The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am finally getting some time to go through my Columbia Baby Grand phonograph. It seems that the electric motor is sluggish at times. I have removed the auto start/stop mechanism from the gear train to eliminate that as being the cause. I haven't worked on a combination AC/DC motor before. There is an adjustment arm pictured that has both the DC and AC markings on it. I am looking for some advice as to how this motor should be set up with this adjustment arm. I have oiled the bearings and spindle shaft. It will run strong for awhile and then get a bit sluggish. Is there a way to get more "PEP" out of the motor? I really think if the motor had more power that the auto stop/start mechanism would work properly.

If the motor has brushes I'd take a look at them.

Great advice I was able to gain access to the brush and armature area. I used some 600 grit emery cloth and was able to clean off the armature. I then used some degreaser on a Q-Tip to clean up the residue. The motor has more snap to it now. I was able to get the auto stop/start mechanism to work properly also.
THANKS for the advice!!!!!

Phono-Phan wrote:Great advice I was able to gain access to the brush and armature area. I used some 600 grit emery cloth and was able to clean off the armature. I then used some degreaser on a Q-Tip to clean up the residue. The motor has more snap to it now. I was able to get the auto stop/start mechanism to work properly also.
THANKS for the advice!!!!!

No problem, it's one nice looking motor.
I'd love to see it working again.

Does anyone know of a rebuilder for this type of motor? I have cleaned the brushes and armature and it worked well for a short time and now it doesn't have much power.
Thanks,
Ken Brekke

I've used this company for two of my Capehart Bodine electric turntable motors. They weren't put off by the old/odd nature of the motor. They did an excellent job on both, and the turn-around time was reasonable.

Biedler's Electric Motor Repair Inc
phone 304 263 9995

194 Hack Wilson Way
Martinsburg, WV 25401

Good luck!
Bob

Bob,
Thanks for the referral. I will contact them on Monday.
Ken

I sent off my spare motor to Biedler's to get it cleaned up and see if the brushes need replacing. My next challenge is to find a place to rewind the power resistor that is in series with the motor. The spare one I have is shot. It is like the one in the fourth picture. Does anyone know of a place that can rewind them?
Thanks!!

I'd ask the rebuilder what voltage and resistance work best with this motor, and get a modern power source (transformer or variable transformer) to provide power while you continue your hunt for a power resistor. If the motor can run on as low as 20 VAC you might be able to use a classic Lionel train transformer of suitable amp capacity, like the KW (190 watts) or ZW (250 watts). I've seen the KW for less than a bill (<$100) at train shows here. There may be cheaper alternatives.

Thanks! I also have thought of using a power tool rheostat. The power resistor is a spare but I thought I should start searching for a place to have it redone.