stylus not quite reaching ends of some ex cond cylinders

CDBPDX · Post by **CDBPDX** » Thu Jan 16, 2014 7:23 pm

Sometimes I install a cylinder that has swollen insides and it won't slip all the way on the cylinder mandrel. If too much of the cylinder sticks off the end of the mandrel, the stylus may not be able to reach all the way over to the end of the cylinder. A cylinder can look good but still be swollen on the inside.

Check the end of the cylinder to make sure the cylinder is all the way on the mandrel. If it sticks out too far, you will have this problem.

Swollen insides is a result of the plaster center absorbing moisture and expanding on blue amberol cylinders.

Cliff

Andersun · Post by **Andersun** » Thu Jan 16, 2014 9:50 pm

djoutrage wrote: I am conciddering getting a smaller horn anyhow, so could that actually help with this too? or would a crane replacement be a better idea?

I would get a Fireside horn and crane setup like the below pic. You can by reproduction Fireside horns and cranes.

djoutrage · Post by **djoutrage** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 3:27 am

hi all,
I am going to most likely find a replacement crane/horn, or at least i'll try to.

@cliff this is currently only being used for 2 minute cylinders, and they are all the way on, I'm quite sure it isn't that but thanks for the suggestion as i will take more care to look.

zapper · Post by **zapper** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 5:47 am

Andersun has a point about the horn lifting the reproducer off the cylinder at certain points along its travel. Try playing without the horn connected. Also try removing the rubber connector and checking whether the horn lines up with the mouth of the reproducer. If not the horn crane needs replacing, extending or adjusting so that the pressure is not on the reproducer. A fixed horn mounted directly on the reproducer will add weight to the bracket and may overcome your problem. Try various options and one may come up trumps. Good Luck. Great Forum to join. I look every day and learn something more about phonographs.

djoutrage · Post by **djoutrage** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 8:06 am

thanks for all of the advice folks.
The more i think about it the more it seems that my horn is too heavy and that i need a new horn/crane assembly. I really don't want to fiddle with things i know nothing about unless i have to! so that is going to be the first thing I'm going to try and find.
Does anybody know where one may be found for a fireside phonograph that is complete?
I'm mostly a 78 collector but have been looking for a cylinder machine for some time, and appart from this problem that only happens sometimes, this machine is perfect for me and I don't think i payed too much over the odds for it.

djoutrage · Post by **djoutrage** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 8:50 am

another thing i just noticed, if i have the gear pulled out to 4 minute seting for a second it does play the very ends of the cylinders.
Does this conferm that the horn is too heavy/low?
I think I'm going to try removing a few of the chain links and see what happens.

Andersun · Post by **Andersun** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 9:16 am

The chain has to be exactly vertical when horn is mounted to the machine. This is achieved by extending or retracting the secondary crane bar which is closest to the horn. If the crane is one piece and not two, it's time for a new crane. Once you see that the chain is strait up and down, you know the horn is not applying any push or pull forces on the reproducer. If the horn is not heavy enough to tip the machine over, then it is probably ok. I would still go with my earlier advice and get a repro Fireside horn and crane.

Steve

djoutrage · Post by **djoutrage** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 9:58 am

Hi Steve,
I think I'll feel happier with a new horn and crane, yes. Is there some place I can buy these from? I'm in the uk but would pay the shipping on a new horn/crane.
Could any of you folks recommend someone who makes them?
thanks a lot for all the help guys.

Andersun · Post by **Andersun** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 11:01 am

Here are two suppliers in the U.S.. I'm sure there are others.

http://www.victrolarepairservice.com/horns.html

http://www.wyattsmusical.com/

Another supplier is APSCO: http://www.antiquephono.com/ But their website says that they are out of stock on the Fireside horns.

What you need is a Fireside Horn and Crane.

Steve

djoutrage · Post by **djoutrage** » Fri Jan 17, 2014 11:07 am

Does anyone know the number for wiat's with the u.s code on it?
i've downloaded the order pdf but there's an f in the middle of the number!
I'm really hoping it is the horn/crane that is the problem, not some feed screw issue or other, but while this horn is original it's pretty heavy!

stylus not quite reaching ends of some ex cond cylinders

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