speeding up an old motor in wilcox gay recordette 3
Maybe this is a stupid hopeless question. I don't really know much of anything about electronics or motors but:
I have this old suitcase wilcox gay recordette 3 that runs great except the motor is a little slow. In other words I cut a record on it and if I try to play it on another cutter its about 2 notes higher in pitch.
Is it possible to run a dimmer switch of sorts to that motor to fine control the speed? Im wondering about modifying this thing's motor that way or maybe even replacing it with a newer motor that can be controlled in such a way. somehow. All the audio electronics work great so I'm sad that the motor seems like its worn out. Obviously, being an amature at stuff like this I may try to take it to someone who knows about electronics to get this done, but I just thought I'd ask people's opinions and see if this is a fool's errand.
I have this old suitcase wilcox gay recordette 3 that runs great except the motor is a little slow. In other words I cut a record on it and if I try to play it on another cutter its about 2 notes higher in pitch.
Is it possible to run a dimmer switch of sorts to that motor to fine control the speed? Im wondering about modifying this thing's motor that way or maybe even replacing it with a newer motor that can be controlled in such a way. somehow. All the audio electronics work great so I'm sad that the motor seems like its worn out. Obviously, being an amature at stuff like this I may try to take it to someone who knows about electronics to get this done, but I just thought I'd ask people's opinions and see if this is a fool's errand.
- blacknwhite
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Angryjim2,
DON'T connect your motor to a dimmer switch - you'll smoke the switch & maybe burn the motor a little - voice of experience
I sometimes lurk in a forum for restoration of 1930s-40s electric radios & phonographs - here is a thread there which might help you restore the motor: You will probably get your best answers to getting your machine working with folks on that forum, since those guys deal with your kind of motor all the time:
BTW, this is not an uncommon problem - you'll restore 10 players with motors just fine, then one comes along that's a real pain - usually a few drops of TURBINE OIL (not WD-40, not car motor oil) in each bearing (top & bottom) will free it up - of course don't get any on the surface of the part of the motor shaft that touches the rubber idler wheel, or wipe it off w/ alcohol if you do: Not a bad idea to lube the rubber idler wheel bearing too, and the turntable bearing itself (the turntable bearing can use heavier car motor oil):

http://www.iaqsource.com/product.php?product=113281
But if that doesn't do the trick, see this thread:
http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=133436
Good luck, and ask folks over there if you're still having probs,
- Bob
DON'T connect your motor to a dimmer switch - you'll smoke the switch & maybe burn the motor a little - voice of experience

I sometimes lurk in a forum for restoration of 1930s-40s electric radios & phonographs - here is a thread there which might help you restore the motor: You will probably get your best answers to getting your machine working with folks on that forum, since those guys deal with your kind of motor all the time:
BTW, this is not an uncommon problem - you'll restore 10 players with motors just fine, then one comes along that's a real pain - usually a few drops of TURBINE OIL (not WD-40, not car motor oil) in each bearing (top & bottom) will free it up - of course don't get any on the surface of the part of the motor shaft that touches the rubber idler wheel, or wipe it off w/ alcohol if you do: Not a bad idea to lube the rubber idler wheel bearing too, and the turntable bearing itself (the turntable bearing can use heavier car motor oil):

http://www.iaqsource.com/product.php?product=113281
But if that doesn't do the trick, see this thread:
http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=133436
Good luck, and ask folks over there if you're still having probs,
- Bob