The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have an Edison Opera from a local guy. It is very noisy and the trouble seems to be in the mandrel shaft gear. Are those available? I have heard it is a common problem with Operas. If not available, who can make a new one?
Thanks,
Dave D

If you are talking about the fiber gear, I repaired mine with some J-B weld, a file, and a Dremmel Tool. My Opera has been playing fine for almost 20 years with this repair. My gear had about a third of the teeth badly damaged. I cleaned the gear and put some J-B weld in that area and let it dry. Then I took the governor out and ran the motor. With the gear spinning, I filed the sides, taper, and crown to match the good section of the gear. Then I used a Dremmel bit that was the same size as the good teeth and cut in making new teeth in the J-B Weld.

Hi,
This is the first Opera I have ever worked on and it is a beveled brass gear that mates with the governor worm gear. I finally got this thing apart and cleaned the gear to inspect it. I found it has a radial crack and that is what is causing all the fuss. I have checked with George V for a replacement and I am waiting for a reply. If none is available, I will have to see about having one made.
Dave

Dave,

See what the "usual sources" come up with. If they don't have one I can probably make one for you.

I heard from a couple of people that Ron Stiko sells these and one is on the way.
Dave

Dave D wrote:I heard from a couple of people that Ron Stiko sells these and one is on the way.
Dave

Even better!