How do I know when it's safe...

[Bulldog HD]

Hi All, this is my second question to the group. I have a Grafonola Type E-2 from 1920. It has a three spring motor. I want to pull the shaft out of the springs so that I can remove the spring cans in order to finish cleaning the motor. How do I know for sure that I have the motor run down enough to safely remove the shaft? Also, is it safe to do this? Can I just pull out the shaft, remove the three spring cans, clean the motor, and then just re-assemble everything? I have really learned a lot from this forum and will appreciate any replies.
Joe D.

[Le0]

just let the motor run down; you can help it a bit by turning the turntable spindle if you wish but it won't do much. springs shouldn't pop what so ever if you leave them alone in their barrels.
but I'd clean and regrease the springs if the spring barrels were out... it's that extra step that really completes the overhaul.

good luck.

[VintageTechnologies]

Joe, remove the platter and let the motor run down until it completely quits. At that point, the springs "should" be completely unwound and at rest. Two things you can do to be sure: 1) give the governor a slight spin with your finger, if it turns freely (not in a bind) but does not resume spinning, the springs are wound down. 2) The spring barrels should have a slight amount of "play" relative to each other if they are not under tension. However, two of the barrels may be joined together.

Could you post some close-up pictures of the motor? I have not examined a Columbia motor from 1920, but I have worked on some early ones and note a lot of similarities of design even between the cylinder and disk motors. I was impressed with their design that allowed easy disassembly. I think you may find it a simple matter to loosen one or two set screws and then be able to withdraw the shaft from the springs.

For best results, the springs should be removed from the barrels, cleaned, reinstalled and then lubed. There have been other articles on this website detailing how to remove springs from barrels if you want to try that. Various people have their own techniques. I prefer clamping the spring barrel in a huge vise and slowly uncoiling from the center using rubber gloves. Check videos on YouTube also. Or, pay someone else to do that last bit.

[Bulldog HD]

Thank you very much for the replies. I will post some photos of the motor. Joe