First Columbia Motor Rebuild - from a 1913 Eclipse

[CDBPDX]

Just tore down and put back together a 2 spring Columbia motor c.1913. The springs were actually riveted into the barrels! Got to the end of the spring and it wouldn't pop out. The smashed rivet was larger than the hole in the spring in both barrels. Live and learn. Good thing both springs were healthy, though one was much 'lighter' than the other, much easier to bend to reinstall.

Replaced the nylon geared spindle gear with a solid brass one. Took a while to finagle the spindle gear to just the right place on the shaft and relocate the governor shaft so that it would run smoothly, but it runs great now. Some of the screws on the plate between the spring barrels were missing. While unwinding now, the grease pushes out those screw holes like toothpaste.

Also got the Symphonola up and running, though the tone arm swivel joint is still frozen tight even after 2 days soaking in WD-40. Adjusted the speed control and regreased most of it. Runs great, now.

Amazing that these 100 year old machines only take a little tinkering to get back into good shape.

CDB

[Dave D]

Congratulations! It is a good feeling to bring something back to life, isn't?
Just wondering where you got the brass gear to replace the fiber one.
Dave

[CDBPDX]

Got the part from Wyatt's Musical Americana. They're online.

Congratulations! It is a good feeling to bring something back to life, isn't?
Just wondering where you got the brass gear to replace the fiber one.
Dave