Wonderful job Mr. Everett. I have a number of Record Players which i use on and off. At times i run into problems with the mechanical parts. Electronics is not a problem for me. In India we have a number of workshops and highly skilled workers. So, at times i too have to resort to fabricating certain parts. You have done a remarkable job. Thank You. Regards, Engineer from India.

@EverettsWorkshop

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words, thankfully this worked for my friend's purposes. What is interesting is that I have another one for a viewer on the lathe right now, half done and it's been like that for a couple weeks. Trying to get caught up on projects for people but haven't had much time since my daughter was born. Thank you for coming by the channel!

0:43 What people do not realise is that there are companies that specialize exclusively on the rebuilding of rubber rollers, idlers and such. The problem is... they usually focus on industrial machinery parts or a usually much larger size so do not bother with requests for turntable idlers or tape deck rollers. There is (or was) a guy in the States that specialised on the rebuilding of reel-to-reel tape decks' rollers and also idler wheels. The problem with this solution - assuming he is still active - is that he charges an arm and a leg but if your deck warrants it, why not. 1:09 The Garrard 301 and 401 are old but highly collectible and sought after turntables that demand high prices. Their owners, sooner or later, require a new idler wheel which, assuming the decks are well cared for, is pretty much the only part that ever needs replacement on these decks. Most idler wheel builders do exactly what you did but use a round o-ring instead. I think this solution is only temporary but, with the o-rings being cheap to replace, it is a working one.

Wow, Everett you my friend are a smart man. I got into collecting old record players last year and over 75 percent of my problems were IDLER WHEEL. It became a cuss word in my vocab. Nice work bro

@EverettsWorkshop

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words, I just like to make and fix stuff, and enjoy helping friends out. Not sure where you're from but there are places in the US tthat apparently rebuild idler wheels. It's a bit spendy but one option. Other option is make your own "aftermarket parts" :) Thanks for coming by!

Great! You could as well invest time and resources to make some vintage turntable Idler wheels and end up making several lovers of old time turntable systems really really happy. Give it a thought. Just about a couple of thousand pieces for every old turntable would give the systems a life of a few more decades. Everett, you are a passionate designer and a genius of a fabricator.

Hi Everett. Great job ! I have made a few parts like that. I restore vintage tube radios and record players. Great feeling to see and hear them come back to life.

@EverettsWorkshop

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It's cool to see and hear those old devices working, there's just something about them. Nostalgia, perhaps. But 50 years from now, those machines will still work with a little lubing and fiddling, but our current latest iPhones and MP3 players will be landfill!

Nice approach. Great video.

@EverettsWorkshop

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I enjoy the challenges.

Long ago I had a Garrard transcription unit - and also a Colaro - these were good machines and belt drive. The old auto-changers take me back a bit! Nice job - came out real nice.

@EverettsWorkshop

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks! My turntable when I was a teenager collecting vinyl was a Garrard as well, I don't remember which model. It was working fine, never needed to take it apart but that was also 25 years ago!

Nice video on helping a friend save a piece of audio history. Who knows, you may get a lot of requests from Garard owners to bring their old equipment back to life. I recently made a bushing for my cousin so that he didn't have to throw away his cordless leaf blower. He said that a repair facility was going to charge him almost as much to repair it than a new one would cost.

@EverettsWorkshop

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Robert, I have had one request for the plan for these idler wheels but no requests for a built one. That's cool you helped your cousin out, there's something satisfying about repairing stuff in our 'disposable' society.

Fascinating watching you make that!

@EverettsWorkshop

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It was a fun challenge, especially trying to match the first wheel I made for him.

Superb work Everett! Some companies want you to return the old wheel so they can put a new rubber back on it. Not sure what they are doing in that regard. Thanks for making this video it is great!

@EverettsWorkshop

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, this was the second one I did for my friend Morgan, and I've had a few people contact me since about their turntables. I had no idea there were that many people trying to get old turntables running again, lol!

Got to love the return of analog. Gives a machinist something to do

@EverettsWorkshop

6 жыл бұрын

I've always said that with a quality turntable, good amp and new record the sound will be clearer and warmer than digital. I used to collect vinyl some years ago so it's cool to see that its popularity is coming back. Thanks for stopping by again!

@FishmanEricRussell

6 жыл бұрын

It also doesn't hurt to be able to fix them.

