The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

So my Edison Standard D just fell off of my bed, where I had it flipped over to replace the little feet... and while the cabinet and mechanism seem to be okay, my lid is in pieces. Also, one of the latch brackets pulled out and stripped all the screws. What should I do? I would like to avoid replacing the lid if possible, because mine has cool, period decorations on it.

The stripped screw is an easy fix. Break off pieces of toothpicks to the same depth as the screw hole. Put a couple of pieces in each hole. Re-insert screws. Done. Some people like to glue the toothpicks in the hole, but I've never found that to be necessary.

The other parts can probably be glued, but they also must be properly clamped. I'll let others chime in with more advice on that.

It's time to invest in some inexpensive clamps and some glue. Take it a step at a time and don't try to do too much at once. It will be fine in the end. The toothpick idea is great. Jerry

My vote is for liquid hide glue. It takes a day to cure but will allow for more adjustment when clamping. It is also highly reversible if you need to re-do something. I'd also carefully mask off the finished areas to avoid getting glue on them. Good luck!

Martin

I second Martinola's advice on using liquid hide-glue.

Please do NOT use any glues such as Tite-Bond, or Gorilla-Glue on something like this.

Hide glue is the best, if for no other reason, than because the pieces can be taken-apart if need-be.


Sorry to read about your accident.

Ouch! When I repair stripped holes, I whittle whatever size "toothpick" I need to firmly plug the hole. Then I glue the toothpick into the hole. After the glue dries, I use a sharp wood chisel or knife to cut the excess to make it flush. Then I drill a fine pilot hole for the wood screw.

Thank you all for the advice. Jerry, I am sorry you had to see the machine like this I will keep the thread updated as I progress through the repairs.

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Would this be the proper glue?

Tite-Bond makes a hide glue (Amazon.com) and I have used it before with good results. As for the toothpicks in the stripped holes, I use those as well. I cut the toothpick to fit, dip it in wood glue and insert it in the stripped hole. Once the glue dries, the hole seems to be as solid as new. Actually, I install the screw immediately and let it all sit over night. That seems to work just fine-after the glue has had a chance to harden. I have used wood glue on the toothpicks in the hole, and the Tite-Bond hide glue for the veneer. Clamps are readily available almost anywhere-use wax paper under the clamps in case some glue comes out under them and to protect the finish. Be sure to clean up any excess glue with water/rag before it sets up and you should be pleased with the result.

Good Luck!!

Matt

Well, the lid is put back together... I don't trust it to bear weight, though, so no carrying the phonograph by the handle. But, at least it's all in one piece again...