Model "K" Reproducer producing swarf?

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retro92
Victor Jr
Posts: 15
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2013 12:20 am

Model "K" Reproducer producing swarf?

Post by retro92 »

I decided to use my Model "K" combination reproducer on a (somewhat mouldy) two minute gold moulded cylinder and noticed that when I put the reproducer down to play, it produced some brownish swarf. I don't have a way to look at the sapphire up close - would it simply be picking up the mouldy film on the cylinder, or could it be damaged in some way?

Scott

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Le0
Victor II
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Personal Text: avid 22 years old collector
Location: Montreal, Canada

Re: Model "K" Reproducer producing swarf?

Post by Le0 »

retro92 wrote:I decided to use my Model "K" combination reproducer on a (somewhat mouldy) two minute gold moulded cylinder and noticed that when I put the reproducer down to play, it produced some brownish swarf. I don't have a way to look at the sapphire up close - would it simply be picking up the mouldy film on the cylinder, or could it be damaged in some way?

Scott
Hi Scott, I recall playing a slightly molded cylinder and there was a bit of dust from the moldy eras.
It would help if you could post some pictures so we can see what's going on.
Machines I own: Edison Standard A, suitcase Home, Home A, Triumph A & B, Columbia type BS, Standard Model A, Victor E, IV & V, Pathéphone No.4

retro92
Victor Jr
Posts: 15
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2013 12:20 am

Re: Model "K" Reproducer producing swarf?

Post by retro92 »

My apologies for taking so long to reply. I only have a cell phone camera and am not able to focus properly on small parts like the sapphire. Either way, testing it out on the blank sections of some other gold moulded cylinders (before the song starts) isn't damaging them so will suppose it is just mildew being taken off on that one record.

Thanks
Scott

tinovanderzwan
Victor II
Posts: 345
Joined: Fri Aug 01, 2014 8:59 pm

Re: Model "K" Reproducer producing swarf?

Post by tinovanderzwan »

the real swarf should be little curls or short I shaped pieces of wax if its just mold than it should be like dust
in case of the first then your needle needs replacing

RefSeries
Victor I
Posts: 133
Joined: Tue Jan 17, 2012 7:40 pm
Location: Suffolk, UK

Re: Model "K" Reproducer producing swarf?

Post by RefSeries »

A little dust from surface mould on the cylinder is ok, but I would check the stylus before I played any of my precious cylinders. A strong watchmakers' eyeglass can be had from eBay for pennies and it would be worth the investment. If there are significant flats or even worse, a chip, get the stylus replaced. You might also check that the stylus bar doesn't touch the cylinder, only the stylus. I had a poorly adjusted Model K where the bar just touched the record and it neatly shaved the start of the cylinder. I am always a bit chary of Model K's for that reason!

Keith

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