The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

To anyone interested, I posted a video (six part) of a Victor two spring motor re-build on my YouTube channel. Kinda boring, but full of good information.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R9i7zp- ... H-puTcQiwk

I just happen to fall upon these videos on youtube quite by chance and I must say that they were very well done and very informative. Thanks.

As someone who has not yet undertaken this task himself, I found this really fascinating—both from the standpoint of the work done and enhancement of my understanding of how all the mechanisms work! The level of detail and the photography quality are excellent. Many thanks.

Only one question. I noticed that the only thing you did not remove was the winding ratchet gear and was wondering why, given the thoroughness of the overhaul.

Clay

I rebuilt the same type motor yesterday and didn't bother removing the ratchet gear either. It's easy enough to clean in situ without removing the pin which passes through a flange on the gear and the shaft. I have removed this pin in the past and don't recall what type of pin it is but just don't bother messing with it anymore.

I agree with Clay. These videos provided a greater understanding for me of how these motors work in the first place. So again,"Thanks!" I've never considered myself mechanically inclined, but after watching them I feel much more confident to handle the task myself. So might I be so bold to suggest someone posting a video on how to rebuild an Exhibition reproducer? I would greatly appreciate it and I'm sure it would be valuable info for the many new members on the board.

Not a video, but---have you seen this? http://www.nipperhead.com/old/rep_exhib.htm

Thanks, Henry. That is useful.

You're welcome. If you are going to rebuild an Exhibition, I highly recommend that you get ahold of the most pliable gasket material that you can find. There have been several suggestions on the board: Ron Sitko, and Victrola Repair Service, to name two. There are a number of others. For the back flange, I'd use this source: http://www.rmrmfg.com/phono.html .

I sent my Exhib. out for rebuild to Victrola Repair Service (http://www.victrolarepairservice.com/index.html), and when I got it back I fine-tuned it until my ear told me it sounded right. This was accomplished mainly by resetting the gaskets, making sure the clearance between needle arm tip and face of diaphragm was correct (by turning the screw adjustments just so, and using a leaf of cigarette paper as a clearance gauge), and resealing the needle arm with beeswax at the diaphragm. I also installed a large felt gasket between the back flange and the body of the sound box, ensuring a tight seal; this last step is not part of the original factory specs, but it has enhanced sound reproduction noticeably. BTW, I did not know about the Rocky Mountain back flange at the time, or I would have purchased one. May yet do it, but I hate to tamper with success! HTH.

For what it's worth, the Rocky Mountain flanges are great, but I only put them on machines I actually play regularly since they're $20+ each. They DO make a difference, though for sure.

As for the felt gasket, you can go it one step simpler and use a standard Edison C type gasket smeared with whatever you prefer, plumber's grease, what Henry uses (nothing personal, Henry, I just can't recall the name of it!) or even Vaseline as a seal. I've used both except what Henry mentioned and they hold the seal very well, as I'm sure Henry's suggestion in the other thread would as well.

Sean

Hi Sean,

Here's my post you referred to:

I used A+D Ointment on the tuning slides of my trombones. It's a combination of lanolin and petroleum jelly. It doesn't dry out or cake up, is a wonderful lubricant, and is readily available at any drug store OTC. Great stuff for dry skin, too! I recommend it for all applications where a thick sealer/lubricant is required.

Just to expand on that a bit, the A+D comes in a tube, very handy to use. You may have to purchase a rather large tube; I don't remember that there was a selection of sizes at the drugstore, but as I don't use very much of this stuff, it's been a rather long time since I looked. I'm really sold on this product, but (disclaimer!) I have no commercial interest in the company!