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So I have 2 machines with this type of shaver and both confuse me. Both machines have a free moving "plunger" and free moving lever with return spring. Both shaving attachments are identical and neither appear to be damaged or have anything missing.

That's said I don't see how this works. One would think that you set the depth of the shaving sapphire and then engage the lever to lock it in position. Only thing is I can't seem to get or see how the lever does anything. For such a simple device I feel kind of dumb for being so stumped. Seems the shaver design on a Concert is so much more simple and elegant and all around better.

So how does this thing work?

I speak from very little experience but know that you must be extremely patient when shaving a cylinder. It's not as simple as setting the depth and one pass across the cylinder and you're done. You must set the depth so it takes off a minute amount of wax. Once you've made a pass then adjust the blade to take a tiny bit more. Repeat until you have a perfectly smooth surface. I suspect our experienced members to suggest warming the cylinder under a lamp to warm the wax. I'm sure others have good suggestions. Jerry B.

The lock mechanism is very fussy They usually do get out of adjustment. First of all take the unit off of the carriage with the four screws that secure it, and clean and oil all the slides. When the parts are sliding and moving well, secure it back on the unit. To adjust the locking mechanism. Directly above the central pivot is a lock screws, loosen it, and use a smooth jawed jewelry pliers carefully not to mar anything (you should see to flats on the outer ring of the pivot), it adjusts the tension on the locking mechanism. By loosening it or tightening the ring around the center adjust it so that when the lever is up against the square of the shaver the shaving knife should move up and down when you pull the lever down it should lock it for shaving. when it works smoothly loose, and moving freely and then pulling down on the lever it locks, you have it adjusted properly . To shave a cylinder put your blank on, next put the carriage over the highest point on the blank checking carefully, next LOWER THE LIFT LEVER, and THEN bring shaver down gently without much pressure using the button on the back using your thumb and fore finger to the highest point on the blank, and then lock the lock lever on the shaver by pulling down on the lever. Next bring up the carriage lift lever, start the machine and bring the carriage to the left end where the record starts. Have machine fully wound and paper towels under your mandrel. lower the lift lever to shave the cylinder. Several thin shaves are always better than a thick one that can tear the wax, and stop the machine. It takes some time to be practiced. Always when finished pull the shaving knife all the way up and lock it, so it does not shave cylinders you want to play. I hope this helps.

edisonphonoworks wrote:The lock mechanism is very fussy They usually do get out of adjustment. First of all take the unit off of the carriage with the four screws that secure it, and clean and oil all the slides. When the parts are sliding and moving well, secure it back on the unit. To adjust the locking mechanism. Directly above the central pivot is a lock screws, loosen it, and use a smooth jawed jewelry pliers carefully not to mar anything (you should see to flats on the outer ring of the pivot), it adjusts the tension on the locking mechanism. By loosening it or tightening the ring around the center adjust it so that when the lever is up against the square of the shaver the shaving knife should move up and down when you pull the lever down it should lock it for shaving. when it works smoothly loose, and moving freely and then pulling down on the lever it locks, you have it adjusted properly . To shave a cylinder put your blank on, next put the carriage over the highest point on the blank checking carefully, next LOWER THE LIFT LEVER, and THEN bring shaver down gently without much pressure using the button on the back using your thumb and fore finger to the highest point on the blank, and then lock the lock lever on the shaver by pulling down on the lever. Next bring up the carriage lift lever, start the machine and bring the carriage to the left end where the record starts. Have machine fully wound and paper towels under your mandrel. lower the lift lever to shave the cylinder. Several thin shaves are always better than a thick one that can tear the wax, and stop the machine. It takes some time to be practiced. Always when finished pull the shaving knife all the way up and lock it, so it does not shave cylinders you want to play. I hope this helps.

That worked! Thank you!