New Project: Edison Home

[EdiBrunsVic]

If you are able to get to the Orlando show, there would be plenty of two minute records available.

[tomb]

As people have said you will need a C $100 2 min, H $125-150 4 min, or K 2/4 min $150-250 reproducer since the reproducer that came with the machine will not work or will damage records. It depends on how you set up the machine as original or converted for the reproducer you will need... As it is a C or K reproducer will work. A 2/4 conversion mandrel will run $ 125 to 200 depending on how complete they are. The cheaper ones a lot of the time do not have the 2/4 switch ( approx. $90.00 ) but will work. These are only APROXIMATE prices because there are friends and deals to look for that can help you out. Enjoy your new machine. A lot of people like to keep them as original as possible but that does not mean you can not improve it to look better with cleaning and add period accessories as that is the fun part for me.. Tom B

[tarheeltinkerer]

As people have said you will need a C $100 2 min, H $125-150 4 min, or K 2/4 min $150-250 reproducer since the reproducer that came with the machine will not work or will damage records. It depends on how you set up the machine as original or converted for the reproducer you will need... As it is a C or K reproducer will work. A 2/4 conversion mandrel will run $ 125 to 200 depending on how complete they are. The cheaper ones a lot of the time do not have the 2/4 switch ( approx. $90.00 ) but will work. These are only APROXIMATE prices because there are friends and deals to look for that can help you out. Enjoy your new machine. A lot of people like to keep them as original as possible but that does not mean you can not improve it to look better with cleaning and add period accessories as that is the fun part for me.. Tom B

Tom,

Well said. I believe in no permanent change to a machine, and like that the 2/4 minute conversion does not necessarily permanent alter the machine. For now I plan to just snag a C reproducer, clean and tune up the machine. When opportunity arrives I intend to acquire the parts to implement the conversion. In the end I just wish to enjoy the machine. In the meantime I clearly need to build up a collection of 2 minute cylinders!

Cheers,
Frank

[Lucius1958]

Question: what is with the paper shims on the speed control? Are the threaded rod and nut missing?

Bill

[tarheeltinkerer]

Question: what is with the paper shims on the speed control? Are the threaded rod and nut missing?

Bill

Good Morning Bill,

They are missing, oddly enough. The paper was there when I was given the player, and for the immediate future I am just letting it be. Thankfully there are a few options to find replacement parts

Frank

[De Soto Frank]

As people have said you will need a C $100 2 min, H $125-150 4 min, or K 2/4 min $150-250 reproducer since the reproducer that came with the machine will not work or will damage records. It depends on how you set up the machine as original or converted for the reproducer you will need... As it is a C or K reproducer will work. A 2/4 conversion mandrel will run $ 125 to 200 depending on how complete they are. The cheaper ones a lot of the time do not have the 2/4 switch ( approx. $90.00 ) but will work. These are only APROXIMATE prices because there are friends and deals to look for that can help you out. Enjoy your new machine. A lot of people like to keep them as original as possible but that does not mean you can not improve it to look better with cleaning and add period accessories as that is the fun part for me.. Tom B

Tom,

Well said. I believe in no permanent change to a machine, and like that the 2/4 minute conversion does not necessarily permanent alter the machine. For now I plan to just snag a C reproducer, clean and tune up the machine. When opportunity arrives I intend to acquire the parts to implement the conversion. In the end I just wish to enjoy the machine. In the meantime I clearly need to build up a collection of 2 minute cylinders!

Cheers,
Frank

Suggest you purchase your first 2 minute cylinders in person, or from a knowledgeable Forum member, who knows how to accurately describe condition and pack them so that they survive the trip, not from e-bay.

If you are not familiar with 2 minute cylinders, also suggest you do a forum search on "moldy cylinders", so that you learn how to spot those... in general, Edison Gold Moulded cylinders should be bright and shiny-black ( if they look dull or brownish, avoid. ). For later Columbia or Indestructible cylinders, these are made from a celluloid-like plastic, and generally do not have fatal mold problems, but sometimes the plastic shrinks and cracks.

Again, visual inspection before purchase is ideal.

Don't know how much money & space you have for machines, but upgrading to 2&4 gearing is a fairly straight-forward and entirely reversible process; if you decide to sell the machine, you could always return it to a 2 minute configuration, keep the 2 & $ kit ( or sell separately ).

As long as you do not overspend on the 2&4 combo, you will recoup your investment.

Same goes for reproducers.

Speaking of which, unless you are getting the reproducer from a reputable Forum member or dealer, budget for a new stylus.

The good news is that once you get your machine sorted-out, it will need only periodic cleaning and oiling to provide years of listening fun.

[tarheeltinkerer]

Well, initial work has proven frustrating. The set screws to hold the pulley in place on the mandrel are missing...and the pulley is seized in place. I've applied a copious amount of penetrating oil and will allow it to sit for a day. My plan is to apply a bit of a wooden dowel and a hammer to tap the pulley to see if that manages to loosen things a bit. Any other suggestions greatly accepted.

[De Soto Frank]

Be patient... not a project for the BFH.

[tomb]

Try using a rag on the pulley and a rag on the mandrel and twist it. It will give you a little more leverage. The old oil has frozen on it. Also heat the pulley and use gloves to see if it will twist a little. Once you get it to move a little WD 40 it again , twist, WD40 twist, Do not heat it so hot you can not handle it safely. Tom B

[Lucius1958]

Try using a rag on the pulley and a rag on the mandrel and twist it. It will give you a little more leverage. The old oil has frozen on it. Also heat the pulley and use gloves to see if it will twist a little. Once you get it to move a little WD 40 it again , twist, WD40 twist, Do not heat it so hot you can not handle it safely. Tom B

I would recommend Liquid Wrench, or another penetrating oil, over WD40. The latter is more of a rust preventer than a solvent.

-Bill