Heavy industry for smool idler:)))) Great job.

@EverettsWorkshop

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the process!

Absolutely awesome, great camera work and narration. Thanks for taking the trouble to make this video. 👍👍 I restore various makes of record changers (crazy hobby) and for the idler drive models having a good (like new, or new) idler is critical to the function of the changer. There are a few guys that will replace the rubber on an original idler, so there is that option. However, I think making new ones with a good quality 3D printer is going to be the best solution for making new idlers of all different sizes. Using an original idler for the dimensions would allow making exact reproductions and of course the 3D files can be saved and even shared. Modern plastics such as are available for good 3D printers would be fine for the bearing with some modern lubricant. You do excellent machine work, but as you say, this is a one-off project and the cost of making these one at a time is prohibitive, although there are some wealthy collectors of some of the valuable record players that would pay whatever you want to make them one of these. I really enjoyed this video, but 3D printing will be the easier/cheaper way to reproduce these parts, unless you have a time machine and can go back to when Garrard, BSR, Collaro, Dual, V-M, RCA, GE, etc would sell you a new one for $2.00.

@EverettsWorkshop

2 жыл бұрын

Honestly I have considered making more of them but I barely have the time to do shop stuff for myself lately. And yes, they would be kind of pricey if I was to do them for money in order to make up for my time. The 3D printed idea is interesting, and would be cheaper, but I wonder about factors like full circularity (warpage/shrinkage/concentricity) and part support during printing (there are usually raised hubs in the center). I still have the 3D model in my CAD folder, at some point here I might try printing one and giving it to my buddy to try in one of his turntables. If it works, then that might be a serious option to consider. Thanks for writing!

@rizzlerazzleuno4733

2 жыл бұрын

I am not suggesting hobby level 3D printers, but the kind professional shops are now using with metal infused print material. I have a changer that works fine with a plastic (guess its nylon) idler. Garrard, BSR and others starting using plastics in some parts of the changer mechanism, but the death of auto changers ended any further development. I greatly admire your work but there must be a quicker/easier way to make these idle wheels. The originals must have been cast or stamped from an alloy. I bet you could make a 4 barrel carburetor, but molding and stamping the parts is much more efficient. Ok, now that I brought it up, lets see that machined carburetor in 2023. 🤣🤣

Amazing idea! I have an idler Micro Seiki that needs this :)

All I can say is that it's magical! A suggestion. It might help to make sure the seal doesn't slip, to glue it into the groove.

@EverettsWorkshop

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Not sure if my buddy did apply adhesive once he got it, but I see what you're saying.

@garrardzero1

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting. I own a lovely Gerrard Zero 100 and ordered a refurbished wheel in the States this year. But I also own a mini lathe! So you inspired me to make an idler wheel myself. A good wheel reduces the amount of rumble enormously. Your homemade wheel is more solid and I think you can make the brass bearing more silent determent of the amount of play.

10:40 Hmmm... the idler wheel is one of the three critical parts that make this turntable (the spindle bearing and the platter being the other two - ok the motor shaft and capstan are also critical so make that five, right, forgot the motor bearings - seven). What saves it though is that the idler is pressed against the motor capstan and the platter when in operation, so, in theory, it should not have any room to wobble about, even if cut with a bit of slack - of course this is assuming that the rest (platter, spindle, motor etc.) are cut perfectly and spin perfectly which of course they do not. 19:05 Of course this all depends on how much the rubber band gets compressed when in operation. I doubt the precise diametre matters much since you can adjust the angular velocity of the platter on the Garrard to the desired magnitude. What I think matters more is whether there will be any slippage of the band and whether this slippage will be occurring from the start or whether it will develop after some use. Somehow, my gut tells me I like the square band better in this role than the round o-ring that I see most often being used in idler wheel replacements for the Garrard.

I love the measurements so cool

@EverettsWorkshop

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I'm glad you liked the video!

very nice job on the turntable part. really enjoyed watching now im going out to my little shop and play on the lathe. thanks.

@EverettsWorkshop

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I love the challenge when a buddy comes up to me as asks "Hey, can you make this square peg fit this round hole?" I think most of us do, it gets our brains spinning, lol. Thanks for stopping by.

@jamiebuckley1769

6 жыл бұрын

lol no problem. now its back to the shop to weld an alluminum storage rack on a camper for a customer take care everett.

