The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello All,

Embarrassingly, I haven't rebuilt an external horn Victor phonograph in years, and after getting the motor sorted out I went to mount it to the case, only to find that the turntable is too high for the brake (see below). The turntable is properly seated on the shaft, and this motor came with this machine when I bought it at a farm auction, so what am I missing? Is it simply some felt washers between the wood case and the motor plate?

Best Wishes,

Garret

Image 1: https://vgy.me/T59duJ.jpg

Image 2: https://vgy.me/SzQfNh.jpg

I'd put some rubber or felt washers between the motor and motor board. Keep in mind that moving the motor up or down also affects the position of the crank in relation to its escutcheon.

Jerry Blais

As for the washers, just make sure they aren't too thick. The top of the brake needs to be slightly below the top of the turntable (if it's a 7, 8 or 10 inch turntable), or else it will interfere with the playing of larger diameter records.

Garret,

Good advice above on the washers.

Also, Check the turntable shaft, be sure it is not somehow higher in the casting than it should be.

Some dimensions may help: The center of the locating pin is close to ¼ inch from the top surface of the wood deck, and the dimension from the top of the metal casting to the top of the wood deck is close to 13/16 inch.

In addition, 1. be sure the turntable is fully down so the shaft pin is fully engaged into the slot in the turntable, and 2. be sure you have the correct turntable.

Here is a photo of the shaft on my Victor IV.