The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Amberola wrote:My hands are still sore? Its been 10 years since I replaced a Home spring, but I don't remember them being so hard. Now I get to play with that 2,4 minute gearing mess.

I wonder if your new spring is stiffer than the original? I bought some very nicely made Opera springs from Ron Sitko, but man! Were they stiff! I had to hold the spring barrels in a vise so that I could use both hands to bend and feed in those stiff springs. Getting them started in the can was the first challenge - I had a horror that one might snap. Then, as the barrel filled up, it became harder to feed in the spring as the radius became smaller. By comparison, re-installing the original springs in my Victor III was a snap - I did not need a vise for that job.

When I ordered a new spring for my DD A-80 from Ron Sitko I gave him the exact measurements from the Frow book, but he said this specific thickness was no longer made and that the new spring would be slightly thicker. It was still OK to install and runs strong. The replacement spring for my Edison Standard A from Wyatt's was also very strong and I had to wrestle with it quite a bit to get it in the barrel. Victor springs on the other hand seem to be thinner and easier to install. So the new spring for the Home may also be a bit thicker than the original. But look at it on the bright side: at least the spring in my Standard plays very strong, easily 4 cylinders on one winding.

Andreas

The springs came from Sitko. I had to finally use a pair of vice grips and wind it a little and clamp. Then repeat. I just don't remember them being so tough. I need to grease them, what are you guys using?

I use the Lithium-Moly grease from the automotive department of Walmart.

Andreas

Amberola wrote:The springs came from Sitko. I had to finally use a pair of vice grips and wind it a little and clamp. Then repeat. I just don't remember them being so tough. I need to grease them, what are you guys using?

That sounds hard! I buy black moly lithium grease in cans at the auto parts store. Check that the grease is well mixed, the last can I bought sat on the shelf so long that some oil had separated from the solids.

I put the gear on the spring barrel, but it still turns when you wind the crank? Does anyone know whats wrong?

Are any of the small gears spinning on their shafts. Check and make sure the shafts are turning with the gears. If either of these gears split and spin it can cause that.
Bob

Bob wrote:Are any of the small gears spinning on their shafts. Check and make sure the shafts are turning with the gears. If either of these gears split and spin it can cause that.
Bob

No, everything seems it is right. I think there's a part missing? If I had another D to look at, I would find it.

Hi Ronnie,

You are missing a small gear on the right side of the shaft that attaches to the drive pulley. The shaft has a large gear on the left and a small gear on the right. If you look at my picture it is right below the governor weight to the right. I think Ron Sitko has them. Hope this helps. Sent you an email also.

Richard Gordon

Thanks again Rich.