Orthophonic reproducer, ball bearing insertion

[James]

I am in the last stage in rebuilding an orthophonic reproducer. Do I need a retainer gasket, before installing the ball bearings? No matter what I do, the ball bearings always fall out at the back, even if the needle bar is right in centre. While cleaning around the needle bar, came out a thin round metal gasket. I am not sure, if it came from the inner side, then the petrified rubber. If someone know, I appreciate a respond. One more thing, the new back rubber flange is a little bet loose, what can I use to make it snag.

Thank you,
Jim

[MicaMonster]

When I install bearings, I dab them with a little grease (or Vaseline) to keep them in position so you can insert the full set, then poke around them with a toothpick until they are set flush. The steel washer sits on top of the bearings, before you install a small snip of rubber tube as a damper above the washer to keep the bearings from rattling. My trick is to put the bearings on a piece of rare earth magnet to magnetize them, and not install the metal washer or damping rubber. That way the bearings magnetize and stay in their respective places. Pivot the needlebar when the bearings are installed, and make sure the needlebar sits center in the "T," and moves with controlled resistance.

[Orthophonic]

I do about the same as Micamonster. Vaseline or other thin grease is your friend and as said before, the washers go on top of the bearings. I used to use fine springs to hold the bearings in which I placed between the washer and the dust cap; only a slight amount of spring pressure is needed. I since have found another method; I use the little rubber or soft plastic dome looking affairs that are under laptop keys. Their circumference fits inside the bearing racesand the lip goes inside and against the balls themselves. I generally do not use the washers since many sound boxes don't have them anyway. Incidentally, a magnetized shaft will hold the bearings in place once they are installed and it is surprisingly hard to move the needlebar sideways once they are in place. The bearings can also be magnetized for the same affect. Whenever I remove the shaft from the needlebar with a homemade tool, I magnetize it before I replace it. Orthophonic soundboxes are right up my alley since I love to tinker

[James]

Hi,
I just want to clarify, do you use the little rubber or soft plastic dome at the inner end of the bearing racesand lip that is at the needle bar side, if so, it is good, it will trap the ball bearings to escape out, which is my problem. I know I will use a rubber gasket at the outer side, before I close the ball bearing door. Thank you, and please reply.....
Jim

I do about the same as Micamonster. Vaseline or other thin grease is your friend and as said before, the washers go on top of the bearings. I used to use fine springs to hold the bearings in which I placed between the washer and the dust cap; only a slight amount of spring pressure is needed. I since have found another method; I use the little rubber or soft plastic dome looking affairs that are under laptop keys. Their circumference fits inside the bearing racesand the lip goes inside and against the balls themselves. I generally do not use the washers since many sound boxes don't have them anyway. Incidentally, a magnetized shaft will hold the bearings in place once they are installed and it is surprisingly hard to move the needlebar sideways once they are in place. The bearings can also be magnetized for the same affect. Whenever I remove the shaft from the needlebar with a homemade tool, I magnetize it before I replace it. Orthophonic soundboxes are right up my alley since I love to tinker