BA Plaster Repair

[Lucius1958]

Is there a good way to replace lost plaster on a Blue Amberol, where the celluloid has not shrunk?

Bill

[Phonofreak]

Yes, here is what I do: I use latex wall patch that you can get in any home improvement store. I apply a thin coat in the missing areas. I let dry and keep applying until you get the correct thickness. Then I lightly ream the cylinder until it fits on the mandrel I don't know how to duplicate the ribs, so I leave it alone. For these small areas, I leave as-is with no ribs.
Harvey Kravitz

[Lucius1958]

Thanks!

Bill

[Victrolacollector]

Yup! That's what I also have done. If there is a crack forming, I drill the hole and fill it in as shown in Reiss' Compleat Talking Machine book.

Keep those Amberols spinning!

Jerry

[edisonrestorer64]

Yes Jerry I have done this with a tiny drill some one on this forum gave me and drilling does stop the cracking.

[BwanaJoe]

Where do you drill? End of the crack? More than one spot? After that you fill?

[Lucius1958]

Where do you drill? End of the crack? More than one spot? After that you fill?

Yes, end of the crack. I don't know about filling: if the crack is into the recorded grooves, it would take a good deal of work to fill it properly, so as not to damage the stylus. Even then, there aren't many fillers that can stand up to the weight of a Diamond reproducer; and the stylus would still mistrack there...

Bill