12/31/2022 0 Comments Brunswick phonograph serial numbers![]() ![]() If there is visible dirt or other foreign matter in the record grooves, the record should be cleaned. If your disc records have been stored in albums or paper sleeves inside the phonograph, and look clean and shiny, they can probably be played with little or no harm (although many serious collectors never play new acquisitions until after carefully cleaning them). Let an expert handle it.Ģ) Cleanliness will contribute to your records’ lifespan. ![]() With yards of mainspring coiled tightly into a donut-size spring barrel, things can happen fast if it’s not properly controlled during removal – – sometimes resulting in injury. New replacements are available at nominal cost, but their installation should be attempted only by a knowledgeable repair person. ![]() One last word about mainsprings: these motors are in many cases over a century old. However, doing so should cause no damage as long as the mainspring is not forced beyond a fully wound state. Except for small spring motors with single mainsprings, it shouldn’t be necessary to completely wind the motor. As the springs become fully wound, the operator will feel increasing resistance to cranking, followed by complete resistance. Motors with 2, 3 or 4 mainsprings can be wound 60, 90, or over 100 revolutions, although care should always be taken to avoid over-winding the mainspring. ![]() Minimally, 25-30 revolutions of the crank should be enough to play one record. This is fine, but the mainsprings must be wound enough to provide sufficient power. Newcomers to antique phonographs will often hesitate to wind the mainsprings too much. Once you’re confident that your spring motor can be used without damaging it, winding the mainsprings is necessary. Important Note: a phonograph spring motor should never be disassembled until after the mainsprings have been allowed to completely run down! In all cases, know your limits (we all have them) and seek advice or assistance with jobs that are beyond your present skill set. This is a job best left to the experienced. Occasionally the problem is bad enough that the mainspring(s) will need to be disassembled, cleaned, regreased, and reassembled. Sometimes the repeated act of winding the mainsprings and allowing them to run down will redistribute the mainspring grease and the problem will resolve itself. If a “thumping” or “chugging” sound is heard as the motor runs, it means the mainspring grease has become hardened or thickened in spots. (Paraffin-based products such as 3-In-One oil may become gummy and are not recommended). Minimally, all bearings and governor pads should be lubricated with sewing machine oil or other good quality lubricant. Unless it has recently been serviced, the mainspring grease and lighter gear lubricants have probably dried out. Your antique phonograph is probably powered by a spring motor. ![]()
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