The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have an early Columbia tonearm that has the pot metal back support. It is in really good condition structurally, but has lost all of the gold plating.

I was wondering how to preserve its structural integrity because I would like to hold off on buying a replacement for as long as I can. I was thinking about sealing it with cyanoacrylate or another epoxy type clear sealer, before painting to match the gold. Has anyone done this before?

-Connor

That's the problem with pot metal. I use very runny ACC glue and work it into the cracks. That will seep into the cracks to hold it together. After the ACC glue dries, use a very thin coat of clear 5 min. clear epoxy. Do not use JB weld, because it is too thick.Apply to the whole surface of the elbow or part. When dry, carefully sand until it is smooth. Do not do this on the inside, because it may cause a bind. That's all there is to it.
Harvey Kravitz