The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is the technique I have used to properly fit a leather belt on a cylinder phonograph, so that it is snug enough to provide sufficient power transfer and smooth operation.

[youtubehq]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8ao-VUTfv8[/youtubehq]

For a newbie like me, these sorts of videos are invaluable. seeing how to do something is a lot easier to understand, than reading it. thanks!

miker2001 wrote:For a newbie like me, these sorts of videos are invaluable. seeing how to do something is a lot easier to understand, than reading it. thanks!

Yes, the video is a great overview of creating a belt. I would also like to add that creating a belt for a machine (such as Edison and most Columbias) that has a tension pulley is not as critical as for a machine without a tension pulley. The Columbia "Q" and "Eagle" (and their European knock-offs) are examples that do not. Those machines have no belt tension adjustment, so the belt has to be made to fit just right. Too loose, the belt slips. Too tight, the belt completely binds up the low-powered motor or if it runs the machine won't finish a record. Trial and error is often part of getting it just right.

My technique is slightly different. When I do the overlap, I sand with 100 grit sand paper. For the glue I use, I use a very strong contact cement. My choice is Walther's Goo. You can get that in any hobby shop that specializes in model trains. I like the Goo because it is very strong, dries fast, and is very flexible. I use a needle nose pliers to squeeze the belt and leave the little marks. The basic method is the same, but each of us has our own variation.
Harvey Kravitz

I have found that the tighter the belt is, The better. You can always pull it to stretch it I have found. I have been installing belts for years, and I haven't had to remove a single one yet to re-fit. I got my method from an older phonograph collector/dealer. I do the overlap, but I use Krazy Glue Gel ($1.29 at Wal-Mart)..and I use a Medical Hemostat (but I guess you could use a small vice grip like in the video)to hold the belts ends closed together while the glue dries within 5 minutes...then I do light 2nd re-coat of glue on the sides and the back of the mated belt area for some added insurance. Once the glue is dried, The belt ends are not going anywhere!...ever! ...Then I put on the belt and do a test run of the phonograph, and then just stretch the newly glued belt as necessary if the belt is too tight. The method works every time.

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Tony K. - Edison Collector/Restorer

Excellent video