The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Need the 12-inch dust or trim ring that goes around the turntable of an early grafonola, thanks.

My favorite subject... I have an otherwise perfect and original Columbia BD that is also missing the trim ring. I scan eBay every day looking for one. I have gone to clock shops, but the clock bezels will not work for me. The trim rings on the various models of Columbia machines vary in size. Be sure to double-check the measurements on your Grafonola. For example, the platter on the BD is oversize, measuring 12 ⅜" diameter. I have approached the skilled craftsmen in our hobby including Ron Sitko about making reproductions. It would be possible to make both the 10" and 12" versions of the often-missing Columbia trim rings, but the start-up costs for production would be prohibitive unless we could place a large order.

Interesting info, thanks. I had considered the clock trim ring but had not gone so far as to explore. I wonder why so few of these things remain.

Have you thought about spinning one out of a brass strip on a lathe using a piece of hardwood for a profile? I know a guy that makes spun milk buckets that way. I don't have the job skills for that, but I would think the pails that Dwayne makes out of brass and galvanized metal would be more of a challenge. They have to be soldered together after they are spun into shape. He uses an old lathe that runs on a line shaft!

The largest bezel is over 13". These can be sized and adapted by splitting, grinding and brazing to achieve your size. Conversely, expanded by adding a piece, likewise brazing. Then polishing and plating perhaps.

http://timesavers.com/c-325508-clock-re ... iners.html

DrGregC wrote:...It would be possible to make both the 10" and 12" versions of the often-missing Columbia trim rings, but the start-up costs for production would be prohibitive unless we could place a large order.

I could be interested in a 10" dust ring for my Columbia BNW. Searching it for years, but no results. If a large order idea comes, I'll be there!

There currently is a Columbia parts machine on Ebay with a 10" trim ring. It ends on Tuesday the 16th. Check it out.