Lets Share some Knowledge You've Learned!!!

[JerryVan]

I was getting her an engagement ring at the time. Otherwise I would probably have spent too much on Diamond Discs and another beyond-hope project machine.)

Charles,

I'm so happy to read this
Good for you!

[phonograph guy3435]

OMG you do not have to be sorry, happy engagement!

[drh]

OK, here's a tip: you can make a diamond engagement ring by gluing an Edison disc needle bar to one of those one-size-fits-all vending machine ring bodies. Hope this helps!

[zipcord]

I hope she says yes

[fran604g]

I have found that using used 27” bicycle tire tubes is the best way to secure Victrolas and record cabinets from their doors and drawers from opening while transporting. There are no wire “knuckle’s” or "buckles" that can rub against the piece. So, find an avid cyclist friend and ask them to save their used inner tubes. They replace them after a number of patches, you want the old ones, cut the valve stem out and you have a robust giant rubber band. It is a great way to go! - John

My pal George showed me this "trick" many years ago, and about all I can say is, "brilliant"!

[epigramophone]

When transporting a cabinet gramophone on it's back in a car, lay it on a travelling rug or a heavy duty plastic sheet.
When you open the tailgate, pull on the rug/sheet and the gramophone will slide out without snagging on the car interior.

[phonogfp]

I have found that using used 27” bicycle tire tubes is the best way to secure Victrolas and record cabinets from their doors and drawers from opening while transporting. There are no wire “knuckle’s” or "buckles" that can rub against the piece. So, find an avid cyclist friend and ask them to save their used inner tubes. They replace them after a number of patches, you want the old ones, cut the valve stem out and you have a robust giant rubber band. It is a great way to go! - John

My pal George showed me this "trick" many years ago, and about all I can say is, "brilliant"!

Yes, but as I learned last weekend, it works only when you remember to bring it along!

George P.

[ColoradoPhonograf]

This is a good topic. Since we recently lost Don Gfell in our hobby. I had opportunities to see how he repaired wood horns in person. I have made and set up jigs to repair several of my own. I did an important Victor spruce with providence, and several Edison wood cygnets. I'm in the process of doing a Victor spearpoint which had damage on the small end. Don was an incredibly smart guy. I hope I can save a few of mine which need a few repairs. Nice gracious guy. I'm a wood guy and hope I can do him complete respect for our hobby. This is not meant to be an offering to work on yours. I'm still being educated in the "learning curve". Victors and Columbias have their own personalities and designs in construction.

D Edwards

[emerson]

Something I learned about an Emerson Console I have. It has 2 beveled glass doors-----one at the horn opening and the other at the record storage area. Not ever recalling seeing a phonograph with glass doors, I thought the grill must of been broken and replaced with glass or they just wanted to see the Music master Horn and replaced it with glass? AND THEN, on Marketplace there was the console with a wooden grill in both doors (just the way I thought it was suppose to be) -----NO, there was then another console on Marketplace with etched glass doors (really nice). So the same model had 3 different variations in the doors----yearly model upgrades? ----just a guess. So that is what I have learned and glad to know. The etched doors model was out of my price range and the grill model ----the gentleman was to far away but sent me tracings of the grills for me----good guy

[Damfino59]

Here is some of my hints & tips.

Go to estate sales where the man of the house has a basement work shop. If he is of a certain age there will be a collection of hardware. Such as screws & nuts in glass jars. All sorted sometimes. Wood screws & machine screws. These sometimes go real cheap. Especially towards the end of the sale.

In the Rockford Illinois area we have many retirees who were machinist.

Also vintage tools are available. Some of a quality that new tools lack.

I always keep one of those Harbor Freight moving blankets in the back of a five door Subaru Impreza. Came in real handy taking home a oak Edison C19 this past October. Another estate sale purchased! Fortunately on the last day of the sale it was 75% off $800. And I had a friend with a strong back with me