US-Based HMV 102H Cleaning/Refurb

[Pappyland]

Hello there! I have an HMV 102H in pretty decent physical condition - though found that its speed control varies wildly. (Alternately too fast or too slow when modifying speed controls).

While I’d love to get my hands dirty and try my hand at it, I’m afraid I have neither the time, nor the confidence to do a job worthy of this.

Is there a preferred technician in the US generally preferred to clean/oil, etc this lovely gramophone?

[Inigo]

Depending on where are you based, any collector or colleague nearby could help you... You can also pack and ship it to a well known dealer anywhere, but the costs of shipping will make it prohibitive....

[poodling around]

Hello there! I have an HMV 102H in pretty decent physical condition - though found that its speed control varies wildly. (Alternately too fast or too slow when modifying speed controls).

While I’d love to get my hands dirty and try my hand at it, I’m afraid I have neither the time, nor the confidence to do a job worthy of this.

Is there a preferred technician in the US generally preferred to clean/oil, etc this lovely gramophone?

Your first post ! Welcome to the forum !

I accept that you do not readily have the opportunity nor the confidence to clean and oil the gramophone.

I must admit that I still don't know how to properly clean the rexine covers. A few weeks ago I tried a barely damp cloth with leather cleaner on a rare portable and the rexine 'lifted' ! An example of my mis-placed confidence !

I also spent most of yesterday replacing a motor spring. My first attempt trying to stuff the new spring into the cannister failed - the spring unwound fast and flung the cannister into my pond. (I used a magnet on the end of a pole to finally locate it). Please bear in mind that replacing main-springs can be very dangerous so I would not advise you to ever do that. An example of my over-confidence !

Anyway, if you find time on your hands it should be possible to mend the speed control with a bit of oil / grease in the right places and this might only take a few minutes. At least then you can enjoy using it while you seek out a repair person. If you ever want to do this then people on here can certainly advise how to do this.

I am sorry I can't help you though with your actual question.

[shoshani]

To add to what poodling around advised, be aware that HMV spring barrels have the end held in place by a thick tension wire called a circlip. These are easily broken if not handled with care, and of course are no longer obtainable. The circlip goes into a groove on the inside of the barrel just above the end cap. (It's probably not actually called an end cap, but my memory is blanking.)

[poodling around]

To add to what poodling around advised, be aware that HMV spring barrels have the end held in place by a thick tension wire called a circlip. These are easily broken if not handled with care, and of course are no longer obtainable. The circlip goes into a groove on the inside of the barrel just above the end cap. (It's probably not actually called an end cap, but my memory is blanking.)

Interesting.

Before even starting to look at the main-spring I wear eye protection goggles, thick leather gloves, a thick jacket covering the arms etc etc ........... The whole process has to be carried out in a particular way too using a closed sack to remove the spring etc etc.

I think that the poster only has a problem with the gramophone being dirty and the speed control not working properly though. As we know, main-spring work is potentially dangerous and needs to be approached with a great deal of caution. I seem to remember that a fellow forum member mentioned some-one having to go to hospital because the spring cut an arm and caused a very serious infection. An eye could also be lost.