The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

In the final stages of restoring the Columbia "20th Century", I have lubed virtually all moving parts. With the belt off, the motor moves the gears easily. But, once the belt is attached, the top mechanism (cylinder mandrel, etc.) will not turn. With the belt off, the mandrel seems very tight and is difficult to turn manually. I believe the machine still has the original amber wheel that propels the sound out the reproducer. I would like to get this machine working, as I would like to sell it (health issues). Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Roy

Something is probably binding on the mandrel shaft. Disassemble it (remember the nut is a left hand thread), and clean it up until it spins freely.

- Bill

Roy,

When you put the mandrel back in the chassis did you get the sequence right for the 2 washers and gear?

From memory, the thin brass washer goes on the shaft first and sits in the shallow relief in the casting, then the small gear with the shoulder against the thin washer, then the smaller washer, then the pulley.


Hope this helps.

Chuck

Great suggestions! Thanks to both of you for replying. That's why I like the Forum! Roy