Shipping issues with weights/springs

[MTPhono]

Hey guys - I am looking for some advice on how to protect governor springs/weights. I have shipped many machines in the past without incident but my luck ran out apparently. The past two of three machines that I shipped had damaged or disconnected springs.

Is there a proper way to protect the governor springs/weights?

[Skihawx]

Did you have some tension on the springs? They wiil travel
better if they are very slightly wounnd.

[FloridaClay]

What I did the last time I shipped was to wrap an about 2 ½ inch strip of bubble wrap around the governor springs/weights to provide some cushion and restrict them from flexing much.

Clay

[Andersun]

Scott,

What type of phonographs are you talking about that ended up having the problem?

[MTPhono]

One was a Columbia B, the other a Victor MS. Some of the springs either broke off and some of the the screws backed out so the spring/weight combo became loose. Never seen or heard of this happening before. I did try restricting movement of the springs by tying rubber bands around them but that didn't work.

In the past I would typically put bubble wrap inside the case to restrict movement and that seems to have worked since no issues in shipping.

Skihawx - governor springs, not motor springs

Thanks,
Scott

[Andersun]

OK, I don't know enough about those machines to comment. I only know Edison shipping techniques.

[MTPhono]

OK, I don't know enough about those machines to comment. I only know Edison shipping techniques.

Because they are so different??? Come on Steve, share your secret spring/weight protecting secrets!

[Andersun]

Scott, OK, you asked for it..... Take the governor off and pack it separately and tie off connecting gear so motor doesn't turn while in transport. Or, take the carriage off and ship the motor/bed-plate upside down. That way no pressure on motor components. Double box the motor leaving 3 inches between boxes and put correct side up arrows on outer box.

I always wrap the motor like a caccoon in thin foam wrap and set in popcorn packing.

Because I am a nice guy, I'm not even going to charge you for that professional advice!
Steve

Better yet, buy my Spring Motor that is on Ebay and you will get a free example of how I pack machines!

[MicaMonster]

Scott,

I've had 100% success (knocking on wood hard now, with bloody knuckles!) by doing the following:

Roll & fold paper toweling into a ¾" wide belt. Starting with weight #1, form an "L" in the end of your belt, and wind it around the governor using gentle pressure to hold the weights inward, but without flexing or bending the springs excessively. 5" or 6" might do the job, more might be necessary. The point is to cradle the springs so they do not vibrate and get jarred when the box is shocked. Take some office-quality tape, and wrap that around the bandage, and you are good to go.

I have shipped machines world-wide, and not one has ever broken. I agree with Andersun....removing the governor and packing it separately is the best method.....BUT, the problem with this is that the receiver might be an amateur, and not have any mechanical ability.......thus ruining the machine by not installing the part right, and stripping gears and knocking other things out of adjustment.

MAKE SURE you put a note with the machine telling the new owner to remove the wrapping from the governor!

Best Edison Luck

W