The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is an update with a follow up....months later. The belt material is from Ron Sitko and new. I put aside the project and am now just getting to it. I got some Elmer's Wood Glue, cut the belting material, overlapped it a bit, applied the glue, put a tiny clamp on it, then let it dry. When I put on a record, the playback was quite "wobbly" so I am not sure about the need to tighten or loosen the belt on my second try. Perhaps it is just a matter of trial and error. The post from Vintage Technologies was helpful and perhaps super glue is another idea. Suggestions are appreciated and thanks in advance.

Don M.

(Are there any collectors living in the area of west Texas or eastern New Mexico that would be willing help if needed?)

Don, You used the wrong glue. The correct glue to use is a strong contact cement. You can get that in any craft store. What I actually use is Walther's Goo cement. I get that from a model rail road store. After you over-lap the belt, sand each end so it tapers. That is called a scarf joint. That way, the belt will be the same thickness, instead of being bulky. Put some glue on each side of the joint. Let sit for a few minuted and press together. I use a needle nose pliers and squeeze the joint. It will be a good solid joint. I have belts that have lasted over 20 years by this method. Also, in the Complete Talking Machine by Eric Reiss, there is a section on how to install a belt. That's where I learned this from.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks, Harvey.

I did read a part of the book you mentioned and it was helpful. The results have been better, too.