Edison Recorder

[mrbechet]

I just got an Edison Recorder (c.1901 style) and am gathering parts to rebuild it. Two questions:

1. How easy should the hinge between the top and bottom/diaphragm sections move? Mine seems too stiff and won’t fall down (to be caught by the bent needle support) but I can’t get the hinge pin out to properly lubricate it. Ideas?

2. Does anyone have a source for the cutting stylus? The Conpleat Talking Machine has a pattern and sizing for the mount, and suggests a 1mm / 0.041” round glass rod for the cutter. I know there is a post here that discusses other options but it’s older. Any recent updates?

Thanks!
Mark

[AudioFeline]

I don't have any experience with this machine. It does seem as if the hinge has hardened grease that is making it stiff. Try dissolving the grease with alcohol, then re-lube.

[winsleydale]

If alcohol doesn't work, mineral spirits are magical.

Either way, the beeswax holding the diaphragm in place will probably need to be redone as well, unless you're very careful not to get either anywhere but the hinge.

For a reference, I have both a 2 minute and a 4 minute recorder, and the hinges of both are limp as microwaved lettuce. Virtually no moving resistance, which means that an out-of-round blank doesn't cause my cutter to dig or skip.