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Post by glennsmga on Oct 14, 2016 20:58:15 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum, and live in Kitchener ontario canada. I recently purchased an edison standard phonograph off ebay. The seller said the spring was broken, however the small brass pinioon gear that transmits power is loose on its shaft, so doesnt transmit power from the spring to the gear assembly. I understand this brass gear is supposed to be a press fit on the steel shaft. My brass gear turns very easily on the shaft, and can easily be slide along the length of the shaft. Short of pulling the gearbox out and replacing the pinion gear and shaft, (lots of work) is there a way to fix the problem? I was thinking about trying to solder the gear onto the shaft with a mini torch, but am not sure if this repair would hold, or would stand up to the torque. Interested in comments or ideas from anyone ho has bumped into this issue. Thanks in advance, Glenn
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Post by lucius1958 on Oct 15, 2016 0:42:57 GMT -5
First off, what model Standard do you have?
Have you checked to see whether the pinion is cracked? If it is, you should get a replacement: there are a number of dealers online who carry Edison parts.
As with any antique machinery, you should first disassemble and thoroughly clean both the motor and upper works. The case, if it is dirty, can be cleaned with products such as "Goop" or "GoJo" (Use only the NON-PUMICE variety).
It is often advisable to clean and re-grease the mainspring as well: but if it turns smoothly, without any 'thumping', you may be able to get away with adding some automotive grease (lithium or molybdenum) through the port in the barrel, covered by a broad-headed bolt.
If the pinion is not cracked, then it may be sweat-soldered back into place: just make sure you have it positioned exactly where it belongs.
A great resource for restoration tips is Eric Reiss's "The Compleat Talking Machine": every beginning collector should have a copy.
Good luck!
BillS
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Post by glennsmga on Oct 15, 2016 0:47:10 GMT -5
Hi Bill. Thanks for the info. I dont think the gear is crackedbut it is loose on the shaft. Can you give me step by step instructions on how to sweat the gear back onto the shaft please?. Im hoping to not have to disassemble the gear assembly. I think if the governor is removed, there should be enough room to get a minit torch in to solder the gear back in place.
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Post by lucius1958 on Oct 16, 2016 1:10:57 GMT -5
Sweat soldering requires preparation, so you really ought to disassemble the motor before doing it. The Standard motor is a pretty simple mechanism, and should not pose much of a problem to reassemble.
Before removing the gear cluster, you should take a scratch awl, and mark the shaft on either side of the gear, when that gear is in proper position to mesh with its neighbor. Then you should remove the pinion, thoroughly clean the shaft and the inside of the pinion.
Now tin both the shaft and pinion with a thin coat of solder. Re-flux, place them back in proper position (a jig is helpful), and reheat the pieces until the solder melts.
BillS
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