The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello everyone,

My name is Steve, and I live just west of Houston in Katy, Texas. I’ve been a long-time collector and restorer of radios and audio gear, but I’ve never ventured into the world of wind-up phonographs—until now!

For years, I’ve had my eye on an Edison Fireside B cylinder machine with a Cygnet horn, and I finally managed to get one. I bought it knowing it had an issue: there's tension on the spring, but it won’t play. The seller mentioned that the grease may have hardened, which sounds plausible—but who knows.

Before I start tinkering with it, I wanted to introduce myself here and ask for some guidance on how to begin troubleshooting. I haven’t tried to wind it any further, and since it won’t run, I’m also unsure how to safely wind it down. I suspect a teardown and cleaning are in order, but I’d really appreciate any advice or tips on the best way to get started.

Thanks so much,
Steve

Are you able to rotate the mandrel by hand? With nearly zero resistance, (except maybe for the belt dragging a bit)?

Hi Jerry,
Yes the mandrel seem to turn freely except for the drag of the belt. The unit is all setup on display. I'll try and find a safe place to place the horn and i'll break it down and move the phonograph itself onto my bench.

Steve

Lubricate all bearings, sliding parts, gear teeth, etc., and the felt pads that bear against the governor collar to regulate speed with sewing machine oil and see how it does.

Greetings fellow Texan, Palestine TX here! You may want to watch some of the "Dyslexic Genius Hurt" videos on YouTube. He restores phonographs and goes step by step on various machines. Edison motors are relatively simple ie Standard, Home, Fireside, Gem....but it is always nice to watch someone else do it before you dive right in. All the best. James Manker

Well it seems Jerry Van nailed it. I could move the mandrel but evidently not free enough. As soon as i removed the belt the machine started running. So carfully as I could removed the mandrel cleaned and lube temporarily with 3-in-one blue (for electric motors) and now its playing!..... Thanks for the help!.. now to watch some videos and determine if i should leave it be or go ahead and disassemble and re-lube all of it. I'm so concerned about breaking some irreplaceable part.

Steve

John,

Thank you i guess since it's playing now i need to figure out all the proper lubes to use.. I assume this was a suggestion to just see if I could get it running?

James,
Greetings!! I'll give him a watch..

Steve

Yep: now that you've got it running, the best thing is a total cleaning & re-lubricating of the movement.

As for lubricants: good sewing machine oil is best for most applications (bearings / most gears / governor pads / carriage shaft / straight edge / feed screw). Grease (ask the pros) for mainspring & larger gears (winding gear / bull gear).

- Bill