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Unknown Phonograph Brand Made In USA

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 1:52 pm
by phonoman1998
I bought this 1930s-40s phonograph (a "picnic-portable") from an antique shop when I was in 6th grade, I am a high school sophomore now. I bought it out of impulse and I have never been able to part with this machine for some reason, I purchased it for $25 it was listed for $30. I recently threw away the wood because it was in horrible shape, the man had to TAPE the reproducer on to keep it on the horn. Anyways, I saved the motor because I had faith in this machine, it is no Victor phonograph but I am attached to it for some reason. Long story short, I was immature and threw the record storage thing from the inside top away not thinking I would need it. All I remember is that I think the name started with a "P" OR AN "R" in cursive black lettering. I also remember that it said "Made in Detroit Michigan" on it. There are photos with this post, On the motor there are serial numbers or identification numbers/letters. I need to know what to get for this spindle geal (an old worn fiber gear) to remove it and replace the gear. There is a special lock nut or whatever that keeps it on tight, I did a little research and I think its a helical gear and that nut is a lock nut, I don't know for sure, could anybody help me out here, I am not finding much helpful info on the web. Also any tips on restoration and lubrication, and any important restoration advice would be much appreciated.

Re: Unknown Phonograph Brand Made In USA

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 2:41 pm
by ambrola
It looks to me like it was pressed in. When I run across these, I put them in my drill press and use it to press them out. You have to be careful and not damage it.

Re: Unknown Phonograph Brand Made In USA

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 2:57 pm
by Victrolaboy
It's great to see other young people like me in to this hobby. I'm 13 years old and in the 8th grade. I bought my first phonograph when I was 8 years old. Good luck on the motor and be careful with the mainspring. If you will be messing with the spring and are unsure just ask me or other members on this forum who can help you. I rebuild motors myself even as young as I am.
-Nick

Re: Unknown Phonograph Brand Made In USA

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 3:10 pm
by phonogfp
Welcome to the forum, and to the hobby! :)

I just checked my boneyard to see if I had a motor like yours; I'd be happy to send it to you. Unfortunately I don't. I'm sure you'll find that fiber helical gear - - there are many collectors on this board who are willing to help.

George P.

Re: Unknown Phonograph Brand Made In USA

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 3:56 pm
by phonoman1998
Thanks guys! Does anybody know what tool I need to remove that gear? I know there are tools like that that exist but I don't know which one to get. also I need to find out the size of that gear and that lock thing. Does anyone know what type of helical gear it is, I am not too savvy with the names and terms and I need to know this so I can tell someone what I need and what I need it for. I need to know the correct part terms, like is that even a helical gear? I looked up helical gears and noticed that this one gets "bigger" or is almost cone shaped not straight on the side.

Re: Unknown Phonograph Brand Made In USA

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 4:10 pm
by phonogfp
phonoman1998 wrote:Thanks guys! Does anybody know what tool I need to remove that gear? I know there are tools like that that exist but I don't know which one to get. also I need to find out the size of that gear and that lock thing. Does anyone know what type of helical gear it is, I am not too savvy with the names and terms and I need to know this so I can tell someone what I need and what I need it for. I need to know the correct part terms, like is that even a helical gear? I looked up helical gears and noticed that this one gets "bigger" or is almost cone shaped not straight on the side.
Before investing a lot of time and possibly a lot of money in specialized tools, see if someone can supply you with the gear/shaft assembly you need. You can contact well-known parts supplier/repairman George Vollema here:

http://www.victroladoctor.com/

He will need the photos of your motor for identification. That shaft/gear assembly may well be available for a few dollars.

George P.

Re: Unknown Phonograph Brand Made In USA

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 4:18 pm
by phonoman1998
phonogfp, I don't think a wrench or drill bit would cost much. I lost a washer for the governor, and when working on this thing, I took the governor apart and the screws were stuck from sitting so long, I ended up stripping a screw head bad to where I cant unscrew it anymore, I should probably buy a new governor, I think I saw the same one, it looked identical to my governor. Also will the identification numbers help me find the brand of this thing?

Re: Unknown Phonograph Brand Made In USA

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 4:21 pm
by gramophone78
phonogfp wrote:
phonoman1998 wrote:Thanks guys! Does anybody know what tool I need to remove that gear? I know there are tools like that that exist but I don't know which one to get. also I need to find out the size of that gear and that lock thing. Does anyone know what type of helical gear it is, I am not too savvy with the names and terms and I need to know this so I can tell someone what I need and what I need it for. I need to know the correct part terms, like is that even a helical gear? I looked up helical gears and noticed that this one gets "bigger" or is almost cone shaped not straight on the side.
Before investing a lot of time and possibly a lot of money in specialized tools, see if someone can supply you with the gear/shaft assembly you need. You can contact well-known parts supplier/repairman George Vollema here:

http://www.victroladoctor.com/

He will need the photos of your motor for identification. That shaft/gear assembly may well be available for a few dollars.

George P.
As mentioned....the gear with spindle will need to be replaced. There is no "nut". The fiber gear was pressed on and can not be removed with ruining. Every companies motors are different and the exact gear/spindle of the same make/model will be needed.
This will also apply to finding a correct governor.

The Victrola Doctor "may" have this part. However, it may be cheaper to just by another "whole" motor like this.

They are worth very little complete and running anyway. So, you have to keep that in mind....before further investing.... ;).

If I read your initial post....you discarded the machine and only have the motor left. If this is indeed the case, I would not bother to spend more good money.

Since you are in high school.....take it to your shop teacher... ;)

Re: Unknown Phonograph Brand Made In USA

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 4:22 pm
by Victrolaboy
To me it looks like you have the Heineman "Flyer" motor. It was the smallest motor Heineman made according to an old Heineman motor catalog I saw in an old tread posted on this forum: http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=15500
-Nick

Re: Unknown Phonograph Brand Made In USA

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 4:27 pm
by gramophone78
Victrolaboy wrote:It looks to me like you have the Heineman "Flyer" motor. It was the smallest motor Heineman made according to an old Heineman motor catalog I saw in an old tread posted on this forum: http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=15500 I've rebuilt a Heineman "Flyer" motor in the past that came out of an old portable phonograph and they are not that hard to work on.
-Nick
It is not a Heineman motor.