The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am very fortunate to get a Columbia AJ top wind machine. It is a project machine, and all the parts are there. I'm not familiar with this machine. I noticed that there are no screw holes or a way to attach the motor to the base board. I get the impression that the motor just fits in the holes of the base board. Is there a way to secure the motor so it doesn't just sit there, or is that the design of the top wind AJ?
Harvey Kravitz

My Columbia AT is the same Harvey. There are some pins on the bottom of the base-plate corners that fit into rubber grommets, but the whole is held by gravity. And with the lid on and secured during transport, it is secure. I have never found it to be a problem at all.

Clay

Thanks for the info, Clay. I have another question About the top wind AJ. Does the top and bottom of the base board have veneer on it? Is it quartersawn or plain oak because it is hidden. It looks like the top and bottom need to be re-veneered. If any one can post a picture showing the base board and motor attachment, I sure would appreciate it.
Harvey Kravitz

Harvey,
Here are some pictures of my top-wind AJ. I hope they help with your questions. This AJ is also for sale. If anyone is interested, just PM me.

Ken,
Thank you so much for the pictures. They really help. Does the bottom of the base board have veneer? If so, is it plain or quarter sawn oak? Thanks again for the pictures.
Harvey Kravitz

Harvey, there are actually three grades of oak: plain-sawn, which reveals the least figure; rift-sawn, which reveals some figure but is still relatively straight-grained; and quarter-sawn, which reveals the most figure. Plain-sawn oak is typically left as boards, while rift-sawn may be used as boards or as veneer; and quarter-sawn is almost exclusively a veneer. Chances are your Columbia was veneered with rift-sawn.

Thanks John,
Now I understand the clarification. I know what to look for.I have my marching orders, now.
Harvey Kravitz

JohnM wrote:Harvey, there are actually three grades of oak: plain-sawn, which reveals the least figure; rift-sawn, which reveals some figure but is still relatively straight-grained; and quarter-sawn, which reveals the most figure. Plain-sawn oak is typically left as boards, while rift-sawn may be used as boards or as veneer; and quarter-sawn is almost exclusively a veneer. Chances are your Columbia was veneered with rift-sawn.

Good to know, thanks John!