6:38 Well, it is already a verb, a noun and an adjective so I do not see why adding an adverb to the lot would hurt but I think you are right: one should use squarely where an adverb is needed and restrict the use of square to just the three aforementioned roles. Until watching this I was left with the impression that it could fulfil all these four parts of speech. Now I have to look for another word that has this property...

Fun little project.

@EverettsWorkshop

6 жыл бұрын

I enjoy the challenge - I think we all do. It seems like once people get wind that you fiddle around with machine tools the ideas and requests for making stuff come in, lol. And, it's fun to help a buddy out.

Oh my !!! you got the game and gone with it! I restore record player as a hobby. Usually the first thing to replace is the idler wheel. If i sent you worn ones would you consider making some for me? Of course i'd be happy to pay you. Thx, Ric

@EverettsWorkshop

4 ай бұрын

I'm sorry for the late reply but thank you for the kind words. I made these a few years ago for my buddy's Garrards, and have heard from a number of people who have asked about them. Honestly I have not pursued doing them commercially, but if I get enough requests then maybe a few common ones might be a thought. Biggest thing is getting a design drawn up from an existing part and getting time to make them. As it is, since our third child was born shop time has been challenging, lol. I can't say "yes" to making many of these yet (still have to get some long-awaited projects finished), but maybe down the road we could revisit doing these idler wheels. If I can get to them again I will certainly let you, as well as a few other people, in on it!

I recently made a similar replacement wheel out of nylon rod, and it worked fine, but after seeing your video I am going to try making one from aluminum rod

@EverettsWorkshop

5 жыл бұрын

Nothing wrong with using nylon if it works, as long as it spins on the idler shaft well and whatever you have on the circumference has good enough grip to spin the table. Thanks for stopping by.

I want idler wheel for panasonic suitcase record player here at Franklin Park nj

Now I see, (At the end...) a record plower... lol I'm old enough to have touched some of those, and even older ones.... Gulp...!!!

@EverettsWorkshop

6 жыл бұрын

Lol, I hear you, time seems to march ceaselessly on . . . I had a Garrard as a teenager - 25 years ago! I think it's cool that the "hipsters" are rediscovering analog and physical, tangible records. Kind of something missing with digital download and music subscriptions.

@stephenwagar2663

6 жыл бұрын

I Believe Your Describing Whats Called A " Spring Chicken " ...

good work, nice channel

@EverettsWorkshop

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Having fun with it, glad you like what's happening here. Thanks for coming by!

Hi Everett. Wow ....great video! Now I need to find a machine shop near me, Hope they can Save some of my turntable🙏🏼

@EverettsWorkshop

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I appreciate that! You'd need to see what they would charge you for custom parts, as shop time is not cheap. You might have better results seeking out local hobby machinists as we specialize in making one-off parts and you just might be able to barter for it.

@60hifi

5 жыл бұрын

Everett's Workshop Hi Everett Can you help me make it? Thanks Eric

@EverettsWorkshop

5 жыл бұрын

Hi again Eric, if you shoot me an email and aren't in a huge hurry for your parts then it might be an option - I've got a few other buddies' projects in the queue, as well as the shaper to redo, but if you're not in a hurry and have detailed drawings maybe we can come up with something!

@60hifi

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Everett Thank you I check your KZread for email but no luck ☹️ Anyway here my saneric@hotmail.com I can send you some pictures and measurements. Eric

I wanted to do the same for my old Magnavox but I don't have a lathe. I used Rubber Renue and was better but not good enough. I then carefully applied a strip of black electrical tape around the inside of the platter and that did the trick. I don't know how long it will last, but it is easy to replace.

@EverettsWorkshop

3 жыл бұрын

Never thought of using electrical tape on the inside of the platter. I would have thought it too slippery, but if it works, that's great!

@mm-xu5df

3 жыл бұрын

Magnavox micromatic Made in England these changers use 2 wheels 1 for tonearm cycle 1 for platter

@wereexpertstoo3795

3 жыл бұрын

I tried the tape while figuring out a more permanent solution (I'm hoping Everrett starts producing these) - totally worked. Let me know how long your tape held up. Thanks for the idea!!

