The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Somewhat recently I got a beautiful L Door Victrola, the only problem is that it has a turntable that is not level. I tried removing it by lifting like all other Victrolas, and I was able to move it around, but it was stopped by the spindle, and would not move beyond it. It seems like there is something different with is earlier style turntable setup, like how the spindle has a notch in it. Any help would be appreciated!

Using a slotted driver. Just unscrew the spindle cap counter clockwise and remove. Then, just lift off the table.

That spindle cap is notched to accept a flat blade screw driver. The spindle cap comes off and then the turntable will come off the spindle. Once you take the turntable off, make sure all the motor mount bolts are snug-that may be the answer to the turntable not being level. If they are snug and it is still not level, make sure the all the gaskets between the motor and the motor board are still in place. These were made of leather and are often missing.

My L-door was my first machine and I love it. Congratulaions!

Matt

Thanks so much! I was able to get off the turntable by unscrewing the spindle cap, it just took a little elbow grease to get it to budge!

oldphonographsteve wrote:Thanks! Now I just need to figure out how to unstick the spindle cap.

You can place a couple drops of penetrating oil into the slot. The oil will go down onto the threads. Be careful not to crack the spindle cap (this can happen). You should be able to remove once the oil is added. There is no other way to remove the table.... .
You can wrap the cap with masking tape and use pliers to get a better hold to loosen. However, this would only be a last case measure. You would not want to mar the cap.

I notice your L-door is oak, and has a bullet brake. Nice! How about photos that show the whole machine?

bbphonoguy wrote:I notice your L-door is oak, and has a bullet brake. Nice! How about photos that show the whole machine?

Yeah, sure! Here are some full-machine photos, its from about January 1911.

Gorgeous!