The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Another newbie question:

I have clumsily managed to bugger the feed screw threads on the Edison Home model E. Can anything be done to restore them, or do I need to go shopping for a replacement?

I have taken a very fine pitched file and ground down one side to form a knife edge. I have run that knife edge into a damaged thread and filed away the burred over threads. Yes, it will only cut on one side so you have to turn the screw around in order to file both sides of the thread. Don't worry about getting the thread "V" precisely right. You basically want to create some clearance so the nut will pass cleanly. If the "V" is a tad wide it's o.k. This won't necessarily make the damaged area invisible but if you're careful, it will get the feedscrew useable again.

Thanks, Jerry. Where do you get your fine pitched files? I'm afraid the files I use in clock work would be way too coarse.

You could try here:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#riffler-files/=11mz888

or here:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#hand-files/=11mz9q7

or here:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#hand-files/=11mzama

Select the finest grade available, which is apparently a #4 (Extra Fine). In the last link, look at the "knife" or "slitting" style. Neither will have a fine enough knife edge as-is, you'll have to grind it on one side to get a very sharp edge that will fit in your threads.

Ugh. Those links don't always work well. Here's the how the 3rd one should look. (Also look at the "barette" style file.)

Suggestion: try the hobby shop for needle files. Also, Harbor Freight has them in sets. Either source will be much cheaper than those McMaster prices!

Jerry: Thanks. The links work for me.

Henry: I'll check out HF, but I doubt they'll have anything as fine as I want.
Tnx,

bangster

Good files cost money. Cheap files don't work or last.

As my Dad said, you only buy a good tool once. OTOH, it does pay to shop around. Sometimes you find something good for less.

Hobby shops are an excellent source. I work on HO scale model trains and they are small requiring miniature precision tools. Get the Swiss or German file. Not the made in China, Walmart crap. You will be happier in the long run. In this or any other hobby, buy the best you can afford. Precision tools are a life time investment.
Harvey Kravitz