The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

One of my acquisitions from the Carlisle, PA auction is an Edison Diamond Disc model A80, serial number SM 2438, which dates it to 1913 I think. Unfortunately it seemed to have been stored with a fully wound and stuck main spring, so after I got it going it broke after a few minutes

First challenge I ran into was removing the turntable. It does not seem to come off like usually, but rather seems to be permanently connected to an axle bearing box (?) below. Is that the case, or should I just use more force tapping on the spindle to get it off?

Another curious thing is that there is a hole in the turntable right next to the spindle (see picture). Is that there by default for oiling, or has someone drilled it in later, because they could not get the turntable off?

The leather belt is pretty loose, so during the few minutes it ran I saw quite some slippage. I think it needs to be shortened or replaced. I am a bit reluctant to cut or replace it, because it is in such nice original shape. Like some of the original cylinder phonograph belts I've seen it was sewn with two rows of fine stiches all around. So it seems that originally the belts were not custom cut, but rather sold in different length for the different machines. Has anyone ever tried to re-create such a belt? Or am I wrong about these original belts?

Thanks
Andreas

Here are some pictures:

I have one of these as well. My turntable also has a hole drilled into it, and will not come off of the spindle so I don't think it was done after the fact. I haven't had it long enough to play with it (picked mine up yesterday) so I have no idea how it comes apart, but would be interested if anyone else can offer suggestions.

Recalling after 20 years: Try removing the set-screw on the turntable's pulley, then carefully pulling up on the tt. Penetrating oil or PB Blaster might be needed. You should be able to remove the top boards by taking out the screws around the edges, to make access easier.

I cleaned the belt and pulleys (cork-faced, on mine) & reused the belt. Coating the cork with rubber cement & letting that dry provided a non-slip surface for the belt.

The hole in the turntable is for oiling the bearing, yes.

Seconding edisone's advice: the set screw on the pulley (the one embedded in the cork) is the key.

Unfortunately, I never noticed whether mine had the secondary turntable hole before I recovered it....

If the belt is in good condition, you might try soaking it in naphtha to degrease and shrink it: otherwise, make a new one out of some fine, supple leather ( the original specifications for an A-80 belt, from Frow: 5/16" wide by 18 ¼" long; leather gauge 68 ½; inside measure [doubled] 8 9/16").

As for the mainspring, I've been informed that nobody is making replacements for these nowadays; a good B-80 spring and barrel may be your best bet (assuming the bull gear is the same on both models)...

Bill

Thank you very much everyone for your responses. I already tried the set screws on the pulley, but did not look in the cork itself. I'll have to look again.

Interesting suggestion to soak in Naphta to shrink the belt. Does that not make it more brittle or stiff?

That's a bummer that they don't make that spring anymore. Is that such a special size?

Thanks again
Andreas

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the motor for the A80 was derived from a cylinder machine model-maybe the Fireside?
I'd check with Ron Sitko (telephone 518 371 8549) about spring availability, and recommend George Vollema for repair and replacement.
Bob

Interesting. I was going to ask Ron anyway and maybe George for a used barrel with spring, if Ron doesn't have anything.

Thanks
Andreas

barnettrp21122 wrote:I seem to remember reading somewhere that the motor for the A80 was derived from a cylinder machine model-maybe the Fireside?

Bob

I rather doubt that...

Other than sharing the belt-drive concept, a few screws, and a crank, the A-80 style motor has nothing in common with a Fireside or any other cylinder Phonograph motor. Certain early Amberola models were conglamarations of Fireside, Gem, Standard, and Home motors and top mechs, but not Disc Phonographs.

alang wrote:Thank you very much everyone for your responses. I already tried the set screws on the pulley, but did not look in the cork itself. I'll have to look again.

Interesting suggestion to soak in Naphta to shrink the belt. Does that not make it more brittle or stiff?

That's a bummer that they don't make that spring anymore. Is that such a special size?

Thanks again
Andreas

Yes, the spring is an odd duck, especially the width. 21 feet long, 1 1/16 inches wide, 0.031 inches thick, used only in the A-60, B-60, and A-80. (Frow DD book, p. 207)