I grew up in Venezuela in the 1950s and they had the worst combination for record players: 110 VAC but 50 Hz! So you had to change wheels to get your records to sound correctly. Somebody in Caracas made a fortune making the conversion kit. Speaking of the 1950s , Britain officially adopted SI (metric) units in 1949 I believe. But it was hopeless, since no industry had the capital to do the conversion. It was not until they joined the EU that metric became the norm, and by then there was no industry anyway. For the record, there are three countries which do NOT use metric: Nigeria, Myan Mar (Burma), and the USA. Canada is officially metric, as I am reminded every time I cross the border.

@EverettsWorkshop

5 жыл бұрын

That is fascinating, I did not know that Venezuela had a 110V 50Hz system, you're right in that is an odd combination. I really dig odd facts like you just gave, and had no idea that Nigeria and Myanmar did not use Metric (being half American, I knew about the US attachment to inches). Thanks for sharing, I like to learn stuff like that!

@juanrivero8

5 жыл бұрын

@@EverettsWorkshop In the 1960s Venezuela undertook a massive project to convert to 120 V 60 Hz. A company was created to do this. It came to your house and did what it had to do down to the idler wheels on your record player! My father's workshop was completely converted which involved replacing (at no cost to the owner) a whole bunch of motors. After that effort Venezuela is power-wise just like the US or Canada. Europeans are of course 200+ V 50 Hz.

You can add me to the list of people who would like one of these.

@EverettsWorkshop

2 жыл бұрын

Lol, thanks Robert. My shop is slowly coming together, inspections all passed, now sorting and organizing. Once machines are in place they will need cleaning and calibrating then I hope to be making chips again. If you shoot me an email at everettsworkshop@gmail.com I can then keep in contact and let you know where I'm at. We can also discuss the dimensions you need as there were a number of machines that used different sized wheels.

Hi Everett, thanks for sharing a good idea. I am working on a few RCA players, so I need a different size flat o-ring than the one you used. I can find the square ones (McMaster Carr for example) but where did you find the wide, flat ones? Thanks! Joe

@EverettsWorkshop

3 жыл бұрын

Well, I wish I could order from McMaster-Carr, but they won't ship to Canada anymore for some reason. Which sucks because they have an amazing catalog and while our local suppliers have lots of things there are some things that they don't carry. I used to work at a Dodge dealer and wound up using a diesel engine EGR flat o-ring as the basis for the idlers I've made. Not sure what diameters you are working with on RCA's but this design works for some Garrards.

@PrairieDog240

2 жыл бұрын

@@EverettsWorkshop Are you still available to make an Ideler wheel for a Magnavox? Approximate cost?

Iam a retired master machinist just don't have a lathe 😊

Really cool, just one question, why not rework the original so you could attach the rubber to it?

@EverettsWorkshop

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Biggest reason is collectors' value - although these are not expensive units my buddy still has all the original parts in original condition, this "aftermarket" part just lets him use it to listen to music with it rather than just being a decoration. Besides, the construction of the original does not lend itself to easy disassembly an didn't want to destroy it.

7:10 While at it, why did you not make five of these and sell the other four on ebay? You never know.

Great video. I’d love a copy of the drawings, how do I get your email address? Thanks n

@EverettsWorkshop

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you liked it! If you'd like to get a hold of me, my email address is everettsworkshop@gmail.com - you're welcome to have a copy of the drawing if you could use it.

Do you sell those idler wheel? It must improved the turntable's performance a lot. I wanted to hear test spin, before and after.

@EverettsWorkshop

5 жыл бұрын

Sorry DJ Shoji, but I never got spinning footage, just still pictures from my friend who collects these old turntables. He can now at least use both tables to full function, even if the part does not look original. As for selling them, I haven't sold them before because I did these two as a favor between friends. It worked out that he drew my new channel branding in return for making parts like this for him. Do you need an idler wheel made? If so, email me - we can discuss further from there as to whether what I can do would be what you need. Thanks for joining in the channel!

Have the same one . Cleaned and lubed , Nothing ?

@EverettsWorkshop

3 жыл бұрын

Are you finding the original wheel's rubber has hardened on yours as well?

@rareform6747

3 жыл бұрын

@@EverettsWorkshop some what . Changer wheel has more pressure and works , drive wheel hits the spindle low pressure .

Hello Everett, this might be a silly question but the quality and design of your idle wheel is far superior to the original. Have you considered selling them on ebay or any other site? (I'm in great need of one) If so how much would you charge for one?

