The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Thomps wrote: Thu Dec 26, 2024 12:28 pm This is stuck fast. I assume it should turn freely? Should it have a bearing fixed in the case that allows it to turn?

You're saying the shaft with the 2 gears on it is stuck fast? Yes, it sould turn freely. Get it loosened up, clean the bearing areas & grease it.

Thank you, I’ll try that - should I take the shaft out? Ok not sure what kind of bearing holds it in- I can spray penetrating oil as is but do I need to do anything more?

Thomps wrote: Thu Dec 26, 2024 3:50 pm Thank you, I’ll try that - should I take the shaft out? Ok not sure what kind of bearing holds it in- I can spray penetrating oil as is but do I need to do anything more?

It should be just a simple bearing, basically the end of the shaft in a close fitting hole. To be clear, the gears should not turn on the shaft. The whole gearshaft assembly should turn.

Thank you - it’s a tiny space under the large cog to get to the bearing - penetrating oil will get in but I won’t get any grease near it without taking the shaft out

This is the other end of the stuck shaft, correct? Apply some penetrating oil here. You can drive out the shaft with a small brass punch and some light taps with a hammer. Shouldn't take much persuasion to get it out so don't go nuts on it. (The shaft end being the smaller diameter part inside the larger bearing.)

Thank you - it’s currently soaking overnight the other way up - I’ll try this tomorrow

I soaked it for about 3 days and it was still stuck fast so I tried hitting it. That didn’t do anything either except slightly denting the end of the shaft. In the end I used a blow lamp to heat the case and then hit it to get the shaft out. I gave it a clean up with wire wool, greased and put it back together. At first it played slowly but after a couple of minutes it was up to full speed and seems fine now. Thanks for your advice