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I need some help with a dancing Rastus. It is complete but the piece that attaches to the spindle does not fit tight enough to make the mechanism operate. I thought about twisting a piece of wire around the part that grips the spindle but wondered what others might do. Any help? Thanks, Jerry

Jerry,

I've had various success with mine on different machines. Some spindles are shaped differently and the wooden "gripper" slips off highly tapered spindles easily. I like the wire idea, and I could swear I've seen some with this addition.

Best,
George

If it is an original, it had a disc shaped piece that fit onto the spindle with a cross piece of metal inside and a wire wrapped around it to keep it tightly on the spindle. The platform post goes into the adapter and is driven by the cross piece as the turntable spins... hope this makes sense. If it is a Charlie Weatherbee Rastus, then the adapter is left out and the platform attaches directly to the spindle... like what you are showing in the pic - although your platform might be original - your Rastus looks old, but may have had a leg replaced. A piece of wire wrapped around the wooden shaft would increase the holding pressure to the spindle and would probably work. Like George said, I think I have seen these with that addition, also. A rubber O ring of the right size might work, as well...

Curt A wrote:If it is an original, it had a disc shaped piece that fit onto the spindle with a cross piece of metal inside and a wire wrapped around it to keep it tightly on the spindle. The platform post goes into the adapter and is driven by the cross piece as the turntable spins... hope this makes sense.

This is the piece that you are missing Jerry

Best Regards, Larry

Phonolair wrote:

Curt A wrote:If it is an original, it had a disc shaped piece that fit onto the spindle with a cross piece of metal inside and a wire wrapped around it to keep it tightly on the spindle. The platform post goes into the adapter and is driven by the cross piece as the turntable spins... hope this makes sense.

This is the piece that you are missing Jerry

Best Regards, Larry

Thanks, Larry... that's what I'm talking about. If all else fails, try duct tape, the preferred choice of professional restorers...

Jerry,

In case you didn't know, you can get a reproduction here --> http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Reproduction-Vic ... 2a402980d1

Or just turn one out yourself.

Thanks for that link, Vince. I just ordered one!

George P.

Thanks Vince, I just ordered a couple myself. I really appreciate the tip. Jerry