The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
I am having problems with my BKT. I can't get any cylinders to slide tight onto the mandrel. If you have a look at the pictures you will see that the mandrel is made in two pieces a cast rim on the left and the longer piece on the right that is made of nickel plated brass or steel. The problem is that the smaller cast section is standing slightly proud of the main body of the mandrel. When you try to slide on a cylinder the rim catches on this raised edge and you can't get the cylinder to slide all the way on. I have tried both wax cylinders and Indestructible and no success. Has anyone else ever come across this problem?? I guess I will have to carefully file down the offending ridge??
Pete

I've never seen a raised collar like that on a Columbia mandrel. Looks like some ones handy work, does it come off. If so it would probably solve your problem.
Best Regards, Larry

I too have never seen a mandrel like that. My theory is that some poor Indestructible cylinder lost one of its rings there.

A little penetrating oil and careful tapping should cure the problem. Good luck!

(PS: It was nice meeting you at Union, Pete!)

George P.

Hi George,
I'll bet you are right! It does look like the end rim off an Indestructible cylinder. Why didn't I think of that??
Pete

I agree with the others. I have several Columbia machines and have never seen anything like that. It also seems to me that is a rim from an Indestructible record. I wish all my phonograph problems were that simple!

hello,
A little BP Blaster and a few taps on a wooden block and it slid right off!! I still can't figure why I didn't see that it was not part of the original mandrel.
Pete

...and everyone lived happily ever after...!

George P.