The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This one has me puzzled. Someone brought me an Edison Standard Model D to get working. It would play about mid way through a 4 minute record and slow down. Then pick up speed towards the end of the record. I went through it and made sure that the upper works was spinning freely and the motor had ample power. With a good cleaning and adjusting end bearings, half-nut, etc... it played great about a dozen times playing a 4 minute record about three times on a winding. I was called by the owner that the same symptoms have returned. I am stumped. The motor has lots of power. With the belt removed, I can lower the speed adjusting arm and the motor speeds up fast. The upper works spins freely when I spin the mandrel. What am I missing? The tension roller spins freely also. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I will be out of town until next Saturday and won't have good access to the Forum during the week. I look forward to reading any suggestions when I get back. Thanks, Ken Brekke

Sounds rather like an increase of friction somewhere: the carriage rod, the feed screw, or the straight edge...

Also, what horn are they using? If it uses a crane, it might not be adjusted properly...?


-- Bill

All good points. I will have to take a look at it all when it comes back here. I could see if the carriage rod was slightly bent upwards that the friction on the half nut would increase. It puzzles me that it worked great through several 4 minute records.