The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have an early single spring Columbia type motor with the bevel drive gear and 'horseshoe' mounted spindle. It has a single spring, likely from a Talk-o-Phone or some other client machine. Trouble is that it is very hard to wind up. Doesn't help that the crank has a 3" 'throw', but it really gets hard to crank after 3 or 4 turns. I tried a new spring, no difference. Adjusted things that could be adjusted, no change. Harsh language didn't help either.

I'm not too experienced with these early type motors, is this something peculiar to them or am I missing something?

Thought I saw a thread regarding this subject, wanted to check back and see what folks had to say, but I can't find it now.

Thanks! Cliff

Don't know what spring was originally installed before you installed a new one, however, I have found that some new springs, while supposedly sized per original, are WAY too strong. You might have a conversation with the spring supplier about getting a slightly thinner spring. Assuming everything else is in good shape and adjusted well.