The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm about to pull out what little hair I have left. I'm working on a friend's newly acquired Drip-Pan Model A Gem. It's my first experience working on a Drip-pan.. I cannot figure out how the speed control/on-off switch should be configured. I won't even try to describe what it's doing, but I'm convinced that something is either missing, backward or I'm dumb-- I'll willingly accept any of the above--just want to get it running right. Can someone post a picture of the inside control mech so I can see what if anything is wrong?? It would be much appreciated!
Thanks--
Brad

Here's a photo of the mech.

Thanks for the picture--- That looks like what I have-- There is a small leaf spring attached to the mounting bracket that engages the side of the case and creates pressure. My leaf spring shoots out to the left. My problem is that when I push the on-off knob/plunger in it pushes the right side of the L-shaped bracket down which moves the pad away from the governor plate and allows the motor to run very fast. When the knob/plunger is pulled out, the L-bracket can touch the screw end of the knurled speed control knob which can regulate the speed. I can only stop the motor by turning the inside knurled knob to slow and eventually stop the machine. The plunger seems to have no real "position" and is pushed back out by the pressure from the leaf spring-- I know my explanation is lacking-- Can you describe what each position of the plunger does to the L-bracket, and how the leaf spring affects it? Your help is much appreciated.

Brad

It took awhile, but I figured this puppy out-- The stem on the on/off plunger needs to have a slight bend in it to create enough friction to hold it in either the in or out position-- Out equals stop-- In equals run-- It's running well and speed is regulated-- Thanks!
Brad

That brings back memories. I had an early drip pan years ago and found it very peculiar that the on/off knob had a bend in the shaft, but quickly learned that it was the only way to hold position by friction. It's a very crude machine to say the least. If I remember correctly, the governor springs were soldered in place rather than screwed. I always worried about a spring breaking on me.