Need help with a Edison standard e combination type

[martinola]

Go real easy on cleaning the bedplate. Abrasives (such as steel wool and rubbing compound) can destroy the nice decals in no time. Start with non-abrasive GoJo hand cleaner and plenty of paper towels. GoJo will soften things up as well, so go easy with that and let things harden up over a week or two before attempting to polish. The bedplate finish is like this: bottom layer - asphaltum, middle layer - decal/transfer, top layer(s) - shellac. Some decals/transfers were applied over shellac, and therefore even more prone to disaster. Your machine was made near the end of production at a time when Edison was using up parts. That accounts for the "Combination Type" patent plate and lid sticker implying that it is a 2&4 minute machine even though it's a 4 minute only machine. Very nice machine. I really like the Model E machines. Keep it as original as you can. For some reason, the later machines have a poor survival rate for original finishes.

Best Regards,
Martin

[JerryVan]

do you use 0000 steel wool?

No, never. That will just scratch and dull the finish.

[oldtvsandtoys]

Next question. I just got the mandrel bushing, both the gear and pulley go on the shaft real easy. But i will have to sand the shaft to get the bushing on. Is this normal?

[martinola]

If the shaft is all hacked up, you might need to smooth it somewhat. However, my vote is to alter the slightly off reproduction part rather than the original part. The reasoning is that you might in future run across an original or better made reproduction and if you alter the original part, the fit will always be off. I'd be looking into reaming the new bushing until the shaft fits and spins properly. Think about using a drill bit or dowel with sandpaper. This will probably take a few tries before you get just the right amount of looseness. I just went thru this in April getting my model D playing correctly. Take your time and you'll have a smooth and steady playing machine.

Regards,
Martin

[oldtvsandtoys]

If the shaft is all hacked up, you might need to smooth it somewhat. However, my vote is to alter the slightly off reproduction part rather than the original part. The reasoning is that you might in future run across an original or better made reproduction and if you alter the original part, the fit will always be off. I'd be looking into reaming the new bushing until the shaft fits and spins properly. Think about using a drill bit or dowel with sandpaper. This will probably take a few tries before you get just the right amount of looseness. I just went thru this in April getting my model D playing correctly. Take your time and you'll have a smooth and steady playing machine.

Regards,
Martin

Thats what I'm thinking. But not what the seller is telling me. The shaft looks perfect, and the gear and belt pulley go on with no problem.

[JerryVan]

Have you installed the bushing already? If it's a tight fit in the machine, then the inside diameter may have closed up a bit and will need to be re-sized. Even if it's not installed yet, it's not uncommon for a bushing to be a snug fit and need re-sizing. The re-sizing can be done, ideally with a reamer. However, you can also do it with a drill if you're very careful. Don't modify the shaft as it will then be too small for everything else that fits on it.

[oldtvsandtoys]

Have you installed the bushing already? If it's a tight fit in the machine, then the inside diameter may have closed up a bit and will need to be re-sized. Even if it's not installed yet, it's not uncommon for a bushing to be a snug fit and need re-sizing. The re-sizing can be done, ideally with a reamer. However, you can also do it with a drill if you're very careful. Don't modify the shaft as it will then be too small for everything else that fits on it.

The bushing went right into the machine. I did send a reamer down the inside of the bushing, now it works well. Little more cleaning and I will put her back together.

I do want to thank all of you for your help.

[JerryVan]

Have you installed the bushing already? If it's a tight fit in the machine, then the inside diameter may have closed up a bit and will need to be re-sized. Even if it's not installed yet, it's not uncommon for a bushing to be a snug fit and need re-sizing. The re-sizing can be done, ideally with a reamer. However, you can also do it with a drill if you're very careful. Don't modify the shaft as it will then be too small for everything else that fits on it.

The bushing went right into the machine. I did send a reamer down the inside of the bushing, now it works well. Little more cleaning and I will put her back together.

I do want to thank all of you for your help.

Great!!