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Brian, If you look at debndunk's first photo of his top works, the half nut it the part what comes into contact with the feed screw and moves the carriage while the record plays. The adjustment for the half nut is the nickel part mounted on top of the half nut bar and the adjustment screw is the very little screw in the nickel piece. I hope this helps. Jerry

The second photo shows the top view of the half nut bar assembly. The two screws on the right attach the half nut to the bar. The two screws on the left attach the half nut bar assembly to the carriage. The little screw in the middle is the adjustment screw. Remember, the adjustment is very fine and should be made in tiny increments. Jerry

Also, loosen the two machine screws that hold the half-nut to the half-nut bar slightly. Lower the carriage so that the half nut makes contact with the feed screw. Push down firmly on the bar so that the grooves of the half -nut align with the grooves of the feed screw and tighten the two machine screws. Then adjust the pressure of the half-hut on the feed screw. Don't forget to lubricate the feed screw with a fine oil.

Hello,

From looking at the pictures you posted, your Home Model B has been converted for playing 2 and 4 minute cylinders. This will add steps to check to your list. It appears that you have an early version of the 2/4 minute conversion kit as you don't have the 2 and 4 minute switch lever. You can use your hand to pull out and push in the piece next to the upper belt pulley. Out is 4 minute and in is 2 minute. What kind of reproducer do you have?

Your mandrel and feed screw is more complicated than on an non-converted model B. The mandrel and feedscrew on a 2 minute model B is all attached, whereas you will need to unscrew the tiny set screws on the collar to the right and also the tiny screws to the left to be able to pull out the mandrel and feedscrew (the feed screw comes out separately) for inspection and cleaning. Don't lose the small screws or or any of the tiny pieces connected to them! Everything has to be adjusted just right or the upper works will not rotate properly. Before you do anything else, you might want to just push the 2 and 4 minute piece, just to the right of the upper belt pulley, back and forth to make sure it is engaged one way or the other, else there will be no spinning! Your upper works will be almost identical to a model D home and up, except for having and endgate.

I posted some pictures and information on a model A Home some time ago here on the forum with the exact same conversion kit as yours. Not sure how exactly to get back to it, but I know it can be found. Good luck and keep us posted! I know some of the other collectors will add their comments here as well.

Mike Sorter

Hello,

From looking at the pictures you posted, your Home Model B has been converted for playing 2 and 4 minute cylinders. This will add steps to check to your list. It appears that you have an early version of the 2/4 minute conversion kit as you don't have the 2 and 4 minute switch lever. You can use your hand to pull out and push in the piece next to the upper belt pulley. Out is 4 minute and in is 2 minute. What kind of reproducer do you have?

Your mandrel and feed screw is more complicated than on an non-converted model B. The mandrel and feedscrew on a 2 minute model B is all attached, whereas you will need to unscrew the tiny set screws on the collar to the right and also the tiny screws to the left to be able to pull out the mandrel and feedscrew (the feed screw comes out separately) for inspection and cleaning. Don't lose the small screws or or any of the tiny pieces connected to them! Everything has to be adjusted just right or the upper works will not rotate properly. Before you do anything else, you might want to just push the 2 and 4 minute piece, just to the right of the upper belt pulley, back and forth to make sure it is engaged one way or the other, else there will be no spinning! Your upper works will be almost identical to a model D home and up, except for having and endgate.

I posted some pictures and information on a model A Home some time ago here on the forum with the exact same conversion kit as yours. Not sure how exactly to get back to it, but I know it can be found. Good luck and keep us posted! I know some of the other collectors will add their comments here as well.

Mike Sorter

Looks to me that this B has been homogenized. It should have a selector switch for the 2/4 M speed but has the push/pull gearing of a D. There in may be the problem.

The earliest 2/4 minute conversion kits had a little y shaped wrench that you used to set the gearing to 2 or 4 minute instead of having the selector switch that is more commonly seen. I can't remember which Fabrizio and Paul book has a picture of this "wrench.". In Ron Dethlefson's book on Concert cylinders there is a picture of my Spring Motor Concert machine with 2/4 minute conversion kit and my original "wrench.". It is essentially the same conversion kit I have on a Home Model A--Exactly like the one on this B.

Mike Sorter

Here is a pic of the 2-4 min wrench, it is made out of steel.

Hi Mike, I have had this machine for over a year now and it has worked but always been tempremental. Now it just doesn't want to play a cylinder and slows down about half way through. When I got the machine I compleatly overhauled it as it wasn't working. Generally speaking I am quite good with clock work motors as I have been restoring clocks for some years now, but this has got the better of me. I have done all the obvious I really need some advice quick as I am running out of hair I have worked on about 25 diffrent phonographs and not had a problem before. The spring is good it runs for about 10 minutes before stopping but I do have to give it a push to get the motor going when connected to the top workings. I am greatful to all you guys who have given advice but obviously you don't know wheather I am a novice or more advance in these matters. I may end up giving up and passing the problem on to someone else ( obviously telling them the problem first.). If anybody has more help before I go bald I would be greatful thanks Gordon.

If the amount of hair, or lack of it, is any indication of mechanical prowess, I should be ignored!