The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Good Morning,

I am in the process of restoring an Edison Fireside Phonograph Model A.
The mandrel is the sort where it would appear that the upper belt pulley is attached. The upper belt pulley is worn out on the side (refer photographs attached). Does anyone know if it is possible to replace just the belt pulley instead of the entire mandrel? I do not want to replace the mandrel as the nickel is in good condition and it is difficult to find the part in the same condition.

Cheers,

Steve

As long as the mandrel pulley is aligned perfectly with the motor drive pulley the belt should not wander and the belt pulley flaking should not be a factor. To enhance this concept even more simply (and carefully) trim the belt so that it is slightly more narrow than you have now and it should play and function just fine.

Doug

I believe that Ron Sitko made them at one time.

Rich Gordon

Both of the above posts are good advice. There are a number of cylinder machines that have no edge to the pulley. That would imply that with proper alignment a good belt should work fine. If you find that to be true with your machine you could take a Dremel, trim the edge, and make the pulley look better.

Jerry B.

Thanks for the advice guys. I decided to purchase a new mandrel with the nickel in similar condition with the pulley in good condition. I intend to keep the original mandrel for

Cheers

Steve.