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I have a Edison Home Model B with 2/4 minute attachment. I really like the compact look of the Standard, I am wondering which is better, a Home or Standard. Of course, I would want a 2/4 minute Standard. My Home has had the 19 tooth gear replaced, and a reproduction pulley installed. Between the cost of the machine and the $215.00 for the conversion kit, probably have around $ 600.00 into it.

I am thinking about trading my Edison Model B..not sure.

Any suggestions.

There have been threads debating the best cylinder machine for a first purchase. While all agree that a two and four minute machine is best, the debate is about equal between a Standard and Home. It comes down to personal preference. If you're happy with your Home, I'd stick with it. If you have room to display more Edisons, I would save your money to buy a Triumph or perhaps a clean Fireside with cygnet horn. Jerry Blais

I believe the Home has a slightly larger mainspring than the Standard; otherwise there's not that much difference.

Bill

The Standard has a gear train outside the motor compartment, which tends to make it noisier than a Home. I have always preferred the Home.

Just from personal experience between three or four Homes ( one D 2+4, two B's, and two A's ), and two standards ( one ICS B/D 2+4, and one B 2-min. only), the Standards seem to be a little less fussy about running steady, half-nut tension, etc.

Yes, there is more gear-train noise from the Standard, but if you have a larger horn & crane, I doubt you'll hear the gear noise over the record.

One of my Home A's fairly HOWLS from the gears...


The Standard offers slightly less playing time, especially if you're playing mostly four-minute cylinders, but if I could only have one Edison, I think I would be happy with a good Standard.

Knowing what I know now, if I wanted a bigger machine than a Standard as a regular player, I think I would look for a Triumph or an Opera, something with a multi-spring motor.


I think the biggest difference ( sorry for the pun ) is the size of the cabinet box... historically ( going out on a limb here ), I believe the Home is a pretty direct descendant of the original Class M / SM machines, which had big cabinet boxes.

Just my thoughts...


Good luck !

Frank

OK, since the lines are being drawn, I throw down on the side of the Standards. It's my opinion that a 2&4 minute Standard B is nearly bullet proof. The Standard D, with a replacement for the pot metal bushing, is its equal. That's the gospel according to Gerald.

Jerry Blais

Really fond of my Standard D as well.

Clay

I'll vote for the Standard Model B. It's a foolproof machine. You don't have to mess around with changing the bearing. It is compact and doesn't take up a lot of space.If you want to transport it for picnics or demonstrations, you can't beat it. It is cheaper than the Model D. I have 2/4 min. Homes and Triumphs. They are great machines also. My Triumph is my work horse at home. However, these like the Homes can be finicky.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks all for the input, I am definitely leaning toward the Edison Standard, I just don't like the finicky parts about the Home (feedscrew tension etc.), plus their long gaulky size cabinets. Another concern is, I think the Home 2/4 minute conversion kits have small planetary gears that seem to be prone to wear. I think the Standard has a nice size cabinet.

VintageTechnologies wrote:The Standard has a gear train outside the motor compartment, which tends to make it noisier than a Home. I have always preferred the Home.

True: I can hear gear chatter on the Standard (although the governor pinion on the Home can be pretty noisy, if there's any wear).

But, in favor of the Standard, the feedscrew is not as vulnerable to rust or damage as on the Home.

Bill