@EverettsWorkshop

3 жыл бұрын

I hadn't really considered selling them on eBay, just made a few for friends so far. I have, however, been asked by a number of people to make wheels for them so might have to consider that possibility. Biggest issue I see would be that there were a number of Garrard models over the years and some different models of wheels. So far I have had people provide their originals so the new part could be sized to fit so an eBay item might not be a possibility yet. If you're really looking for one by all means email me at everettsworkshop@gmail.com and maybe we can set something up. The thing is that to be honest the last one took a few months to get to and out the door so please understand if it takes some time to get one made up. As for cost, email me, we can discuss then :)

@karmarpolice

3 жыл бұрын

@@EverettsWorkshop sent you an email a couple of days ago, not sure if you received it or had a chance to look at it.

I have Garred record. Changer 4speed made in England but the idler wheel dameged so I want 2 pece of idler wheel can you send me please.

@EverettsWorkshop

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Ramesh, I haven't really made a business of making these wheels, only made the two for a friend of mine so far. At some point I might get into making more but the biggest issue is that they came in all sizes and rim contours, so one big challenge is getting proper dimensions. My buddy just handed me his old one so I could measure from it.

My friend I have a bsr McDonald MP60. Would you be able to make one for mine?

@EverettsWorkshop

2 жыл бұрын

Well, I've only made them so far for my friend who lives locally here. A number of people have asked for wheels as well, and I have not established yet whether I will go into producing many of them given that there were many makes and models of turntables, each with different dimensions. Materials aren't usually a big deal but postage can be a pain as well, not sure where you live as some places are cost-prohibitive to mail something like that too. I am also not to the point of having a functional shop yet after my family's move last year but at least that will be reasonably soon.

@rajugupta-chaudhary6467

2 жыл бұрын

@@EverettsWorkshop thank you my friend I wish you the very best. Great video

Hello Neighbor have watched your videos before and didnt know you are in the area after seeing the (780) on the page live near stony

@EverettsWorkshop

6 жыл бұрын

Hello! Thanks for watching. Yes, we live just West of Edmonton. Not sure if you do machining and tinkering as well but feel free to shoot me an email if you're up for it.

Do u sell your services to the public and if so how much would it cost to have a 4.5 cm pulley made for a BSR record player and posted to the UK

@EverettsWorkshop

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Nigel, for what it's worth a number of people have now asked for wheels to be made. I have made three total now, two for my friend Morgan and one for my friend Mike in Oregon, but have not taken orders from others yet. I won't have time to even look at any till January at the earliest but if you email me maybe we can figure something out. Thanks!

@nigelhedley2183

3 жыл бұрын

@@EverettsWorkshop thank you for replying to my message, do u have a email address I can message you after the new year ? Or should i ask you how u are getting on in a comments box on the video ?

@EverettsWorkshop

3 жыл бұрын

@@nigelhedley2183 My email address is everettsworkshop@gmail.com - send me an email an we can see if I can be of help. Thanks!

Will you mill one for any of us ?

@EverettsWorkshop

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Carl, it is actually in the plans to start making more of these as I have had a number of requests for them. I just moved and the garage needs to be built out inside, but once the shop is up and running again the plan is to start making not only these Garrard wheels but getting wheels from other turntables and making replacement parts for them as well. Sadly it will take some time but if you email me at everettsworkshop@gmail.com so I have your contact information I will let you know when I am able to start producing them again. Thanks!

do you make idlers for RCA or VM

@EverettsWorkshop

2 жыл бұрын

Honestly I have only made two of these parts so far, both were for my buddy Morgan. He provided me with pictures of the machine where they fit, as well as the old worn idler to make a part to match. I've had a number of people ask for them to be made but the biggest issue is just getting proper measurements so that we can be fairly certain the new parts fit.

@fredroper398

2 жыл бұрын

@@EverettsWorkshop No understand I agree and making these parts it’s not just turning a piece of metal down on the late it does take a lot of time and I can appreciate the time that it takes to make apart like that

Hi Everett , I’ve sent you an email (rommelalegre…….) I really hope I can hear from you . I’m dying to have this. Perfectly done video btw .

@EverettsWorkshop

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you liked the video! Got your message and should be a reply in your inbox.