Please help me get to know my Brunswick 117

[52089]

I decided to take the motor out again so I could take some pics and video to show you guys. I am still learning but I can almost guess that the pads are worn out? As you can tell in the video it plays and sounds nice...just too fast...I had the speed adjustment starting at 75-78ish then during video went all the way down to "Slow". There was basically no change at all until I turned all the way down. This record is a RCA Victor. It states in the Brunswick manual for the weight to be pushed all the way forward for Victor records. Let me know what you think. Thanks everyone.

Don't assume that the number the arrow is pointing to is what the machine is actually playing at. I would loosen the set screw on the speed control, then lift the knob up, exposing the control shaft. Once that's done, use a strobe disc or tachometer, turning the control shaft (with pliers if necessary) to adjust to the desired speed. The replace the knob with the arrow pointing to the correct speed and re-tighten the set screw.

Yes, those pads are definitely worn. For now, put a drop or 2 of light sewing machine oil on them. Don't use 3-in-1 which gets gummy over time.

[Pugs13]

Not sure if this is right but I just adjusted the regulator or what I think is the regulator by losening the two set screws and pushing it to the right closer to pads...then I did the paper trick with timer and button counter to see my rotations at 80rpm. I was able to get it set to 82rpm and figured that was close enough. Not sure if thats how you do it but it works great now! Can anyone help me date this bad boy?

[VintageTechnologies]

You can wind it up until it stops or gets very hard to wind. "Over winding" is a myth.

Not entirely. I replaced a broken Edison Opera spring that some kid over wound.

Learning the feel of a spring is a simple skill that has to be developed. While winding up a phonograph spring, you will normally notice a gradual increase in resistance as you turn the crank. Wind slowly on an unfamiliar machine and be perceptive of changes. If you suddenly feel a much greater resistance, STOP immediately.

[Pugs13]

This is it playing now that I adjusted the regulator closer to the pads. Again, not sure I did this right but it seems to play really nice now. Like I stated before I was able to time it to 82RPM while speed was at 80RPM.

[52089]

This is it playing now that I adjusted the regulator closer to the pads. Again, not sure I did this right but it seems to play really nice now. Like I stated before I was able to time it to 82RPM while speed was at 80RPM.

I'd suggest putting new gaskets in the reproducer and focusing on pre-1925 acoustically recorded discs. Also remember to use each steel needle only once!

Hope you enjoy your machine! Just wait until its "cousins" start magically appearing!

[Lucius1958]

I have never worked on a Brunswick, so that governor is a bit of a surprise. I assume the large ring on the disc acts as a flywheel, to smooth out any fluctuations?

Bill

[De Soto Frank]

I have never worked on a Brunswick, so that governor is a bit of a surprise. I assume the large ring on the disc acts as a flywheel, to smooth out any fluctuations?

Bill

Bill, that is actually a cup, and in addition to serving as a fly-wheel, I think it is also intended to serve as a limit-device, to control the spread pf hte governor weights, and prevent catastrophic governor damage if the motor should over-speed?




Frank

[edisonplayer]

Hooray!! The motor on the oak 117 Brunswick is FINALLY done!! .The owner of the antique center said that 3 springs needed replacement.It won't be long now!I'll post photos of mine after I get it.PS;Tomorrow when the older man who worked on the motor is there I'll try out the 117 with a lateral record,Pathé hill and dale(I have a sapphire ball that I can put in the Ultona),and an Edison DD record.edisonplayer

[Victrolacollector]

You really have a nice machine there. These are solid machines and for someone with just enough room for one machine, it is perfect, especially with the Ultona reproducer. If I did not have a Edison, the Ultona is probably the only other reproducer I would trust to play the Edison records.

I have always wondered if the diamonds for these reproducers are still available? Are they the same as an Edison?

[Lucius1958]

You really have a nice machine there. These are solid machines and for someone with just enough room for one machine, it is perfect, especially with the Ultona reproducer. If I did not have a Edison, the Ultona is probably the only other reproducer I would trust to play the Edison records.

I have always wondered if the diamonds for these reproducers are still available? Are they the same as an Edison?

I would imagine it would not be too difficult to fit one of the Bruce styli in there...

Bill