The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

What are members using for a spindle/ turntable drive pins on common victrolas? I've been using brass rod which is a little soft but it always has to be sanded down somewhat to fit properly without deforming it when driving it through the spindle hole. 2.37mm is the approx. size.. I hate to cut down drill bits but have in the past.

blizz

Is a 3/32" dowel pin too tight?

I just find a nail of the appropriate diameter and use a section of that.

Thanks for the replies.. Looks like 8d bright (not Galvanized) finish nail works great with just a little light sanding.

I chucked it in my drill press and used some 120 wet/dry paper.

blizz

According to the Victor documentation they seemed to have used two different lengths of 3/32” pins.

201CP (copper plate) is 3/32” x ¾” and slightly tapered. Used on the earlier machines.
219 PF (plain finish) is 3/32” x ½” and slightly tapered. Generally used on spring motors through the Orthophonic era.

Dowel pins, as suggested by Jerry, are easily available from McMaster-Carr (about $7 for 50) or your local hardware. Tapering can be done easily with a small lathe or drill and file as Blizz has done.

I have some spare 3/32 x 9/16” and x ⅞” stainless steel pins which you could cut down. If you send your address I’ll drop one in the mail. No charge.
Hope this helps,
Mark

Great to know.. Thanks for your reply Mark..

blizz