The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi. I recently received an Edison B-80 Diamond Disc phonograph.
Motor runs pretty quietly, though varies a lot from a presumably gummy main spring.

The problem is the feed mechanism for the horn. It doesn't. It likes to slide across the feed screw in both directions. Tried cleaning, and, lubricating. I also had to adjust the height of the horn because the limit pin on the reproducer tended to hit the bottom of the reproducer. That's fixed by adjusting the height of the bottom of the bearing for the horn assembly. However, everything I attempt to do the half nut just slides across. Is it worn out? Never had this happen before.. Can anyone help???
Thanks in advance..
Bill Cahill

Bill, it has been at least 20 years since I peeked inside one of my B80s, but if I recall right, there should be a flat steel spring that holds the toothed feed bar down on top of the threaded feed gear. If that spring has snapped off (as it had on one of mine), it would not track. I have never seen a DD tracking mechanism wear out, so the odds are in your favour.

Thanks. It was way out of adjustment, but, I can't get a tool in there to adjust the screw. I was able to bend the spring down, but, it's still slipping.
Can you take pictures of your properly adjusted one.? I really want to fix this rare gem. It can be a beauty. Old finnish is alligatored, and, dirty, but, I believe it will clean up nicely. I paid less than two hundred dollars for it with the six records, though they are no prize, but, shipping from Texas cost a bundle. I need to replace the rotten rubber feet.
I really like the machine.
Thanks for the hope.
Bill Cahill

Bill Cahill wrote:Can you take pictures of your properly adjusted one.?

Mine are currently in storage, sorry. I am sure someone else in this forum has quicker access to one.

Is there no one who is willing to help??? I need pics of a properly adjusted one with some hints, as well..
Bill Cahill

Here ya go! It looks like the round-head screw holds the leaf spring, pressing the tooth feed bar down. There's a good amount of pressure on it. This picture shows the bar disengaged (up position).
Hope this helps!
Bob

Oh, oh. Looks like my leaf spring is a jury rig replacement. It barely reaches the feed bar, and, has a long screw screwing into the spring. Oh, boy. Now, what do I do?? Thanks for the pictures....

It looks like you have to remove the horn in order to access the screw and spring. Fashioning a new leaf spring shouldn't be too difficult, if you or someone you know can work with tempered spring material. It's something I'd have to farm out. Have you already removed the motor from the case?
Bob

NO. I have some rust problems to deal with it to take it apart.
Thanks. I don't have the tools to make a new leaf spring. I'll let you know when I get horn out. Thanks.
Bill

It looks a lot like the springs they used to use in some pianos to hold the pedal up. I have some old lightweight pump organ springs if you want one to try and make another out of. I'll look and see if I have one of those small piano pedal springs to see how close one is to it. It's hard to tell how small it actually is from the photo.