First timer with (another) Columbia Grafonola

[S610]

Topps works well on mahogany finishes only when the hard work has been done to slightly smooth off the roughness caused by alligatoring of the finish and you have some semblance of shine back. I use it when the dried finish has gone white, discoloured or faded after the "prep" work. I find a good dousing of it, left to soak in over night works well and then after a day or so I come back and buff the finish before adding beeswax polish.

What type of rubbing compound do you suggest?

If I replace the veneer on top can I just stain it to match (as best I can) and give it a few coats of shellac? Or use a specific type of tinted shellac without stain? I hope I didn't make a big mistake by taking some of the shellac off though I am not sure the veneer could have been saved either way.

Thank you for the tips.

[Steve]

I sent you a PM. By the way, when I mention fading and finish drying white, I'm only talking about the residue left from white spirit and cleaning compounds. If the finish is already faded Topps can help to darken the tint of the polish slightly to mask it. Nothing I do in the hard cleaning process removes or damages the colour in any way.

[S610]

Topps works well on mahogany finishes only when the hard work has been done to slightly smooth off the roughness caused by alligatoring of the finish and you have some semblance of shine back. I use it when the dried finish has gone white, discoloured or faded after the "prep" work. I find a good dousing of it, left to soak in over night works well and then after a day or so I come back and buff the finish before adding beeswax polish.

I will try a few different things on the back and see what works best.

I took the motor out and when cranking there is zero resistance, the two gears where the crank handle go in move but nothing else does. Is it possibly the big flat spring in the round canister/cylinder that has broken? Are there two big flat springs in this model? As best I can tell everything else looks fine and seems to be there.

I have watched a few videos on replacing those springs so if that is the main issue I could attempt to do it myself (plus of course replace the seals in the reproducer). I have heard it can take several months to fix if it has to be sent off so if it was a relatively simple fix I will try to do it myself (of course if I unscrewed the big bolt and all the gears fell into a random pile I may regret my attempt!).

[JerryVan]

You have 3 springs. From your description of what it's doing, or not doing, it's most likely the spring nearest the winding gear. I think you'll find that it's broken at its inner end. Wear gloves or have some excellent hand cleaner when you're done.

[S610]

You have 3 springs. From your description of what it's doing, or not doing, it's most likely the spring nearest the winding gear. I think you'll find that it's broken at its inner end. Wear gloves or have some excellent hand cleaner when you're done.

I am thinking this is beyond my very limited mechanical scope. The other two springs may also have issues (stuck) if this has been sitting for decades. That plus I am afraid I won't be able to get it back together OR I will end up with "extra parts" when it is put back together.

Sounds like a job for the professionals. I sent some pics and info off to George Vollema.

[gramophone-georg]

Honestly, I'd send the entire motor with tonearm and ask to have all 3 springs replaced along with the governor springs and a complete service of everything else. Send the soundbox off to Wyatt Marcus for overhaul. Do it all and do it once. Last thing you need here is a series of problems. Buy fresh needles while you are at it.

Where are you located?

[S610]

Honestly, I'd send the entire motor with tonearm and ask to have all 3 springs replaced along with the governor springs and a complete service of everything else. Send the soundbox off to Wyatt Marcus for overhaul. Do it all and do it once. Last thing you need here is a series of problems. Buy fresh needles while you are at it.

Where are you located?

Yes I will definitely ask them to replace any/all springs or at least inspect them. I expect it will take a while to get it back and it won't be cheap so I don't want it to break down again anytime soon!

I just moved to Arkansas (Ozarks) this past summer and I am amazed at the number of beautiful very-reasonably-priced antiques here! And yes I will need needles along with some records (I don't have any) but that is a ways off. Have to get the motor tuned up and work on the cabinet first.

I had to Google "sound box" and it looks like that refers to the reproducer and maybe the tone arm? The tone arm moves fairly well and I assume George Vollema and/or his daughter can replace the gasket/seal things on the reproducer.