Graphophone AG bed plate removal

[long_island_phono]

Well, I finally picked up a 5" phonograph, albeit a bit incomplete, and am eager to start work on it however the bed plate is stuck in the case. I imagine this is just another deal where the rubber bumpers that lie under the corners have dried to the cabinet and bed plate. Since this is a big machine and the sides of the bed plate are conveniently sunken into the case, unlike earlier machines, I am struggling to find a way to safely remove the bed plate without damaging both the case and bed plate.

Does anybody have any experience with bed plate removal for these later Graphophone cabinets?

-Jake

[phonogfp]

You're right - it's simply a matter of the old rubber cushions turning to glue. I'd remove the upper casting first, since you'll want to do that anyway. Then you can take any convenient tool (a LARGE screwdriver will work) and insert it through the crank escutcheon. Making contact with the bottom of the winding shaft or even the casting, gentle downward pressure will lift the bedplate. If it's really stuck, a piece of rubber or other cushioning will prevent any damage to the crank escutcheon. Once the bedplate moves even a bit, the old rubber will be broken loose, and it will come out easily.

Good luck!

George P.

[long_island_phono]

George,

Thanks for the help with the bedplate! I briefly contemplated doing what you suggested but wrote it off as I didn't know if I might break the winding shaft due to the beefy motor, even with the topworks removed.

-Jake

[phonogfp]

You won't break the motor (it's the same as an AT). I've done this many times with no problems. Just use gentle but firm pressure. It's only century-old rubber... It will give before anything else does!

George P.