The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

One of my Edison home machines is hard to wind. It plays well once wound up but curious what could be causing the hard winding. Spring need to be regreased, spring shortened somewhere along the line? Thanks. Bill K

dutchman wrote:One of my Edison home machines is hard to wind. It plays well once wound up but curious what could be causing the hard winding. Spring need to be regreased, spring shortened somewhere along the line? Thanks. Bill K

Sounds to me like the motor could use a complete cleaning. The build up of gunk from old oil and grease can cause a great deal of friction in any of the moving parts. Can you snap a picture of the motor?

Fran

Sure can. I'll take a photo or two tomorrow morning and post them. Thanks

My Edison Standard A is the same. I completely cleaned and re-greased the motor myself, so I know it's not that. The spring is brand new, purchased from Wyatt's. It was a bear to put in, so I think it is just a very strong spring that's causing it to be hard to wind. Of course bit then plays through 4 cylinders easily, so I'm not complaining.

Andreas

You may have hit the nail on the head Alang. At any rate here are a few photos:

alang wrote:My Edison Standard A is the same. I completely cleaned and re-greased the motor myself, so I know it's not that. The spring is brand new, purchased from Wyatt's. It was a bear to put in, so I think it is just a very strong spring that's causing it to be hard to wind. Of course bit then plays through 4 cylinders easily, so I'm not complaining.

Andreas

I'm taking Alang's solution which he posted July 11, 2014........ Bill K