I have a question about gluing down a new felt on a turntabl

[Dave D]

I am replacing the felt on a Columbia Grafonola. On this turntable, the felt does not go all the way to the edge, but leaves a small bit of the turntable showing. Do you put the glue on the felt and then carefully put it on the turntable? I plan to use the spindle as a centering guide. I have done lots of turntables where the felt goes all the way to the edge, but never have done this type.
Thanks!
Dave D

PS? What is the preferred type of glue? I usually use a spray glue, but if there are better options, I am willing to change.

[Jerry B.]

Hi Jerry,

What I did was take a length of aluminum bar stock from Home Cheapo. It was probably ¾" x 1/16" but anything will do. I drilled a hole at one end that fits over the spindle. At the desired trim point I cut a slot part way in with a hack saw. I attached an over sized new piece of felt to the platter, installed the platter in the machine, placed the aluminum template over the spindle and using an unused new blade in a box cutter, cut around the perimeter.

It resulted in a very clean edge. As I recall, there was some felt fibers stuck around the edge to the adhesive. I probably removed them with some acetone, though I can't remember for sure.

Brad

I used the search feature and found some very good advice from Brad. It's tough to replace felt on a turntable with a rounded edge. This advice worked really well for me. I've used spray glue as well as white glue with great results. Jerry Blais

[Phonofreak]

What I have done with Grafonola turntables and other is this way: I cut a piece of wool felt a little larger than the turntable. I use tacky glue that you can get at any fabric or craft store. I liberally smear the tacky glue all over the turntable. I carefully apply the felt onto the turntable. Then I use my hand to flatten out the felt. I let the glue dry overnight. Then I use a sharp scissors to cut around the turntable at a slight angle. That will compensate the rounded edge on the turntable. For a straight edge turntable, I just cut around the edge. Then I use a sharp X-Acto knife to trim out the spindle hole.
Harvey Kravitz

[JerryVan]

Here is the glue Harvey is referring to. I use it too. I will not soak into the felt. I apply it to the turntable then spread it thinly and evenly with a wide putty knife. Great stuff. Also available on Amazon.
http://www.aleenestackyglue.com/

[Dave D]

I appreciate the suggestions very much, but my main concern now is how to apply the glue. The felt does not cover the entire turntable. I am thinking it makes sense to apply it to the turntable and be very careful around the edge where the felt ends. Mayb put a bit of glue on the felt itself at the edge?

I spent a few bucks on the wool felt and want to make sure it turns out well.
Dave D

[estott]

If this is a Grafonlola with a perforated cast iron turntable you should apply paper to the back of the felt and then apply glue to the paper before putting it on the turntable.

[Mr Grumpy]

I'm not sure if this will help Dave,

But I spray a 3M contact adhesive (probably the same one you use) to the felt and to the turntable.

The felt gets sprayed completely on one side.
I remove the turntable from the machine and apply masking tape to the edges to protect from overspray.
After I spray the turntable, I put it back on the machine so I can use the spindle to help me line up
the felt. I remove the tape before Applying the felt.

Then I sit in front of it for about 30 minutes to inhale the fumes.

Then I watch Pink Floyd 'The Wall'.

[BwanaJoe]

I used glue dots on mine. Initially because I knew if I messed up the felt I could peel the whole thing off if I used enough force. To cut the felt I turned the platter over and used a new xacto blade cutting at an angle to get under the lip. So far so good.

[Dave D]

This turned out great! I glued kraft paper down first to cover all those holes in the turntable and then used spray adhesive to glue the felt down. The result is a nice, smooth looking felt. Thanks for the great advice.
Dave D

[need4art]

No matter what I learn I always enjoy reading Mr. Grumpies reply's!!!