Turn Table Slows Down or Stops

[rjjdog]

Hello all - I have a CC32 Diamond Disc model. The turn table sometimes spins, and then at times it slows down or stops, without the needle applied to the diamond disc. I always start with variable speed at its fullest. Another issue is applying the needle to the diamond disc, it sometimes slows down, sometimes keeps its speed or stops. Yes I do have it cranked to full potential. To the left of the turn table it has two buttons 10 and 12. Not sure if those need to be applied. What can cause the turntable to slow down without and with needle applied? I’m very new to these awesome machines. Thanks for your help!

Regards
RJ

[rjjdog]

Well i was messing with the turn table and found out if i give it a little start it will keep truning. A little tune up and it should be good to go.

[lucius1958]

Yes, a good cleaning and lubrication should get the motor back up to decent playing condition.

BTW, those buttons on the left were intended to help users cue up the reproducer for 10 or 12 inch discs. Edison had intended to issue 12 inch Diamond Discs from the start (hence the 12 inch turntable); but technical problems prevented this for a long time. The buttons were introduced in 1922, when the 12 inch discs were again being proposed; but it was not until the introduction of the Long Play records in 1926 that those buttons could be put to practical use…

BillS

[wagnerian]

I would agree with Lucius1958, a good cleaning and then relubrication with a quality sewing machine-type oil should help.

The mainspring, which drives the motor, will almost certainly require re-greasing. Apart from getting the spring out of the spring-barrel, which is dangerous and dirty and should be left to an expert and then thoroughly cleaning and regreasing, there is short cut you could try. If you look at the spring barrels you will notice a large screw head on the side of each barrel, this gives access to the main-spring. With the turntable removed, wind the motor up and stop it from unwinding - I find a pair of pliers round the turntable spindle works fine - unscrew the screw heads and push grease into the spring barrel. It is difficult to judge how much you will need but try pushing in as much as will go in, this can be very messy or very easy depending if you have the right tools - just using a finger will do but it is messy. The theory is that the new grease will soften up the old old, hard grease and from my experience, this seems to work and restores a fair bit of power back to the motor.

The machine probably hasn't been played for 60 or 70 years and any oil or grease is likely to be rock hard so a little bit a patience is needed, try running the motor for an hour or so after oiling and greasing and you should find it will start to play normally or at least play through a side or two of a diamond disc. Avoid the temptation to keep winding the motor up fully as you may break the springs.

These Edison machines are well designed and very robust and with a bit of care, will last for ever.

Good luck

Tim W-W