Victor II Phonograph Turntable Spindle - How Much To Plate?

[Garret]

Hello all,

To those of you really knowledgeable collectors: how much of the turntable spindle from my Victor II ought to be plated? The whole thing was plated, but I am not sure if the whole thing should be plated...If not, where does the plating stop?

[Jerry B.]

All that shows is the little nibbon above the turntable. Unless yours looks really bad, I would not re-plate the spindle. This advise is coming from someone that re-plates right down to and including the screws. If you do decide to plate, I'd suggest just the .25" that shows. Jerry Blais

[Garret]

Jerry,

Was just the top originally plated? I'm just wondering what was done originally....

Thanks!

[Garret]

Nobody else has any input???

[Jerry B.]

I did a quick check and without taking apart the spindle, it appears that just the tip is plated. The part engaging the gear appears to be machined steel. I've always wondered why Victor nickel plated the early Vic VI motors. Anyone? Jerry

[Retrograde]

perhaps the spindle is polished rather than plated.

[Jerry B.]

Retrograde could well be correct. I can honestly say I have never thought about plating the end of the spindle. Over the years I have plated several Victors and done everything (I thought!) down to all the screws. Jerry

[wjw]

Garrett, I have a buffing wheel that must have been made for buffing steel. It can make a rusty spindle look like butler nickel plate. I found this wheel at a flea market. It is very flexible (I haven't been able to ruin it) looks like very dense sponge. Possibly someone here can tell us more about it. Very useful item!