Columbia BN inner workings

[alienj]

These are the pictures of the inner workings of the Columbia BN I recently purchased through FB Marketplace.

I had gotten a quote from a restorer (to whom I only sent photos of the outside of the machine and who did not ask to see any photos of the inside). I was quoted $819.00 to restore the machine.

Here's what the restorer quoted:

Janet, your Columbia has definitely had some paint work. Under that paint could be original nickel plating.
The top of the case has damage to the veneer as it is lifting in places. We can restore all these area and do rebuilds of the motor, tonearm, turntable felt, etc.

A full restoration estimate for motor, horn, buffing, table, reproducer, decals, case veneer, case refinishing, rubber feet, etc.

$819.00

Please let me know if we can help you with your Columbia.


I hate to be a pest, but can anyone on this forum of such knowledgeable people tell me what I'm looking at (lol) and if anything about it stands out as needing repairs immediately so I won't cause any damage playing the machine. I am truly grateful I found this forum!

[JerryVan]

Haven't you asked these very same questions already and gotten a lot of advice?

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56579

[alienj]

Haven't you asked these very same questions already and gotten a lot of advice?

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56579

Yes I did. As a matter of fact I believe it was you who gave me instructions on how to open the machine. You told me to post pictures of what I found so you could see what was going on inside the machine. I did post them, but, as I received no comment on what's going on inside, I wasn't sure if replies to my own thread were being seen as having posted heretofore unseen photos, so, I reposted them here. If there's something strikingly off about the workings that I would be unaware of that would need to be repaired before playing the machine a lot I just wanted to know. I just don't want to harm it in any way if I can help it. Sorry I reposted on a new thread.

[FellowCollector]

The motor looks fine to me. And you indicated in the earlier thread that the motor works. It's obviously soiled and has received excessive lubrication in areas but if it cranks up fine, is reasonably quiet in operation and maintains an even speed then I would leave it alone. The lifting veneer on top MAY be able to be resealed by yourself. I've never tried this but a long time collector friend (sadly now deceased) informed me years ago that he would slightly dampen a towel and with it placed on the lifted veneer he would go over it with a clothing iron on low heat. Presumably the original dried up hide glue beneath the lifted veneer (with moist heat applied) would soften sufficiently to reseal the lifted veneer. He used this method for many years with success on (especially) floor model phonograph sides that had lifting veneer from being stored in moisture rich environments. Again, I've never tried this method of resealing veneer but it might be worth a try before resorting to removal of the current original veneer, replacing with new veneer and then refinishing as the restorer would do. And if you want to clean that soiled motor, another collector friend used to remove entire spring motors and immerse them in a pail of gasoline for 24 hours. The motors he showed me would come out looking almost new. Again, I've never tried this and I'm sure there are better alternatives to gasoline (stinky and flammable) but the point here is that much of what the restorer will do at an arguably steep price you can do (or at least try) yourself. And regarding the silver painted threaded horn? It doesn't really look that bad. And if you don't want it just look around for another original. Columbia threaded horns are often available from fellow collectors and they're not that costly. Rather than stripping the silver paint off, buffing and repainting get another one and sell the silver one. Good luck!

Doug

[JerryVan]

Haven't you asked these very same questions already and gotten a lot of advice?

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56579

Yes I did. As a matter of fact I believe it was you who gave me instructions on how to open the machine. You told me to post pictures of what I found so you could see what was going on inside the machine. I did post them, but, as I received no comment on what's going on inside, I wasn't sure if replies to my own thread were being seen as having posted heretofore unseen photos, so, I reposted them here. If there's something strikingly off about the workings that I would be unaware of that would need to be repaired before playing the machine a lot I just wanted to know. I just don't want to harm it in any way if I can help it. Sorry I reposted on a new thread.

Okay, no problem.

Nothing stands out as being "wrong", broken, worn out, etc., with the motor. I wouldn't hesitate to use it as-is. That said, the lubrication in the springs, (within the canisters/spring barrels), can go bad and cause the springs to "thump" as the motor unwinds. If it's doing that, then the springs need to be cleaned & regreased, which is probably best left to experienced folks. But, in the meanwhile, try it out and see how it goes. BTW, there is no need to wind the motor "all the way". A good operating motor shouldn't need a full winding and it's hard on 115 year old springs. So, how much is enough? From fully unwound, try turning the crank maybe 20-25 turns. If the record begins to slow down give it a few more. No problem winding while playing. After a while you'll get a feel for what's just about right. Between records I might give the crank 4 or 5 turns.

[alienj]

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I think I'm ready to do some listening to the music of our past without too much worry! Now I just have to wait till December 12 when I give the machine to my fiance! Thanks again!