The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a nice little Edison Home model A cylinder phonograph that almost works. Right now, the main problem is one of the gear wheels in the motor spins on the shaft instead of turning the shaft. I can't really describe which one, but it is the smallest one on one end of the shaft. Attached is a picture with the spinning gear highlighted.

I was thinking about drilling a small hole through the gear into the shaft and installing a pin. Any better ideas?

Thanks! CDB

Common problem. If you look closely it is probably split. Ron Sitko has replacements.

Yes that is the 19 tooth pinion gear, many model As have had them split. The new ones are steel and have a set screw, Yes Ronald Sitko sells them. I have had several in the shop with this problem, I always replace them. For some odd reason I have not seen this happen on the suitcase version?

edisonphonoworks wrote:For some odd reason I have not seen this happen on the suitcase version?

I have.

I've seen them fixed with solder.

It is best to replace this gear, sometimes soldering will help but usually the side that splits is out slightly farther than the other parts, and will catch and either stop the phonograph, or peel the gear. It is hard to imagine how much force is on these gears when they are wound up. Also replace your governor springs, I see one is broken, replace the set, of springs make sure you weigh each of the weights and make them the same weight. Use a scale that can weigh to a hundredth of a gram.

I file a small flat spot on the shaft for the screw to bite on to. A friend of mine also drills a tiny hole for the screw to enter, but I have never had one loosen yet.

An easy way to press them on to the shaft is with a drill press if you do not have an arbor press. Pressing is better than trying to pound them on with a hammer. You can bend the shaft easily if you are not careful.
Dave D

Don't even dream of trying to solder a split pinion gear! I have never used a steel replacement and would favor brass myself. I have used press-fitted brass gears and think it is a good suggestion to use a drill press or arbor press to install them. You can also heat the gear a bit to expand and slip it on. Gears with a set screw also work well and are very convenient to install. Filing a slight flat spot on the shaft for the screw to bite into is also a good idea.

Good grief, order a replacement. Wouldn't cost but a couple bucks.

I had the good fortune to find a gear cluster on ebay that has the right gear and at the right price. I've had this machine for about a year and slowly gathered parts here and there and now I think I have all the parts necessary to get it running. Cool! CDB