The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I got a new wood bed plate for my Edison Home (model B I think).
Does the bottom and top of the motor have to come apart to be installed on the new plate? Any order of dis-assembly?
A cockatoo bird ate part of my phonograph, now I am finally restoring the machine.
I also need a nice lid as the bird ate part of the side molding too, but the damage is not as bothersome to me as the front of the bedplate is.

I think you are asking if the mechanism can be removed or installed in a Home cabinet without separating the motor from the top works. Yes, it is a bit of a puzzle but it can be done. Put the winding shaft end in first at an angle and try to work the lower belt pulley past the edge of the top board. I struggle every time but it is possible. Keep trying! Jerry Blais

It makes it MUCH easier if you remove the lower pulley.

George P.

Removing the lower pulley is the way to go with removing the motor from the Home. When I put the motor back, I noticed that the lower pulley had a huge wobble (to the point where it was rubbing on the governor bearing). I don't know if I caused it when I tried to remove the motor with the pulley on, or if it was already there when I got the machine. The source of the wobble was the pulley shaft was bent a little bit, I was able to straighten it and now the wobble is gone and the pulley runs true.
I would recommend lubricating the motor when it is out because the bearings in the back are hard to get at.

"I would recommend lubricating the motor when it is out...."

I would also "lubricate" the bird that ate my phonograph!

Bird is GONE!
We gave her up for adoption. We rescued her from an abusive owner, but she was too crazy for us. After a few escapes, and bites, we found her a new home with people who know way more about these birds than we did.