The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

and another one...

Yes, I would oil everything that Tony and I mentioned. Use good light weight oil (not 3 in 1 oil).

The carriage assembly holds the reproducer.

The mandrel is the part where you slide the cylinder.

The collar is about the size of a pencil eraser and prevents the mandrel from being removed. It actually twists in and out by turning and once adjusted properly is held in place with a set screw.

The feed screw is a long worm gear and when engaged by the half nut, moves the carriage across the record.

There is a screw which adjusts the tension of the half. If the screw is turned too far in, the carriage will drag to a stop. If the screw is turned too far out, the carriage will not move and the cylinder will repeat a few groves over and over. The adjustment is very fine. By that I mean a quarter turn of the screw is a huge adjustment and should be avoided. I always adjust the half nut screw by tiny adjustments.

There is danger to both the cylinder and the reproducer when you move a machine with a cylinder and the reproducer on the machine. If the carriage is in the down or playing position and the stylus is in a grove and the machine is jarred, there is a change of breaking the tip of the stylus.

I'm guessing your problem is a very minor one so don't be discouraged.

Jerry Blais

Usually what is used is "Light Weight Precision Sewing Machine oil, or Precision Clock oil." You can find it on the internet or on ebay.. It seems to work the best.. The lighter the oil, The better I have found..

I've never used any kind of Light Weight Motor oil...but I am curious as to the results others have found..in what oil that they have been using over the years. If I remember correctly 3-in-1 leaves a sticky film...so it probably is a good idea not to use it at all...

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Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

NEFaurora,

I am not the original poster here, but thank you for posting the Amberola instruction!

I have had an Amberola 30 for about 8 months now and love it, but never thought I would see a manual.

Thank you again, sir!


RAK402

Thanks for the advice. I will buy the oil tonight. And I think I have to reread the manual again.

I'm still having trouble removing the cylinder off the mandrel. It appears to be stuck on the mandrel and I am pushing the inner end firmly.

I cannot find a plate only an edison logo.

To remove the cylinder record, try this 2-step method:

1) Wrap your hand around the cylinder as if you're grasping it. (Well, I guess you are grasping it. ) The idea is to slightly warm the record. This works better with wax records than with Blue Amberols with their plaster cores, but it DOES work. It just takes longer. Grasp the cylinder for a full minute, then turn the cylinder about ½ a revolution and repeat (to warm the opposite side). Continue this for about 5 minutes. Yes, it's boring. If you have a small heating pad, that would probably work too (on a low setting). Once the cylinder has been warmed a few degrees, proceed to...

2) Stand on the crank side of the machine, facing it. Place both thumbs on the end of the mandrel. Place the index and middle fingers of both hands around the perimeter of the opposite end of the cylinder. Gently pull with your four fingers while gently pushing with your thumbs. The record will resist, but it's no match for the combination of record expansion and digital brawn.

Good luck!

George P.

If you are looking for a metal ID tag, check on the inside of the cabinet next to the horn on the right side. Jerry

"I cannot find a plate only an edison logo."

Your Late Series 1 Amberola 30 should have the dataplate to the right of the horn after removing the front grille.

(See Attached Photo Below.) If the dataplate is no longer there, You should at least be able to see the two holes that held it in place at least one time. Also, Can you PAN out and take some even better pics of the machine..?

PS: RAK402, You are welcome for the Amberola 30/50/75 manual...This way you do not have to pay $10 for one off of ebay for a reproduction copy.


)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/ Restorer

Remember this machine plays only four minute celluloid records,and naturally the blue Amberol, like is on the machine, are the safest bet to buy, If it is blue, it will do, if it is black, send it back! I notice brass showing on the connection from the horn to the reproducer, might want to seat the horn on the reproducer plate, it might be jamming midway. Yes most of the first generation Amberola 30 machines have the plate inside the machine somewhere. Always have the lift lever in the up position when moving it, and down position when playing the machine.

Will this oil do?

I couldn't find precision oil