The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently picked up a decent,,,ok, maybe less than decent HVM 102 from eBay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-WIND-UP ... true&rt=nc

The machine began working as soon as I loosened the tone arm bracket with "rust buster" and oiled the governor. But, the thumb screw is broken off in the housing. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

The machine looked as though it had been water/moisture damaged.

Any, any help is appreciated and more help than I have now.

Mattrx

Whatever method you use to remove the remains of the screw, you will have to remove the stylus bar first, by removing the two screws that it swivels on, then unsoldering the bar from the centre of the "spider" on the diaphragm. The one and only time I've managed to do this successfully was using this method.Soak the thread in penetrating oil for 24 hours, then soak in white spirit or alcohol to to remove all traces of oil. (hopefully the penetrating oil will have done it's job on the thread by now) then drill through the opposite side of the needle hole, and, if the broken thread is touching the back of the needle hole, slightly into the broken thread.Then,using a nail with a flattened end, or a smaller drill that is just small enough to pass through the drilled hole, put a tiny drop of instant glue on the end of the nail or drill and quickly push it through the hole into the hole in the thread. If the thread isn't touching the back, then straight onto the square end of the thread. Leave it to set for a few minutes, then gently turn the rod or drill clockwise, which should unscrew the broken thread. If it doesnt move, then leave the rod attached, and apply more oil to the thread for 24 hours, and try again. Very fiddly, but if it works, it's worth it, as the No. 5 soundboxes are very expensive.

Thank you for the detailed response. I do not have the tools to do this. I will most likely have to send it off and hope for the best. I fiddled with it again tonight, but to no avail. Maybe a jeweler will have the correct tools...