2/4 minute noise

[billymurray]

I recently added a 2/4 minute ckit to a Standard model B. At first I was happy but despite the fact that it does indeed work as it should, it is a bit noisier to run now. Any advise on tuning out the noise?

[martinola]

billymurray,

I think it is the nature of the converted beast to be somewhat noisier. My converted model B is especially noisy in the 2 minute mode. The design seems to favor the 4 minute mode, but perhaps the original owner of this attachment used it mostly for 2 minute records.

My feeling is that more effort went into the design of the model D gear train and that the attachment was simply a way to sell more 4 minute records. If the truth be told, I tend to use my unconverted green oak Model A for 2 minute records and my Model E for 4 minute records. The simplicity of having one speed on each machine is appealing to me (and easier to fine-tune). Somebody else will doubtless have a better handle on making the attachments quieter.

You have peaked my interest and I'll tinker around with my machine and see if I can improve things. I'll post it here if I note anything particularly insightful. Good luck with your model B!

Martin

[billymurray]

You know, you voiced everything I was thinking but would be curious to know if you find anything. I may do as you do and use my Home for 2s and my Standard for 4s

[martinola]

Hello.

I spent about an hour and a half with my converted Model B yesterday and re-acquainted myself with my dissatisfaction in its design. Certainly it does do the job and hopefully represented an increased profit for the Edison company. From an engineering standpoint the attachment was remarkable in its simplicity, but it is hardly a robust mechanism. The elongated left side mandrel bearing is easily wiggled out of alignment in comparison to the left hand mandrel bearing in the Model D.

I did adjust some of the "bounce" out of the small mandrel gear by alternately adjusting the left hand mandrel bearing and the endgate bearing. It somewhat calmed the noise but the 2 minute mode was still noisy. It makes sense that the attachment's noise doubles in the 2 minute mode because the small gears are going twice as fast. Perhaps a new old stock attachment would be quieter, but the small gears would seem to be an invitation to premature wear and noise.

The attachments are interesting devices and certainly saved many machines from oblivion, but my feeling is that they are not all that satisfactory for daily use. Anyway, thanks for bringing up the subject. I did get a better handle on my machine's adjustment and also my exact feelings on the subject.

Best Regards,
Martin

[billymurray]

I tried the same adjustments, same noise but you are correct, 4 min setting is a lot happier.. I am wondering is using a heavy white grease would eliminate some of the racket. 20 people will say it is the wrong grease but easy enough to try.