I read somewhere the best option is to let the mech unwind completely, apply the brake, then wind it back up a few turns. I can't even remember where I read that now, but I internalized it many years ago and treated all my phonos that way, and not once have I had a machine lose any spring power from the strength it had when I bought it, nor have I ever had a spring break. (Heh heh, spring break. Used to have one per year back in school. Anyhoo...) It seems like I read about this policy being a good idea in some actual literature from the period, maybe an owner's manual. I only know I've had nothing but success with it, as I'm almost certain the rest of you have had with your own policies and experiences.
Frankly, with even marginal lube maintenance, I don't see pre-electric era mechanisms showing any wear whatsoever from even the heaviest use. Best, Robert Wright ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Dazer" <[email protected]> To: "Antique Phonograph List" <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2004 9:42 AM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Storage... wound or unwound... that is the question > We discussed this last year, I think. Some feel that letting the machine run down after every use just adds wear to the mechanism. Others disputed the idea that a wound up spring can develop a "set" to it after a long period. I don't know what you call a long period of non-use. I have restored phonos that have been sitting in attics for over 50 years and found many to have a viable spring after all that time. I don't know if this will be helpful or not. > Dave Dazer > > [email protected] wrote: > What is the general consensus on leaving your machines wound or unwound > between long periods of non-use? > > I know that there are several thoughts on this, but what is the best practice? > > Thanks! > _______________________________________________ > Phono-L mailing list > [email protected] > > Phono-L Archive > http://www.oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/ > > _______________________________________________ > Phono-L mailing list > [email protected] > > Phono-L Archive > http://www.oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/ >
