A New Find--- "in the wild"

[outune]

The post about the Radio Bonfire comes at a great time for me. We collectors are always thankful when we find things that could have been discarded, but were kept around for no apparent reason.

Late last week a gentleman who I've done work for, told me about a machine he had seen. It was in an old warehouse-type building, in a corner, used as a display piece for the past 50+ years. It was less than 40 minutes from my home.

On Monday I made the short trip and brought home the first and only VV-XVIII I've ever had in 42 years of collecting. And to put it way over the top- It's a VE-XVIII in Circassian Walnut. I've included a few pics after the initial clean up I did.
It needs a good bit of work. There are three dime-to-nickle size veneer chips and the motor feels a bit rough when I turn the shaft by hand. In addition, the top of the lid had suffered some water damage-- not buckled, but the finish is roughed up. The turntable is not correct and the tonearm gold is pretty poor--but I have a nice one in my parts piles. It came with a late "RCA" era Orthophonic Reproducer. I have a few gold Exhibitions so I'll take care of that right away.

I look forward to doing the things I can do-- and I'm sure I will be reaching out on the forum to find members who are familiar with the Universal Motor and the resistor set up. I plan to take my time and enjoy the process. If anyone has any mechanical or finishing tips, my ears are wide open.

Thanks-
Brad Abell

[TinfoilPhono]

Amazing!!! It's always wonderful to see that there are still some treasures out there, just waiting to be found.

[schweg]

Great find- congratulations!!

[alang]

Wow! What a great discovery! It already looks great now, can't wait to see it finished.

Regarding the electric motor, it would be awesome if someone could post "for dummies" instructions how to service such a motor.

Andreas

[fran604g]

Congratulations Brad!

Fran

[phonogal]

WOW! What a nice find for you. Its beautiful.

[OrthoFan]

...Regarding the electric motor, it would be awesome if someone could post "for dummies" instructions how to service such a motor.
Andreas

Don't know if this will help, but here are four videos showing takedown and repair of a Victor Induction Disc Motor (not mine) --

Part One -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlfMZUHbuUA
Part Two -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tzZ98V_DNs
Part Three -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZi9cYs9OHM
Part Four -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QsN_H74bIU

HTH,
OrthoFan

[gemering]

Good for you, Brad!!!!

[outune]

Thanks "Ortho"-- The videos on the Induction Disc motor may come in handy-- But the motor on the XVIII is the earlier "Universal Motor". I've worked on a couple ID motors over the years, but have never worked on the Universal...I'm a greasy spring kind of guy!
The on/off gearing on mine appears to be locked up or out-of-sync or sumthin'. I haven't had time to look at it closely yet. One "red flag" was finding a carbon motor brush in the needle holder I'll find out when I dig a little deeper.
I agree with Andreas. A Universal Motor repair guide for "dummies" would be great!



Brad

[tictalk]

Congratulations Brad , Its nice to know there are still a few rare machines out there waiting to come into the fold. Great Find