The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi! Recently, I bought a small Symphony (United Talking Machine) phonograph. Unfortunately, the fiber pinion gear was broken and in pieces in the bottom of the cabinet (with a few pieces missing!). I was able to buy a nylon repro gear and have temporarily installed it on the hub. I was initially uncertain about the orientation of the teeth but determined (from the grease stains on the fiber gear) what appears to be the correct position. I didn't, however, pay close attention to the orientation of the hub on the spindle shaft before I took it off - and now (though it works) I need to verify that it is correct. Is this right - big end up and small end down???





Also, the motor won't work unless it the new gear rides low. Full meshed, it binds and won't work at all. Any hints would be appreciated - thanks....

As far as I can see, it looks correct. I have seen gears that "ride low" and won't work otherwise, and I just left them in the position where they are comfortable working.

What genius had the bright idea to make an entire motor out of steel, and then had one critical gear made out of fiber? I don't get it.

I figure the fiber gear was to make the motor run more quietly. Eric Reiss in his book "The Compleat Talking Machine" says (quote) "Oddly enough, if a steel gear mates with a brass one, the steel will usually wear down before the brass. And brass often wears out before fiber. This is because grit actually gets pressed into the softer material and makes it abrasive."
Bob

Who makes reproduction nylon "fiber" gears?

Thanks!

Yes, this gear is in the correct orientation, but it should be up higher on the spindle shaft, meshing more centrally with the worm on the governor shaft.