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Does anyone have the tap size needed for the Exhibition and the #2?

Jim

Tap size for what? Needle screw?

Guess I didn't read that over before I hit the 'post' button. I hate gettin older! But yes, I was wondering about the needle bar thumb screw size. Thanks Henry!

Just checked my Exhibition. Unfortunately, the needle screw thread seems to be an in-between size: it's a 56 thread, but closer in gauge to a #1. Why couldn't Victor have simply made it either a 2-56 or a 1-72, then things would be a whole lot easier?

It might have been a standard screw size at the time. Reportedly, Edison hinge pins used the same threading as Waltham Watch Screws.

estott wrote:It might have been a standard screw size at the time. Reportedly, Edison hinge pins used the same threading as Waltham Watch Screws.

Yes, Estott is correct. I don't remember where the subject was covered, probably on a certain forum that is now down the memory hole, but clock and watch threads were standard on phonographs for many years. To get the right thread, you'll have to find a clock repairman.

VictrolaGuy - Walt wrote:

Victor78 wrote:Does anyone have the tap size needed for the Exhibition and the #2?

Jim

Here ya go Jim,


Victor Exhibition Sound Box

• Thumbscrew - #1-56TPI
• Balance Spring Mounting Screw, Tension Adjustment Screw and Lock Nut, Rear Casting Screws - #2-56TPI
• Shoulder Screws for Rubber Taper Tube Flange #5-40TPI
• ** Diaphragm Mounting Screw - #00-120TPI

Victor No.2 Sound Box

• Thumbscrew - #1-72TPI
• Balance Spring Mounting Screw, Tension Adjustment Screw and Lock Nut, Rear Casting Screws - #1-72TPI
• Set Screws for Rubber Taper Tube Gasket #4-40TPI
• ** Diaphragm Mounting Screw - #00-120TPI

** I have also seen #00-110TPI used instead of #00-120TPI


Walt

Thanks Walt, I appreciate your wisdom

VictrolaGuy - Walt wrote:

Henry wrote:Just checked my Exhibition. Unfortunately, the needle screw thread seems to be an in-between size: it's a 56 thread, but closer in gauge to a #1. Why couldn't Victor have simply made it either a 2-56 or a 1-72, then things would be a whole lot easier?

LOL...
Henry yer just ticked because model trains don't use a #1-56 thread... Me too btw... BUT, if they did, I wouldn't have to have custom taps and dies made to the tune of $45 to about $65 a pop.

You got that right, Walt! Here I sit with this nice tap set and Victor messes me up! Let's hope I never need to extract/tap for a needle screw (or anything else, especially the "extract" part). I once somehow busted off a screw inside of a very costly Minolta shift lens (let's not get into what led up to THAT!) and was in a pluperfect funk about it; luckily, the threaded hole went all the way through the piece, and I was able to turn the broken off part all the way out the other side with a jeweler's screwdriver. I then found a proper replacement screw at the hobby shop (it was a slot car part, I'm embarrassed to admit). Talk about luck! But model railroading experience, and tool sets, have come in mighty handy for lots of little jobs over the years.

1-56 taps are available from Production Tool Supply, 1-800-270-5779. Catalog number ER60-00156, $9.50. (Probably other places too.)