The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Does anyone know if the metal turntable platter on old Columbia client machines is cast steel or cast iron? I have one with a hole drilled into the center of it and I am curious if it can be welded.

I would rather use something like SteelStik from JBWeld to fill the hole. With welding you always have the danger of warping.

Andreas

The turntable you show is cast iron. As suggested, plugging the hole would be the best option.

Yes, cast iron. Inquiring minds want to know why you want to modify the turntable?

I just wish to remove the hole that was drilled into it. I would guess somebody tried to install a regular ¼ spindle on it years ago to play normal records.

Mike,

We now know the what but and are still unclear on the why?

If you need an unmodified turntable with a conical spindle hole you can have this one for free.

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=45332&p=267912#p267912

Maek

I ended up with 4 highly busted up symphony talking machines with the large spindle. Long story... Probably all of them should have been considered parts machines... However I have been fixing them up. I am now on number 3. This one was missing it's original turntable with the 1" spindle. I managed to locate one, but it had a hole drilled in the center. I took your advice and filled it with epoxy putty, rather than trying to weld it shut. Soon it will be back to factory specs.

They are really low end phonographs, but the wood they used for the cabinets is highly figured, and the symphony decals are attractive. Probably the only motivation to fix them, other than the challenge of it.

MarkELynch wrote: Tue Apr 27, 2021 5:14 pm Mike,

We now know the what but and are still unclear on the why?

If you need an unmodified turntable with a conical spindle hole you can have this one for free.

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=45332&p=267912#p267912

Maek

It's for a Symphony phonograph, with a 1" diameter spindle/hub, to play Symphony records. Not like the "plain Jane" one shown in your link. Another TT would be very hard to find. The hole drilled in the OP's turntable was a later modification.