The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a couple of decent pot-metal Orthophonic reproducers, that are in need of new rubber mounting bushings.

Are there any tried & true techniques for removing the old, ossified rubber without damaging the surround pot-metal ?


I've seen a few Orthos come across ebay lately with the mounting sockets busted-out by heavy-handed attempts at this.


Would appreciate any good shop kinks...

Here's MicaMonster's website describing how he handles removing hardened rubber. I also recommend using his method of replacing the rubber connector with silicone and white gasket material, using the brass collar from the old connector. I've done three. It's not difficult and I'm happier with the results than with the harder rubber replacements available. I use black silicone sealer.

The link:

http://www.lagparty.org/~wyatt/rebuild-orthophonic.html

Bob

De Soto Frank wrote:Are there any tried & true techniques for removing the old, ossified rubber without damaging the surround pot-metal ?

I've done it using a hair dryer to warm-up and soften the old rubber. Still requires some careful digging & working out of the material.

update: Now that I think about it, I believe I did this on Victrola #2 and #4 reproducers, may not have done this specifically on a pot metal ortho.