Late 20's F model Mandolin tuner issue

[Samuel M Currin]

I have a set of Waverly's that came as standard tuners on a 1929 fern. One of the tuners is very hard to turn and I noticed that it has a replacement screw in the cog that does not have the proper bevel. I suspect this is at least part of the problem.  Ideally I would like to locate a replacement from someone's boneyard, realizing that this is a long shot. Frank Ford suggested switching the worm from the opposite side and see if that helps. The tuners have been removed and cleaned with naptha and all the other gears work perfectly. Any other ideas? Thanks, Sam

[George Roberts]

Sam,

I believe the original screws were designed to bottom out before they actually tightened up on the gear.  If the replacement screw is too short, it will pull the gear up tightly against the base plate, and thus make it hard to turn.  Try backing off the replacement screw a little and see if that helps.

George

[Paul Hostetter]

There are numerous things to do to restore tuners to their top function, washing with naphtha being but a minor one, check here: http://www.lutherie.net/tuner.maintenance.html That particular tuner, for example, may have a bent shaft, though it's hard to even guess without seeing them.

 

I seriously doubt the original screws were designed to bottom out before they actually tightened up on the gear. Adjusting the tension is important, but somewhat pointless if they're compromised in other ways.

 

It's physically and practically impossible to switch the worm from the opposite side, as they are held in place by riveted bearings. It is possible to switch cogs however.

[Mark McLean]

Paul. the stuff that you have captured in your pages is pure gold.  I didn't need to know that right now but I sure hope that I get to use it some day. 

Mark

[Samuel M Currin]

Thanks Paul. What a wealth of information. I've got high hopes! Sam

[Paul Hostetter]

Let me know if it's not cooperating. There are always methods, and those machines are completely worth the effort.