Slow Turning Fireside Phonograph Mandrel

[bobkolba]

This machine sat in storage for years and needs a deep cleaning. Please advise how I can remove the mandrel to clean the shaft. Thanks.

[Jerry B.]

There's a little collar at the end of the mandrel. Remove the collar and the mandrel should slide off the shaft. A couple of drops of good light oil may solve the problem before taking it apart. While you have the oil out, put a drop on the carriage rod, governor ends & pads, and other service areas.

Jerry B.

[kendphono]

make sure the spring is wound down before you take off the mandrel.

[Jerry B.]

make sure the spring is wound down before you taks off the mandrel.

Excellent advice when working on any spring motor. But particularly true with the Edson Amberola 30/50/75 series of machines. If you remove that little collar and slide the mandrel away, those machines will unwind quicker than putting a period at the end of this sentence! I made that mistake as an experienced collector and should have known better. With most machines, including the Fireside, if you control the governor, you control the spring. But why take a chance? Take kendphono's good advice.

Jerry

[Lucius1958]

make sure the spring is wound down before you taks off the mandrel.

Excellent advice when working on any spring motor. But particularly true with the Edson Amberola 30/50/75 series of machines. If you remove that little collar and slide the mandrel away, those machines will unwind quicker than putting a period at the end of this sentence! I made that mistake as an experienced collector and should have known better. With most machines, including the Fireside, if you control the governor, you control the spring. But why take a chance? Take kendphono's good advice.

Jerry

Amen: that was my initiation to phonograph repair as well.

- Bill