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I just received a really nice Canadian Berliner branded VV-VI. Remembering the recent phono karma discussions I was horrified to find that the mainspring was fully wound and that the little gear between the mainspring bull gear and the governor had become loose and slipped and was the only thing that prevented the mainsprings from explosively unwinding. I did not want to loose fingers or damage the gears, so I pondered several days how to safely let the motor unwind. I ended upcreating little wood blocks with a notch that would secure them to the bull gear, use a screwdriver to carefully counter the tension of the mainsprings, move the little gear out of the way, and let the wooden blocks secure the mainsprings. Then I was able to properly align and secure the little gear. Now that the governor was again properly connected to the motor I simply removed (broke) the little wooden blocks and let the motor unwind as usual.

I'm not sure if that happens often? It seems that the little set screw that holds the little gear in place could easily come loose, which would let the gear slip down and get stuck in the bull gear. The motor could still be wound, but would not be able to run down, because of the increased tension on the stuck gear. Has any one else seen this before?

Andreas

I have not encountered the problem you describe, but if I was concerned about the small gear slipping again, I would ponder two options. 1) If there is not a flat spot on the shaft where the screw makes contact, I would consider grinding a slight one. 2) Auto shops carry several thread lock compounds, some more permanent than others. I would use the weaker compound in case someone needs to loosen the screw in the future.

It seems to me to be poor original design.
It would be best to have a key and keyway.
This allows gear adjustment but never allows gear to slip.

Andreas,

There should be a sight dimple in the spindle shaft. This is where the gear set screw sits and will stay secure. I have owned many Canadian models and have never seen one that has shifted. I would say someone was playing around with it.
The easiest way to have fixed this would be to hold the table with your hand and after you loosen the gears set screw.....turn the table backwards by hand until the gear is free. In other words not very much. Then while holding the table....slide the gear up into place and let the springs wind down.
After the tension is relived.....you can confirm the set screw is indeed in the dimple.

gramophone78 wrote:Andreas,

There should be a sight dimple in the spindle shaft. This is where the gear set screw sits and will stay secure. I have owned many Canadian models and have never seen one that has shifted. I would say someone was playing around with it.
The easiest way to have fixed this would be to hold the table with your hand and after you loosen the gears set screw.....turn the table backwards by hand until the gear is free. In other words not very much. Then while holding the table....slide the gear up into place and let the springs wind down.
After the tension is relived.....you can confirm the set screw is indeed in the dimple.

I did not have the time yet to take the motor apart and clean it properly. The springs have the typical thump of hardened grease. Once I've done that I will update this post if there is a dimple or similar where the set screw should go. My first worry was to get the tension out of the springs and move that gear back up to the governor. I guess I was just paranoid about the thought of two springs suddenly releasing all their energy if my hands slipped or something. Better safe than sorry I guess.
Thanks for all the insight and advice from everyone.
Andreas

I like seeing these posts in which these various incidents occur and the great solutions offered. This board and its members need to be commended now and then, a really great group.