The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello

I have found the original crank for my Edison Standard machine.
It is the push in type.

It is unfortunately damaged in that one half of the push in part is broekn / missing.

Can I repair this or do I have to make or get a complete new replica crank?

I can weld, machine etc. but I don't know much about cast iron repair.

Best regards
Bernt

Hi, I know of no way to adequately repair this crank when one side of the slot is broken off. If you grind it down to remove the slot and recut the slot it will be too short and the handle will hit the wood bedplate frame. Perhaps someone else has a repair tactic that works.

I think your only repair option would be to have the shaft cut short and a new end welded on. Probably cheaper and safer to find another crank.

I can't help with the repair but don't throw it away. The crank for a suitcase Home is shorter. You could shorten the crank, drill it out, and add the slot and you'd have a nice crank for an early Home. Jerry

Hi

Thanks. For the moment, the crank still works.
I will sort out the other - bigger issues first and then see if I can get one or make a complete replacement.

Best regards
Bernt

Cast iron can't be welded but it can be brazed with a torch.
You could cut the shank back and make another part out of steel
and braze it back on.Grind it smooth and cover the whole part with black paint
to hide everything.The new steel will never break.

Hello

I do not think that would be a problem to wled or braze a small area like a crank like this.

PROBELm is that I don;t have the missing piece(s)


I am thinking along the same lines as you are.

In fact, last night, in bed I thought the following:

Drill / bore the crank hole a bit deeper.

Cut off the broken part + another ¼"
Machine a piece of steel that fits onto and into the hole of the remaining crank perfectly and has the slots on the end etc.

Press this part into the remaining crank something like Loctite 660.

Tidy up , paint and done.

What do you think?


Best regards
Bernt

I would not trust any sort of adhesive to stand up to the torque force involved.

estott wrote:I would not trust any sort of adhesive to stand up to the torque force involved.

Maybe he could thread the hole in the crank and the end of the new part that fits into it?

AllWoundUp wrote:

estott wrote:I would not trust any sort of adhesive to stand up to the torque force involved.

Maybe he could thread the hole in the crank and the end of the new part that fits into it?

Maybe - but can you cut threads into cast iron?