The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1916)

66 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD REPAIRS TALKING MACHINE TROUBLES AND HOW TO REMEDY THEM Conducted by Andrew H. Dodin [This department of The Talking Machine World which was started with the April issue, is designed for the service of all classes of our readers, including those who make, and those who sell, talking machines. A talking machine out of order often reflects both upon the maker and dealer, and yet frequently the trouble is so slight that the simple knowledge of repairs will permit of the machine being put into proper running order, quickly and practically without expense. In the large cities talking machine repair shops are, of course, available, but this department should prove of particular value to the outof-town talking machine men. Andrew H. Dodin, who conducts this department, has a wide and enviable reputation as a repairer of talking machines and conducts an exclusive talking machine repair shop at 25 East Fourteenth street, New York. Tell him your troubles through The World and he will help you if possible. The service is free. — Editor.] COLUMBIA DOUBLE SPRING MOTOR There are so many different styles of Columbia motors that I am going to write several articles in reference to adjustments and little repairs that the average dealer can do himself as the occasion demands. This month we will consider the troubles which might happen to the present type of double spring Columbia motor. Of course, the chief trouble is always the problem of replacing a broken spring. This should be found very easy for any one who has a screwdriver and pair of pliers handy and is not averse to getting his hands a little dirty. First remove the screws which hold the spring cage shaft in place — take point of screwdriver and push shaft out far enough to get hold of end with pliers, when same can be easily pulled out. Be careful not to loosen the little brass bushing which fits between the running gear and casting and ■ which is used to keep the cage in its proper position in relation to the winding ratchet on one end and the operating gear on the opposite end. Before removing the eight little screws from the tabs of the spring cage plate make a mark of some kind on one of the tabs and also opposite the tab on the cage (do this on both cages) so that when replacing the plate you will have some guide to get the plate back in the same position it was originally, otherwise you may find that the tabs will not center over the screw holes. In removing the broken spring be very careful that you do not let spring slip and fly out of the cage — for Columbia springs are very strong and are liable to cut and damage anything they may strike. I use two methods in putting in the new spring. First, take the new spring, clamp it tight in a vise and cut the wire band which holds it coiled up — then gradually loosen vise and allow to spring to uncoil. I then coil spring into the cage by hand. The other plan I often use is to take an old clamp ring from a Victor 3014A spring and knock it into position over the Columbia spring just above the clamp wire — then cut wire — the clamp ring will hold spring securely and allows room to pull end of spring out as we do with the Victor springs — thus permitting you to hook end of spring on cage rivet as we do with the Victor springs. After graphiting, and for Columbia springs I use a kind of paste graphite called Graphitoleo, replace cage plate, using your guide marks on tabs and cages to get the tab holes center, replace tab screws, put cage into motor, slide shaft through cage and brass • bushing — tighten up screws which hold shaft in position, wind up motor and test. In a new motor about the only other trouble you might have occasion to overcome will be in the governor, either a possible broken governor spring or the spring screws have worked loose. In all cases I remove governor and take it all apart. I clean the center hole of friction disc, clean the governor spindle with croens cloth and oil until it will slide perfectly free through the hole of friction disc, then replace the balls and springs, being sure that springs line up perfectly straight and also sure that screws are set up good and tight: replace governor in motor, allowing just a little end play and set up governor bearing screw good and tight. If the governor is properly assembled and the springs are straight, screws tight, etc., you should have little trouble with motors changing speed, which causes the change of pitch in the reproduction of the record; Indianapolis, I.nd., July 1, 1916. Andrew H. Dodin, Care The Talking Machine World. Dear Sir — Being repairman for the Edison Shop of Indianapolis, Ind., I have made several experiments in regard to spring lubricants, and have as yet found none that gives satisfaction. No doubt you are familiar with the spring barrel in question, which is the new style Edison. There is an extra disc inside of the spring barrel cover which I cannot find the reason for using. Do you think this disc rubbing against the edge of the spring would cause a pounding sound, or jumping spring? What do you think of dry graphite as a lubricant? Yours very truly, Roy R. Peakce, Repair Department. Answer — For a spring lubricant for use in new style Edison motor, would suggest that you try Dixon's Graphitoleo, which can be ob tained in small cans and is manufactured by the Jos. Dixon Crucible Co., Jersey City. As to the extra disc inside spring cage, do not think the same could cause trouble unless the side in contact with spring had become rough or cut in some way. Think your trouble is more in the graphiting. I never use dry graphite for spring lubrication.— A. H. Dodin. SPECIALIZING IN TALKER FELTS Widney Co., of Chicago, Call Attention to Their Facilities for Producing Felt Parts Used in Talking Machine Construction Chicago, III., July 10. — The Widney Co., of 163 West Harrison street, this city, long recognized as one of the leading houses for cut felt specialties, are now calling the attention of talking machine manufacturers to their unrivalled facilities for producing all the felt parts used in the construction of talking machines. They have recently added a Special Service Department to their business for the purpose of assisting the many manufacturers in this industry to solve their felt problems. This department is made up of men who have been activel> connected with the construction of talking machines and who are therefore well able to advise on questions of felt for the line. The company has also installed many special large die cutting machines for producing turntable felts, bumpers, insulators, wicks, washers, etc., and as they have in their equipment dies and tools for producing all the standard sizes of these articles they are in a position to offer exceptionally prompt deliveries. Although the general labor situation and the wool shortage has seriously handicapped the felt market, this company prepared its.elf against the situation months ago with the result that they now have on hand large stocks of all the grades of felt used in talking machine work. In these abnormal times it means considerable to the manufacturer to be able to place his orders with a house who can be depended upon to give prompt deliveries, and who, through careful planning ahead are in a position to send out goods that are up to standard in quality at prices that are not governed by "war" conditions. Roy F. Ott, progressive and successful Columbia dealer at Huntsville, Ala., was a visitor to New York this week, spending some time at the executive offices and factory of the Columbia Co. Mr. Ott is enthusiastic regarding the business he is closing with the Columbia line, and incidentally paid a tribute to The Talking Machine World, which he states, he finds invaluable in the conduct of his establishment. The MOZART Special Style "A" Retail Price $55.00 Is satisfying the demand for a large low priced cabinet machine, that has proven the biggest leader on the market today. Equipped with Universal joint tone-arm, playing all makes of records, entire wood sound-chamber, tone modifier, large double spring nickle-plated motor, playing 6 to 7 records with one winding. Compare the size of the MOZART SPECIAL with other machines retailing at $1 00. Order sample machines today and be prepared for your fall business. Mr. jobber: We specialize in making up machines to your specifications in quantity lots. Dealers .Wire or write at once for samples and discounts to the trade on our various models THE MOZART TALKING MACHINE CO. J. P. FITZGERALD, President 1432 to 1442 North 20th Street, St. Louis, Missouri