Columbia Dampening Washers - Are they available?

[Jerry B.]

Many Columbia cylinder machines had a black rubber dampening washer that went between the mechanism and the cabinet. About fifteen years ago someone was making them. Are they still available? Thanks, Jerry

[XCaptBill]

Jerry is inquiring about these for me. Perhaps if they are not available through normal Phono related sources, I may be able to find some through other sources. I have used these types of "washers" on Radio restorations in the past. If I know what size they were, I may be able to find some through those alternate sources?

Does anyone have a set of these on their Columbia BE (or equivilant) that could measure them for me?

Thanks

Bill

[Le0]

I bought some rubber washers from George Vollema; they work well as motor insulators and I'm sure it will work for you too.

[Phonofreak]

I ran into that problem with my early Columbia AT. What I did was buy some black silicone rtv rubber in a tube. You can get this product at either an auto or hardware store. I filled the depressions with just enough rubber up to the top. On the bottom of the bed plate, I applied some Vaseline as a release agent so the bed plate doesn't stick to the cabinet. Place the bed plate onto the cabinet and press down so the bed plate fits into the holes. The rtv will spread a little bit, but that's OK. Let the rubber dry and cure for 24 hours. Remove the bed plate and scrape the excess away with a sharp X-Acto knife. The result is a perfect fitting gasket and does a great job insulating noise.
Harvey Kravitz

[Jerry B.]

That's a great suggestion. I'll be Harvey has experience as a model builder. Jerry

[Phonofreak]

Thanks Jerry for the kind words. Yes, I'm a model builder, model trains. A lot of model building techniques can be used for phonographs.
Harvey Kravitz