Cracked cast iron bedplates--repairable?

[VanEpsFan1914]

The other day I saw an Edison Home phonograph with a cracked bedplate. It was the Model D of 1908 and the thing had come apart right at the end of the mandrel shaft--like the thing had been dropped years ago and compromised that end, as it cracked apart (according to the owner) during a disassembly for cleaning. The owner was not me.

Could it be epoxied back together with JB Weld, or is there someone out there who welds cast-iron? I don't have any pictures.

Fortunately it was a clean enough break, but Edisons are not known for having great-quality iron, just a lot of it.

[startgroove]

It is very difficult to weld cast iron. It is easier to braze it, though the process is expensive. In addition, the heat burns away the finish, and there is some grinding and filling that must be performed. It would be less expensive to just find another bedplate. Cheers, Russie

[rgordon939]

JB Weld will work. Can be filed down and will be almost unnoticeable.

Rich Gordon

[JerryVan]

Can you post a photo??

[edisonclassm]

JB weld is not strong enough to hold properly. Use this machine for parts. Go buy an undamaged machine. They are not that hard to find. You'll put more time and effort into something that isn't worth it.

[VanEpsFan1914]

Thanks for the responses, guys!

I don't have a picture of it because (Fortunately? Unfortunately?) it is not my phonograph. It belongs to someone else who managed to knock it apart while trying to disassemble it for restoration. Granted, due to damage on one end of the case it may have been compromised from being dropped years ago, but I still think smashing a chunk off the bedplate while disassembling it is a little extreme. Okay, a lot extreme.

I guess the owner's best bet is to buy a new bedplate.

[tomb]

I have used J B Weld with great success. The area will not get a lot of torque or pressure. Try the JB and see if you can get it apart by applying some pressure to it after it has cured a couple of days. JB is designed for minor engine repairs or used to be advertised for it. Tom

[dzavracky]

It’s my machine haha. I was a dumbass and broke it. But I suppose it was a lesson I needed to learn ..... still very upsetting though. I’ve already invested a huge amount of time and effort cleaning and repairing (until I broke it) this Edison home. I really want to have it sing again.

Anyone have advice to a severely discouraged collector? I’m honestly afraid to try and do anything else to it now.

David



As embarrassed as I already am I’ll post a picture of it. How do I remove the 2/4 minuet gearing, the feed screw, and the mandrel without causing further damage?

[FellowCollector]

JB weld is not strong enough to hold properly.

I agree with Paul ^^^. I have never had good luck with using JB Weld on almost anything that will need to accept much resistance.

As far as disassembling the Home 2/4 minute assembly, it's really quite simple. Since you already have the belt pulley exposed you can begin with removing the set screw inside it (you can see the hole for it in your picture) ALONG with that tiny steel post that is below the screw. Do not lose that! The rest is pretty straightforward. Pull the belt pulley off the shaft and continue removing parts.

If desired, grab your camera or your cell phone and snap some pictures along the way as you remove parts so you can refer to them on reinstall. Loosen screws and remove parts keeping them together. If the mandrel shaft rotates freely inside the bearing in the raised boss on the casting then simply slide it out (and the mandrel shaft bearing) once when you have all of the parts to the left of the boss removed. You can do this yourself. No need to send it out and pay someone to do it. And you will surely appreciate the learning experience. You can use these parts to install on a good condition replacement casting.

The Edison Home model D casting is not that difficult to find so your best bet is to find another one. Good luck.

Doug

[dzavracky]

Thank you Doug! I’ll try and pull them off today

I love watching your machines on YouTube by the way!