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Hello,
I need some help with the rebuilding of my Columbia reproducer. It is off a Columbia Eagle and is a #5 Aluminun with stylus bar ( from Hazelcorn's book, Columbia Phonograph Companion Volume 1). The mica diaphragm , stylus bar and stylus are in fine condition. The gasket and Bee's wax seal are missing. I am wanting to replace the rubber gasket and reseal with Bee's wax. I purchased a new gasket from Ron Sitko. They don't make the correct size for this reproducer ,so i am going to cut down a larger gasket that was intended for an Edison reproducer. Question #1 Is the new gasket glued ( if so with what?) into the aluminum housing or is it left free floating like in a Victor Exhibition reproducer. Question #2 What is the technique used to reseal with bee's wax?
thanks
Pete

Pete,

I tried several methods with the beeswax seals until I finally figured out this one. Put away that torch!

First, the rubber gasket indeed "floats" like other gaskets - no glue.

For a beeswax seal, here's what I do:

1) Use a carrot/potato peeler to cut wax strips from the beeswax cake.
2) Trim these to about ⅜" wide with scissors so they'll be nice and straight.
3) Work with a 100-watt lightbulb perhaps a foot above your hands. Forget the CFL!
4) Fold the ⅜" wide strips in half lengthwise (so now they'll be only 3/16" wide).
5) Press the folded strips into the reproducer shell with your fingers. Roll them smooth & flat with your thumbnails.

Working under the 100-watt bulb will soften the wax and make this easy. Good luck!

George P.

I prefer decorating wax sheets which are available in almost any color. Black or brown usually will fit best. This wax is softer and much easier to apply than bees wax. It is very sticky and stays that way for years. With the right color it does look very authentic and does not need excessive heat to be applied.

I have used this on several Columbia floating reproducers as well as on others where necessary.

Hi All,
Thanks for the information! I was able to rebuild the reproducer with great success! Here is what I did. I used the peeler(as George recommended)to shave off a long strip of beeswax. Instead of a light bulb, I used a hair dryer to soften the wax and then rolled it back and forth with my fingers to make a thin strip. I placed the rolled strip on wax paper and used a wooden rolling pin to flatten it out nice and thin. This leaves uneven edges on both sides of the flattened strip. I used a small metal ruler for a straight edge and an exacto knife and trimed off some from each side until I had the right width. I heated it once more with the hair dryer then pressed it in around the mica diaphragm. It worked great!
Pete