The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Jonsheff wrote: Sun Jan 31, 2021 7:49 pm For the spring motors i use round felt furniture glides with adhesive on one side. They are aprox. one inch round and aprox ¼" thick. I use a ⅜" punch to make the hole in the center. Almost identical to the originals, perhaps slightly thicker.

I also use the felt furniture gliders, but I first remove the sticky layer with a sharp carpet knife. Punch out the hole and they are nearly identical to the originals.

Andreas

Thank you Jonshef and Andreas. That's a great idea. I wonder how the vibration/sound dampening of compressed felt would be compared to "live" rubber washers (latex, silicone, etc.). I know the 8-36 induction motor I am looking at has the felt washers.
Cheers,
Don

Sorbothane is used by many audiophile hifi turntable tweakers, who report good results. I wonder if there is a better material available, as sorbothane is designed to absorb energy, but it takes time to return to it's original shape. I believe that it also tends to go sticky with time, so if you try it I would suggest putting a barrier so it doesn't glue itself to the motor/gramophone. However, I would think that it would be worth trying.

There are a number of specialist anit-vibration companies (many online, but I'm sure there are some retail outlets as well). Google, and ask their opinions, as they would be familiar with the current technologies and range.

Hope this helps, and let us know how you get on.

vichighmathguy wrote: Mon Feb 01, 2021 5:27 pm Thank you Jonshef and Andreas. That's a great idea. I wonder how the vibration/sound dampening of compressed felt would be compared to "live" rubber washers (latex, silicone, etc.). I know the 8-36 induction motor I am looking at has the felt washers.
Cheers,
Don

If you are looking at the long term, rubber, latex, etc will not hold up as well as the felt. In a hundred years (or much less) the rubber and expecially latex will just be goo. I expect a well restored Victrola would be around another hundred or more years. The beat up ones will likely end up on the junk pile sooner or later making the survivors even more rare. I always look at the long term with my restore projects.

Thanks very much, Jonsheff. I guess I was basing my suggested material on the spool of surgical latex tubing that I have had for the last 30 years (for reproducer gasket material) and which still seems elastic and healthy. Do you have a suggestion other than felt that would have more vibration damping properties? I'm always pleased to receive a suggestion from someone who has experience in this area.
Regards,
Don Mayer