The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This machine sat in storage for years and needs a deep cleaning. Please advise how I can remove the mandrel to clean the shaft. Thanks.

There's a little collar at the end of the mandrel. Remove the collar and the mandrel should slide off the shaft. A couple of drops of good light oil may solve the problem before taking it apart. While you have the oil out, put a drop on the carriage rod, governor ends & pads, and other service areas.

Jerry B.

make sure the spring is wound down before you take off the mandrel.

make sure the spring is wound down before you taks off the mandrel.

Excellent advice when working on any spring motor. But particularly true with the Edson Amberola 30/50/75 series of machines. If you remove that little collar and slide the mandrel away, those machines will unwind quicker than putting a period at the end of this sentence! I made that mistake as an experienced collector and should have known better. With most machines, including the Fireside, if you control the governor, you control the spring. But why take a chance? Take kendphono's good advice.

Jerry

Jerry B. wrote:

make sure the spring is wound down before you taks off the mandrel.

Excellent advice when working on any spring motor. But particularly true with the Edson Amberola 30/50/75 series of machines. If you remove that little collar and slide the mandrel away, those machines will unwind quicker than putting a period at the end of this sentence! I made that mistake as an experienced collector and should have known better. With most machines, including the Fireside, if you control the governor, you control the spring. But why take a chance? Take kendphono's good advice.

Jerry

Amen: that was my initiation to phonograph repair as well.

- Bill