Columbia Grafonola Tabletop Barn Find and info on its restoration

[dzavracky]

This was an absolutely FANTASTIC restoration. Awesome job; I am looking forward to following the next restoration.

Would you be able to post a video of it playing?

David

[Herderz]

Thanks dzavracky, I will have to work on the video, but I think I can do it. Just have to be update on how. I have always been very high tech in the past but of my later years have been disconnected because of the addiction I think people now days are in. Can't live without there cell phones and such. I will do a update in video soon.

[Herderz]

Well after doing a new finish on my VV-IX in satin lacquer I decided to redo my Columbia. I disassembled the machine and gave it a light sanding with 400 grit and a #0000 wool wipe. I put 3 coats over the 10 coat shellac job in satin lacquer. Now it looks like I wanted at the start of the project. I just did not know how to get there.
Before

[Inigo]

Very nice!

[AmberolaAndy]

Lookin’ good!

[Inigo]

Which grease is that you're using in the motor gears?
Do you use the same for the springs?

[Herderz]

I have been using white lithium grease on all motors and springs to this point. The VV-IX I used red lithium which is a high temp grease. No reason for the switch I just ran out of the white. I like the lithium because it does not break down over time or get hard.

[Inigo]

Thanks. The lithium grease I find in Madrid is honey colour, and I suspect it's not very good... If I fill the springs with this grease, there is some thumping.... I add a bit of graphite powder to it and mix, and it seems to go better. But in portables only. The big machines yet I've not found the right grease from what is available here. Molykote neither seems to work well...