How to Remove a Stuck Phonograph Grille?

[oldphonographsteve]

I have an edison diamond disc phonograph and I can't seem to get the grille out of the machine, I lift upwards as usual yet it still won't come out. I thiought it might have been warped and I tried doing a bit of sanding on the top of the grille by sticking my arm inside the cabinet but that has not much improved the situation. Does anybody have any ideas on how I can get the grille out of the machine? I can't put a new grille cloth on otherwise.

-Steve

[phonogfp]

With the humid weather we have experienced lately in the northeast, the wooden grille and cabinet may have swollen. If you can put the entire machine in a climate-controlled environment (air-conditioned), the problem may resolve itself.

Does the grille move up and down?

What model Edison is this?

George P.

[oldphonographsteve]

With the humid weather we have experienced lately in the northeast, the wooden grille and cabinet may have swollen. If you can put the entire machine in a climate-controlled environment (air-conditioned), the problem may resolve itself.

Does the grille move up and down?

What model Edison is this?

George P.

The grille does move up and down, and the model is a D25 Jacobean... I am currently attempting to restore it.

-Steve

[larryh]

When it lifts upward it should clear the bottom to pull out toward you and be removed. Sometimes as mentioned the wet weather will swell wood so that it won't move all the way upward. Use caution so as to not break the wood. Sometimes over time the channels that hold the grill get dirt or other build up of finish in them, when you get it out check it out with a good light and use a small screw driver or other tool to remove any build up from the top and bottom as well as the corners.

Larry

[phonogfp]

Larry's right. Just be sure the grille has moved upward enough to clear the bottom. You might shine a flashlight behind the grille when in the upward position and see if you can see any light along the bottom edge. If so, try carefully tapping the grille ABOUT HALF WAY DOWN each side. Doing this rather than at the bottom of the grille will reduce the chances of damage to the grille. Use a small rubber mallet if you have one, or a small piece of wood and a hammer. Easy does it.

If it still doesn't budge, can you move it to a dry environment?

George P.

[oldphonographsteve]

I can move it into my basement which has a dehumidifier. It is currently in the garage and that certainly is the most humid place in the whole house. I will certainly try tapping it out with a hammer... carefully of course!

[phonogfp]

It may take a week or more to shrink, but patience is a virtue.

Good luck!

George P.

[De Soto Frank]

I second what the other gents said about the humidity... all the wooden doors at work ( Masonic Temple ) are swollen enough to bind, and the silk coverings on my lampshades at home have gone "flabby"...

Get it in a drier environment, and be patient. Oak veneer likes to chip and flake w/o much warning.