Help needed: How to remove Opera feedscrew

[Dave D]

Hi,
I am struggling with how to remove an Opera feedscrew. It looks like the gear on the left end of it has to come off and I see a set screw to hold it in. I have remove the screw and tried to slip it off, but I think old oil has it cemented to the feedscrew. Is this the correct procedure?

It looks like I can't remove the gear under the bed plate until I remove the feedscrew. I am caught in a vicious circle here! If anyone who has taken apart an Opera can offer any advice, I would appreciate it. The mechanism really needs to be cleaned.
Thanks,
Dave

[Phonolair]

Hi Dave

You are correct about your thinking on removing the feed screw. If the feed screw is still mounted in the bearings you may be able to do some gentle prying between the gear face and the casting to the right of it to break it loose, gentle is the key word here.
But if you just need to remove the gear below the bedplate you should be able to do that without removing the feed screw. Remove the shaft bearings of that gear so you have some shaft play. Remove the gear set screw and remove the gear,(left). The small right gear is pinned and will come out with the shaft.

Best Regards, Larry

[MicaMonster]

The biggest mistakes happen when you force something. Go buy a pocket butane pen-torch.....very handy tool. Heat the mating surfaces between the gear and the feedscrew, to help loosen up the oil varnish. Wrap electrical tape over the gear teeth to protect them, in case there is a slip. If I don't have a pen torch, I use a regular propane torch, but on the lowest setting. When taking an opera apart, it also helps to take lots of digital pics so you know where everything goes, and at what measurement.

My first total-disassembly of an opera involved NOT taking notes or pictures......and it was a lengthy and stressful re-assembly.

[Dave D]

Hi,
I was able to get the feedscrew off after a little more patience. I had hoped with it gone that I could remove that gear underneath it. I know from working on Amberola 30s that once the bearings are out from that gear, I can wiggle it around and find the sweet spot that will let it come out. I was hoping for the same thing with this. I am having trouble getting that last of the two set screws on the gear out. More patience with the penetrating oil I guess.

There does not seem to be that sweet spot with this one and I will have to either clean the teeth in place or hope for the best in removing that gear.

I put the feedscrew into my ultrasonic cleaner and came out looking like new.
Dave

[Dave D]

Turns out there was a "sweet spot" for removing that gear. I was trying one last time and it popped right out!
Dave