The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is the cap on the end of the mandrel of a Standard D removable?

It's not a cap. It is the end of the mandrel shaft. You can carefully tap the mandrel off the shaft with a piece of wood struck with a hammer.

Once you have the mandrel off the shaft, loosen and remove ANY and all parts that you can on the left side of the casting boss (that secures the mandrel bearing). Presuming you want to remove the mandrel shaft, once you have everything loosened or removed, apply oil of your choice to the bearing inside the casting boss on both sides and you can drive that mandrel shaft out with a wooden dowel from Hobby Lobby or any craft store. I've removed PLENTY of seized mandrel shafts on my own Edison Standard D's, E's, F's just like this. Just have someone hold onto the top casting as you tap out that mandrel shaft. You will see it move a little at a time but it will move. Just remember to take PICTURES before you remove parts so you know how to reinstall them. And as the shaft moves, remove parts along the way that are on the shaft as the shaft moves outward.