The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi, I'm new here and could use some help. I recently purchased a graphophone bk cylinder machine that was missing a belt. I installed a new belt and it works ok and will play but the belt won't stay in the groove. It jumps out everytime, I tried flipping it but then it hops the opposite side. I used a leather belt and it seems that it's not stretched evenly. Does anyone have a good method for correcting this problem?

When making a new leather belt you have to soften it first. Take the length of leather and pull it back and forth over and down the edge of a desk or work bench. Do this one both sides and it will soften the leather, stretch it out as well as straighten it out. Make sure when you fit the belt to the machine that both the upper and lower pulley are aligned properly. Also make sure that the surfaces on both pulleys are clean and free of old grease.
Pete

The belt on my BK also has 3 rows of continuous stitching around the belt. I think this was common on Graphophone machines. This may help to keep the belt in tension and stop it stretching or it may have just been for decoration? Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. The belt stretched so much I had to shorten it, but now the belt is staying on track.