The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

As I mentioned in a past post, a friend found a Brunswick model 210 on the side of the road. When I took apart the motor I noticed one of the springs was broken. After sitting in the shop for a few months I decided to work on it tonight. I drilled a new hole in the broken spring and put them back in their barrels. By the way, does anyone have tips for this?
I just held the barrel in one hand and wound the spring in with my other. The spring came flying out on the first attempt so I’m sure there has to be a better way

But my question is this: Did I put one of them in backwards?? The inside pin of the left barrel keeps slipping out of the spring. Not sure if it’s backwards or what. I know they are in the barrel correctly, but one might be backwards.

David

P.S. I just realized that I should have been more specific. The spring I am having trouble with is the one on the right side of the picture. But when you screw the barrel together, it is the left side

dzavracky wrote: I just held the barrel in one hand and wound the spring in with my other. The spring came flying out on the first attempt so I’m sure there has to be a better way

David, normally I only do this with very small spring barrels.

The safest way to hold a barrel is to set up a vise on a work bench with two wood blocks that have V shaped cut outs that can clamp and hold the barrel while you feed in the spring using two hands to control it.
You need to be careful not to apply too much pressure to the barrel though, so as not to distort it.

My method is a little different though, and you probably shouldn't try it until you are a bit more confident and practiced at installing springs, or unless you have steel underpants lol, because I sit on the floor with my legs spread and hold the barrel between my feet.
This gives good surface area grip on the barrel, and allows me to work straight above the barrel giving me the ability to use the full strength of my hands and arms to feed the spring in and control it.

And with the barrel basically between your legs, believe me, it's good incentive to take your time and concentrate on what you're doing, and to not let go

Try curling the end of the spring a little more on the one at the top of your picture. they seem to be installed properly. 2 pair of needle nose pliers works well.

Kevan

And with the barrel basically between your legs, believe me, it's good incentive to take your time and concentrate on what you're doing, and to not let go [/quote]




You don’t say

Okay. I’ll give that a shot tonight. I really would prefer not to take the spring back out

I use a pair of leather welding gloves and put the spring and barrel in a heavy gunny sack and wind the spring in that way. The gloves protect your hands and the sack controls the spring if it lets loose.