The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The bed plate for my Amberola B VIII has a problem - it is cracked in 2 places, on the verge of becoming 2 pieces. Can it be welded or brazed?

The attached photo shows the 2 cracks. Didn't notice that when I got it. Now I understand why the reproducer seems to be too low on the cylinder - the bedplate is uneven because of these cracks. I don't think I'll be able to find a replacement bedplate so am hoping this can be repaired.

CDB

Edison bedplate castings are cast iron, and perhaps even low grade cast iron, in my experience and opinion. Cast iron has the reputation for being hard to weld.

Have you contacted various dealers that part out machines, such as Croaking Frog or Neelam? I'll bet those dealers have bed plates laying around left over long after most parts such as reproducers, springs, cranks and cabinets have already been been sold.

Cast iron can be tough to weld, but the right person can do the job. When I was in high school auto shop, I was doing a rebuild on my 57 Chev's 283 motor and when we were putting it back in the chain on the host slipped and dropped the block on its corner, and broke it right at the motor mount point- the section broke right off. My shop teacher welded it back together, ground it smooth and I drove that car all through college and sold it right before or first kid came. Check around with some weld shops and I am sure you will find someone to do the job
Abe