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I picked up a super clean Victrola 130 last weekend.
The finish is very nice, the motor is extremely quiet, but I can not get the turntable to lift off of the center spindle.
I used a needle nose applicator to put a few drops of creeping oil down around the center spindle.
I have repeated this process several times over the last week and then placed a block of wood on top of the spindle and gently tapped the spindle while lifting up on the turntable, with no avail.
Any other suggestions???

Thanks,
Gene

gemering wrote:I picked up a super clean Victrola 130 last weekend.
The finish is very nice, the motor is extremely quiet, but I can not get the turntable to lift off of the center spindle.
I used a needle nose applicator to put a few drops of creeping oil down around the center spindle.
I have repeated this process several times over the last week and then placed a block of wood on top of the spindle and gently tapped the spindle while lifting up on the turntable, with no avail.
Any other suggestions???

Thanks,
Gene

Hi Gene,
I have had this same problem over my 20 years of buying machines. I don't use a block of wood, just knock on the spindle like your doing. You may be treating it like it's a woman, hit it like it's a man. You really need another person to pull up as you swing. I ponder why this always happens with Victor machines? I don't think I have ever had a Edison like that. I guess that's why I only keep my Edison machines. Less work.
I may as well say that I do not mean to knock the fire out of the spindle before I get chastised. But you really can be aggressive with it.

Amberola is correct, being more aggressive will help. I use an aluminum mallet to hit the spindle, while opposite edges of the turntable is being pulled upward. Use something that absorbs less energy than wood, such as a ¼ inch thick piece of aluminum or brass (every tool kit should have one), or something of that hardness. It helps to pre-treat the joint with Liquid Wrench for a few days with multiple applications. Cheers, Russie

Since you can't put the whole thing in the freezer and you probably don't want to use a torch, you may want to try medical ice spray, the kind you you use on muscle tears or bruises. Applied to the spindle it might give you the temperature difference to break loose.

Good luck
Andreas

Striking the spindle repeatedly can distort the top of the spindle eventually if the turntable refuses to release its grip on the spindle shaft.

With the motor mainsprings not under ANY tension (run the motor down completely!) remove the motor with motorboard, remove the governor and loosen the spindle gear so that it slowly and carefully slides down on its shaft as you pull the stuck turntable upward along with the spindle shaft. When you have the stuck turntable removed along with the spindle shaft carefully lubricate around the shaft from the underside. Place the turntable upside down on a board and tap around the turntable near the spindle making sure not to tap the spindle shaft itself. Eventually the turntable should release its grip on the shaft with patience.

Doug

FellowCollector wrote:Striking the spindle repeatedly can distort the top of the spindle eventually if the turntable refuses to release its grip on the spindle shaft.

exactly. I've stupidly made this mistake... by treating it "like a man" and just bashing the spindle top with a metal hammer you can end up flattening the top a bit, causing it to actually widen somewhat at the top such that even if you could get the turntable off, you won't be able to get it or another back on, at least until you file down that damaged widened area of the spindle. stick with the rubber mallet, or place a piece of wood between the hammer and spindle, to lessen the impact, and spray some of that screw loosening stuff in as well, that always helps.

Thank you all for the helpful advice!

Gene

[*]

brianu wrote:

FellowCollector wrote:Striking the spindle repeatedly can distort the top of the spindle eventually if the turntable refuses to release its grip on the spindle shaft.

exactly. I've stupidly made this mistake... by treating it "like a man" and just bashing the spindle top with a metal hammer you can end up flattening the top a bit, causing it to actually widen somewhat at the top such that even if you could get the turntable off, you won't be able to get it or another back on, at least until you file down that damaged widened area of the spindle. stick with the rubber mallet, or place a piece of wood between the hammer and spindle, to lessen the impact, and spray some of that screw loosening stuff in as well, that always helps.

[b]Alright Brian. I edited my reply so you wouldn't jump on me. But it will take more than you think.[/b]

The spindle I mean.[/b]

gemering wrote:... while lifting up on the turntable...

Did you lift the machine off the table? It takes two people. Here's what I would do; set the machine on a sofa. Have someone lift up the machine by the platter until it clears the sofa. Set an aluminum rod on top the spindle. Give the rod a good smack with a hammer and the machine should drop free.

VintageTechnologies wrote:

gemering wrote:... while lifting up on the turntable...

Did you lift the machine off the table? It takes two people. Here's what I would do; set the machine on a sofa. Have someone lift up the machine by the platter until it clears the sofa. Set an aluminum rod on top the spindle. Give the rod a good smack with a hammer and the machine should drop free.

It's a VV-130, a bit large for the sofa...

Andreas