The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi, I've already got my first question!

While cleaning and inspecting the parts during my Victor 2-spring rebuild I noticed something that looked abnormal with the governor spur gear. As this is my first phonograph and first rebuild, I have nothing to compare it to. There are little coffers that surround the hole where the spur gear surrounds the worm shaft, they look to be broken/smashed? to me. What's your opinion? Do I need a new governor spur gear, or is this not a big deal? Thanks for the advice!

-Tara

Hi Tara,

Here is a pic of a spare spur gear I have:
It looks like the "squishing" was done at the factory to attach the gear to to the collar. As long as the gear is tight on the collar I would think it should be OK. that said, if the gear does come loose, so the collar can spin freely within the gear, the platter would spin VERY fast and the spring would unwind very quickly which would not be A Good Thing.

Mark

Mark,

Thank you for your time and picture! I appreciate it. So, it is pretty much a strengthening thing to hold the gear to the collar... After reading what you said about the possible outcomes (even though the integrity seems to be fine on my gear) I think I will replace it.

Thanks again!

-Tara

Tara,

No problem! If you want to save some $$, I could send you my spare and you could send me your questionable gear. I don't have a use for mine at the moment, and I could silver solder the gear on yours to the collar if I ever do need it.


Mark

I can see from the picture why it may spook you, but I suspect it has looked that way the last 100 years. I don't believe the torque at the governor spur gear to be great enough to be an issue. Gear speed and torque are inversely proportional. If a gear in the gear-train was located several gears closer to the mainspring, then I'd be much more concerned about the huge torque tearing something loose.

Tara, I would slide it back onto the turntable shaft, tighten the setscrew and, wearing leather gloves, hold the gear in one hand and the shaft in the other. Try rotating it back and forth and see if you can feel any looseness between the gear and its core. If you can, it needs to be replaced but if not, you should be OK with it. Be sure to do this with the parts out of the motor frame! This is the location with the lowest torque in the entire motor, so the failure rate of these gears is almost zero. I personally have never seen a bad one.

Jim

Mark, thank you for the kind offer. I think it will be alright, it seems pretty solid.

Also, thank you Phonojim and Vintage for your advice as well!