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Post by brettk on Jul 13, 2015 23:37:14 GMT -5
Hello everyone! I'm new here - my first phonograph is a project piece, Fireside Model A. I've run into an issue with the carriage. The arm of the feed nut doesn't seem to be long enough, since the feed nut doesn't contact the feed screw. Also, the rotating piece on the other side also seems to be too short. (see picture below) I believe that the carriage that is on it may be from a GEM rather than a Fireside, based on some pictures of others I've seen. The Firesides seem to have a two-part arm for the feed nut, whereas mine has a single-piece arm. So, before I go and buy a new carriage, I thought I would try to make myself a new feed nut arm. My only question is whether the feed nut, assuming it is a GEM, would have the same threads and diameter as the Fireside feed nut. Does anyone know, or know of other problems I might run into? Thanks for any help! Brett  IMG_4270 by brettkingnc, on Flickr |
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Post by billcahill on Jul 15, 2015 15:16:05 GMT -5
The gem half nut bar is shorter, and, I believe the half nut is slightly smaller diameter. That's a maroon gem carriage on your fireside.
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Post by brettk on Jul 16, 2015 19:46:30 GMT -5
Thanks for the info, Bill!
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Post by billcahill on Jul 17, 2015 14:38:50 GMT -5
Yer welcome...........
Biil Cahill
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Post by brettk on Jul 25, 2015 0:00:21 GMT -5
So, I've made good progress on my restoration. I have it semi-functional now. It was really exciting to hear the voice introduction for the first time. Accomplished so far:
- replaced the GEM carriage with a Fireside carriage
- bought a Model K reproducer, which I had to file down to get to fit into the carriage due to swollen metal.
- I had to make a rather ugly repair to the pipe on top of the reproducer when it broke off as I was doing a test fit. I suspect it had been repaired before.
- acquired an original Fireside horn and repro rubber elbow
- fashioned my own crane
I don't have a lot of records to play on it yet, but what I've found so far:
- 2 minute mode runs quiet and smoothly. The record I had played reasonably well, but it was not in good shape.
- 4 minute mode wobbles and is noisy. It plays well for the first minute or so, then gets an echo. The needle eventually lifts off the record about half way through. i assume this implies a bent shaft. I will take off the mandrel to see if I can tell. Any advice is appreciated.
- I see a fair amount of wax dust has accumulated on both needles after just a few plays. Is this normal, or does it indicate bad cylinders or a dull needle? What should I look for on the needles to determine if they are ok? From the original instruction manual, I assume using a soft brush is the best way to clean the needles?
Thanks,
Brett
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Post by lucius1958 on Jul 25, 2015 3:20:32 GMT -5
To examine the styli (not 'needles'), you need at least a high-powered jeweler's loupe: under a strong light, examine the styli for any sign of flat spots.
If you find flat spots, the styli can be turned to present an unworn section to the cylinder: this is a tricky job (especially with 4 minute styli), and should be done by an experienced repairman.
Incidentally: have you replaced the gaskets in the reproducer?
Another thought: have you tried listening to the reproducer with a smaller horn, that does not use a crane? It is possible that your home-made crane (or its adjustment) might be exerting tension on the reproducer, causing it to lift.
BillS
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