When to consider a pot metal reproducer dead?

[Zeppy]

I was wondering at what point other folks consider a pot metal reproducer junk for parts. I have one pot metal orthophonic reproducer that has some small cracks on the back, and another slight one along the outer edge. My guess rebuilding it would probably not end well. However, I have a brass outer case for an orthophonic, with no guts. Part of me just wants to take the diaphragm from the the pot metal one, and use it for the brass. But another part of me says the pot metal one isn't in that bad of shape to justify killing it. And here's the kicker...none of these reproducers are actually going to be used. I don't own a single orthophonic machine ("newest" machine is 1913). I just like to collect reproducers (in addition to the two mentioned above, I have two more orthophonic reproducers, one brass, one pot metal, with no signs of cracking or swelling).

[estott]

I was wondering at what point other folks consider a pot metal reproducer junk for parts. I have one pot metal orthophonic reproducer that has some small cracks on the back, and another slight one along the outer edge. My guess rebuilding it would probably not end well. However, I have a brass outer case for an orthophonic, with no guts. Part of me just wants to take the diaphragm from the the pot metal one, and use it for the brass. But another part of me says the pot metal one isn't in that bad of shape to justify killing it. And here's the kicker...none of these reproducers are actually going to be used. I don't own a single orthophonic machine ("newest" machine is 1913). I just like to collect reproducers (in addition to the two mentioned above, I have two more orthophonic reproducers, one brass, one pot metal, with no signs of cracking or swelling).

If you are really not going to use your orthophonic reproducers, then keep the cracked one and give the good ones to someone who needs them.

[Zeppy]

If you are really not going to use your orthophonic reproducers, then keep the cracked one and give the good ones to someone who needs them.

But then the reproducer collection would be lacking. I started collecting reproducers because they take up less space than machines. So while I can't have every machine I want due to space limitations, I can have a broader collection of reproducers, and naturally, I also would like all of them to be rebuilt, in ready to use condition, even if I don't use it. I have nearly a dozen variations of the Exhibition alone (all rebuilt), which in theory I could use, but is there a point in switching an every day Exhibition for a gramophone and Typerwriter one, or an HMV one that has an image of nipper at the 12 o'clock position? Am I going to buy any machine, just to make all of these variations functional? That would be just silly. About the extent of that would be the ability to swap an Exhibition, for a 2, 4, or Improved Concert (anyone have a #10 they would like to donate?). So the point of the reproducer collection isn't merely functionality.

I guess if I ever do purchase an orthophonic machine, at least I know I'll have a good reproducer for it.

[Retrograde]

If a pot metal orthophonic reproducer is still air tight and doesn't buzz or rattle, then I'd suggest leaving it alone. I've had several with cracks that did not cause an air leaks, so they played just fine. No sense in destroying a working reproducer.

[FloridaClay]

If a pot metal orthophonic reproducer is still air tight and doesn't buzz or rattle, then I'd suggest leaving it alone. I've had several with cracks that did not cause an air leaks, so they played just fine. No sense in destroying a working reproducer.

Second that motion, most especially if you have no plans to use them. If you take them apart the pot metal will likely come apart. I'd leave them alone so they will be in original condition when they find their way on to someone else someday.

As a collector, I view myself as a custodian with an obligation to preserve machines as best I can for future generations, as well as enjoying them myself while they are in my care.

Clay

[Zeppy]

As a collector, I view myself as a custodian with an obligation to preserve machines as best I can for future generations, as well as enjoying them myself while they are in my care.

Clay

That is my general approach to things (to an extreme at times), but not being particularly well versed in the world of pot metal and orthophonics, I really just have no idea what is considered acceptable, and what is considered junk.

Even to the extent of looking for a junk orthophonic for the guts, how bad does it take to be beyond hope?

[HisMastersVoice]

how bad does it take to be beyond hope?

I'd say that if it sounds terrible and can't be adjusted or rebuilt without something breaking, then it is beyond hope. Unfortunately not having an Orthophonic machine makes it a bit difficult to determine that. I've seen reproducers that look like they are about to self destruct that sounded great, and others in perfect aesthetic condition that sounded awful, so it's hard to tell just by looking.

[Edisone]

This one faces death:

[Player-Tone]

I had several cracks in my pot metal tone arm over the years; I managed to fix them using JB-Weld.

JB-Weld holds great on pot metal, and if done carefully will keep a good clean look while preserving the original part.

-I originally tried super glue, but it did not hold.

[phonoman-antique]

I would keep the pot metal one and try to repair the cracks with epoxy.
Use gloves and smear the mixed epoxy into the cracks.
Then wipe the excess down to the metal.Use a q-tip to clean excess.
This will make the pot metal stronger and air tight.