The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Okay Gang, I need help?

I think it may be time to replace the leather belt on my 2 minute cylinder phonograph. Because when I play a cylinder, the machine slows down. Where can I buy a new belt, and how do I replace it?

Paul

Paul,

I found Dwaynes instructions on his website helpful and I have used it several time with excellent results: http://www.wyattsmusical.com/belts.html

I would make sure you eliminate all other causes before replacing the belt. I have found two common causes for a cylinder machine to slow down:

1 - The half nut is pressing too hard against the feedscrew. Observe the flex in the half nut arm when you lower the repro into the playing position. If there is a lot of flex, this could be the cause. While the machine is playing a cylinder, put just a tiny bit of additional pressure on the half nut with your finger. If it slows down more, this is a likely cause.

2 - The repro carriage glide rod is corroded and/or needs lubrication. If it has corrosion, I take the glide rod out and chuck it in my drill press, turn it on and grip the spinning rod with #0000 steel wool and polish it up nice. You can use a hand held electric drill, just be careful. Also, only allow the drill chuck to grip the rod at the end where the carriage does not ride.

Beyond that, general cleaning and lubrication of the works might be needed.

Well Brad, you were right. The speed screw/nut was out of alignment. After adjusting it, it seem to be doing alright, although I'm sure I should clean it up a bit, and try to play it more. I thought it was the belt, but I think it was when I moved the machine from my living room, to my office, I may have knocked something out of alignment.

BTW: How long to the belts last anyway?

Paul

Edisonfan wrote:
BTW: How long to the belts last anyway?

Paul

They can last a long time. I've got a Columbia AO with a stitched leather belt. Of course it's impossible to say for sure but the machine is very clean and the belt looks to me to be original. Even if it was replaced at some time when the machine was still in regular use, it could easily be 80 or 90 years old. If it's original to the machiine it would be over 100 years old.

Thank You!