help fixing Saal motor

[Julie]

I have a Saal motor (1917-18 patents) with a broken spring. Cranking the handle does not wind the spring, and the turn table won't turn. I am in Colorado and need help fixing the spring. Any suggestions. I have the motor out of the box, and it can be mailed as it weighs around 10 lbs. thanks JMc

[barnettrp21122]

I'd recommend sending the whole motor to George Vollema at Great Lakes Antique Phonograph. He's good, fast, and most reasonably-priced of all I've dealt with. He answers emails quickly too!
The link:
http://www.victroladoctor.com/
USPS has the one price "if it fits it ships" priority cartons that would be a good way to send something small but heavy like your motor.
Good luck!
Bob

[VintageTechnologies]

When I ship a motor or other delicate machinery, I don't take chances with a flimsy box such as a USPS Priority Mail box. It isn't worth the risk of breakage. In my experience, all of the carriers can occasionally be so brutal to packages they could break a cannon ball. "Fragile" on the box means nothing to them. I have received packages that were dropped and/or mashed beyond belief. I double-box and pack the item snug within foam peanuts. Bubble wrap and air bags will deflate or pop under heavy weight, and crumpled newspapers will compress, so I don't recommend using them. Better safe than sorry.