The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently got a viva-tonal machine and am wondering what kind of gaskets do I use in no.15 reproducer, the same ones used in a victor exhibition? Also I know about there being no replacements for the red gasket in the back and I can make my own but what kind of rubber should I use?
-Tom

The gaskets used for the "Exhibition" are fine for the No.15.

If you reckon you can make the red insulating gaskets, please share the know-how with us, as no-one else seems to have much success!

Barry

For the red rubber gastkets I plan on trying multiple thinks but the first attempt I will make is by creating a stencil of the gaskets shape, diamenter, center hole ect. Then ordering rubber from here: http://www.rubbersheetroll.com/silicone ... rature.htm and cutting to right thickness and shape. Do you think this will work? the reason I asked about the kind of rubber used is because I would like to make thes as close to original as possible so if anyone knows I would greatly appreciate it.
-Tom
If things work out I might be able to make some for anyone who needs a replacement.

The problem with these gaskets is that the holes that take the six screws (three in each side) are not the same diameter all the way through the rubber. The top half of the hole has to be wide enough to take the screw head, but then the rest of it is only wide enough to take the shank of the screw. How do you cut these holes? My idea was to make the gasket in two halves, which means punching one large hole and one small in each half, but then comes the problem of how to join the two halves together. Plus, the holes have to be in exactly the right place. One millimetre out, and nothing lines up! I've spent many hours trying different ways, and have had very limited success.

I have also tried cheating, by putting the screws into the back of the soundbox, then the ones into the smaller collar, putting a generous amount of silicone sealant between the screws and then placing the collar onto the soundbox. Then, when the sealant has hardened, trimming off the excess that protruded from the gap between the back of the soundbox and the collar. It sort of worked, but there are air pockets, and the trimming leaves the part of the gasket that shows looking distinctly amateurish, to say the least!

Barry

Well I went a took apart the reproducer and I see what you mean with the gasket dilemma. Unfortionatly I lost a ball bearing
Do these use the same ball bearings as the orthophonic reproducer?
-Tom

P.S I was looking at the website that had the supplies and in there description they said they can do custom gaskets and moulding so if we can find a good original I'm sure they could make copies.
http://www.allstategasket.com/info_mold ... ded-01.asp

Tpapp54321 wrote: Unfortionatly I lost a ball bearing
Do these use the same ball bearings as the orthophonic reproducer?

Sorry, I can't answer that one, as I've never seen an Orthophonic. They're a bit scarce here in England!

Barry

The Columbia ball bearings are smaller diameter than the orthophonics. There are sources for such bearings on the net but you need to measure their gauge (or cannibalize from another reproducer).

Plan on getting a hold of the gasket company and seeing if they can make me a replica. I just need to know the type of rubber and all that and if someone knows where I can get a diagram of the gasket it would be much appreciated. If it works out well it might just work as a source for replacements .
-Tom