The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Greetings. The crank for my Victor VI has a crack emanating from one of the slots; I'm not sure how long it's been there, though I suspect it was already present when I found the machine years ago. I discovered it recently when I inspected it after the crank slipped out of the machine a couple of times when I was winding it. I don't know if the crack had anything to do with it, but I have been more mindful while cranking it since and it hasn't happened again. However, I am concerned that the crack could grow and eventually render the crank unusable. Is there anything I can do to reinforce that area to prevent the crack from spreading further?

Thanks!

Hello,

I have a Victor III crank like that and replaced with a new one from JAS Antiques on eBay. I suggest you do the same & have a plater do it in gold to match your machine. It is better to change out parts when they break than to risk damage--on mine it slipped off when my back was turned, unwinding the machine vigorously and throwing the crank out of the case--it took the escutcheon with it & I never found it so now I have a new one on there.

I had the same problem with my VI slotted crank. I filled the crack in with some JB Weld Steelstick which will reinforce the metal and prevent further separation.

Thanks, Dave! Would you mind posting some pictures of the slot area now that might show how you did it and what it looks like now?

Sure... here's a pic after i made the repair. The tear was not a great as what you have, but almost. You can barely see it now.

Looks great! Are you confident it's stable?

A friend recommended brazing. Has anyone tried that?

I think if you could some JB weld in that crack then clamp it together it could work. I may be a good idea as above to look for a new reproduction and save the old one as an original. Tom

Maybe instead of a reproduction buy an early XVI gold crank with the same distance from the wood knob to the turn. Take it to a machinist, have it cut to the correct length and have slot cut.

I think I'd repair the original as mentioned in prior posts, inspect it occasionally, and then cut down a similar Victrola crank if needed. I might even do both and keep the original inside the cabinet.

Jerry B.