, I don't know. It is sometimes nice to run the old flivver with her ears pulled down. Not generally a problem with a line-bored engine, a proper ball cap, and a good crankshaft.

[phonojim]

I don't usually wind my machines fully either, although a while back I wound the Triumph all the way because I wanted to know how many records it would play on a full wind as part of a general assessment of the general condition of the machine. Turned out it played slightly over 13 two minute cylinders on a full wind. I think that is doing pretty well considering it was originally claimed that it would do 16 on a full wind.
As far as letting a motor run down when it is not in use, that practice not only makes life easier for the springs but keeps tension off gear teeth which I feel is also a good thing. Less possibility of a pinion cracking or working loose from the shaft. Also, when I let a motor run down, if it is the type in which the brake works against the governor wheel as do cylinder machines and most Columbia disc machines, I leave the brake in the on position to remove tension from the governor.

Jim

[JerryVan]

I also collect and drive Model T Fords. I don't drive them wide open throttle, and I don't wind my phonographs to the end either, for the same reasons. It's old, why subject it to that?

Oh, I don't know. It is sometimes nice to run the old flivver with her ears pulled down. Not generally a problem with a line-bored engine, a proper ball cap, and a good crankshaft.

Uncle V,

Well, I've gotta admit, I do go a little fast sometimes. I had my speedster up to 52 a few weeks back. BUT, that wasn't open throttle ;>) (Also had a new counterbalanced crank)

[FloridaClay]

Lucky perhaps, but to date I've only had one spring break. That was on a newly acquired Edison Standard and it broke with the first few winds--a very long way from being fully wound.

Clay

[edisonplayer]

In my early days of collecting my friend Arthur Pare taught me the way to wind a phonograph is to count the turns of the crank,and crank SLOWLY.Then release the crank when it catches and is fully wound.edisonplayer