The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi Folks,
I recently got my first Phonograph. It's a Standard model "A" banner base model. I have to do some repair on the bedplate frame (got broken coming from TX "deep sigh..." -Yes, NOW I know, remove mechanism from cabinet -ship separately) so while I've got the mechanism out (without making this a major project) please let me know what should be done to get her purring like new. I have some sewing machine oil for use on a 1914 Bell & Howell 2709 35mm movie camera. Is this good to use for lubrication? What's best? -What needs to be lubricated and what different lubricants should be used?
I'm new to this so thanks for your patience with me!
Thanks very much, and I hope all of you have a blessed day!
Russ

Congrats on your first machine!

First off: has this machine ever been serviced recently? If not, you'd do well to disassemble the mechanism - both the motor and the upper works - and give them a thorough cleaning. This includes cleaning and re-greasing the mainspring (not too difficult with a Standard; but if you're not confident, you can have it done professionally).

Check the gears for any wear or damage - especially the governor pinion, which is usually the first to go - check all the bearings for wear, and make sure the governor springs and weights are in good shape.

As for lubrication, Vaseline is very good for most gears; sewing machine oil is good for bearings, feedscrews, etc. For the mainspring, you can get original-style graphite grease; or some of the modern automotive greases (molybdenum, lithium) work quite well. Silicone spray is also useful for carriage rods, straight edges and feedscrews.

Don't forget the reproducer, either: you'll probably need new gaskets, and you should check the stylus for wear. With the sapphire styli, you can often turn them to an unused section; if it's a diamond stylus that's worn, you'll have to replace it...

If you don't already have a copy of The Compleat Talking Machine, you'd be well advised to get one: Eric Reiss covers restoration and maintenance in far greater detail that I can in this post....

Happy Cranking!

Bill