Winding a phonograph

[jeigh44]

Hi everyone,

First of all, I want to thank everybody for being so receptive to my basic questions. My question was about winding the victor v phonograph. How often do you wind it? How many times or how tightly? do you wind it up each time between records?

Thanks so much.

[Curt A]

Wind it if the record begins to slo-o-o-o-w down. You will eventually get an idea of how strong your motor is by how many records it can play on one winding. As far as winding, wind until you feel firm resistance - not too tight. Oil your motor and moving components regularly to free up any slowing resulting from gummy old lubrication. Never wind your machine if it is stored in a cold environment (probably less than 50 degrees) as the springs get brittle and are more likely to break. Some phonos require winding between each record and that is normal. Don't let kids, visitors or other people unfamiliar with phonographs wind your machine... if they want to hear it, wind it yourself. Change needles after each play...

[Phono-Phan]

My rule of thumb is to only wind up the motor to play one record. The number of turns on the crank depend on the strength of the springs and condition of the motor. Each of my machines are different.
Originally, you could wind them up several turns and play more than one record but that really strains the mainsprings. Also, never leave a motor wound up as the springs can take a set and lose strength if left wound up. I usually turn the motor off once the record slows down.

[jeigh44]

Thanks for the responses. It seems like I need to wind it about 25-30 times for it to play one record front and back. Does that sound right? Also, how often should I oil it and how is this done?

Thanks so much.

[ambrola]

Every once in awhile, I wind mine up until the end, and give it a good jerk. If you ever have a spring come loose, you will know why. It seats the spring in the catch.

[Joe_DS]

Thanks for the responses. It seems like I need to wind it about 25-30 times for it to play one record front and back. Does that sound right? Also, how often should I oil it and how is this done?

Thanks so much.

I noted you have a Victor V. That's about the same number of turns to play a standard 10" record on mine. Normally, I give it about 30-40 turns of the crank, and about 20 turns after I've played each record during a listening session. The most I've ever wound it was about 75 turns, when I first got it back from the repair shop.

I also always let the springs wind down completely after I'm done playing it, and will then give the handle a couple of turns. In that way, there's no real tension buildup in the springs that some say can lead to problems by putting one-way pressure on the gears.

You can find oiling and basic maintenance information by culling over the Victrola manuals on this page -- http://www.nipperhead.com/old/ephemera.htm

Here's a good guide labeling the basic motor parts if you have other questions -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/Repair.htm

HTH,
Joe

[Victrolacollector]

Well said to all the board members.

As you never know how old the mainsprings are or the condition.

I have a Heineman Motor in my Magnola.....give it about 60-70 turns, plays
3 sides great, but had both springs replaced 20 years ago, and relubed them a few years ago. I never left wound up when no playing.


My VV-IX which I play 78's on had new mainsprings installed 10 years ago, again I never leave wound up when not playing.....I give it about 40 turns, and get about 3 sides.

My Edison B-19 has what I assume to be the original mainspring, wind it about 30-40 turns and only gives one play of Diamond Disc.

All depends....Also I recommend, the motor be cleaned and mainsprings inspected, cleaned and re-lubed or replaced. It is not a do-it-yourself job unless you know what your doing! Mainspring removal and replacement is dangerous without experience. A good clean motor and proper lube, it will last maybe another 50 years.

All the best,

Jerry

[jeigh44]

Hi Joe,

Thanks so much! Yes, 35-40 seems about right. Thanks so much for the tips. Much appreciated.

[phonogfp]

A little late to this party, but the third paragraph of this article offers advice similar to that received here...

http://www.antiquephono.org/basic-antiq ... onal-tips/

There's no teacher like experience!

George P.

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

I fully wind all my machines, as I feel it helps keep everything circulated. My XVII takes 102 cranks to fully wind it, which can wear your arm out, but will allow it to play 4-5 records.