Fixing Old Tech Audio System

[jdev...@gate.net]

Problem: Player for analog vinyl disks circa 1968, rescued to attempt to salvage
music from 78 rpm records, time and available oxygen have caused the rubber
edge of the disk that powers the platter to harden so much that noise from the
electric motor is transferred to the platter. Online search reveals replacement
parts are typically 'New from Old Stock', so perhaps they're also hardened, and
anyway, they're not particularly cheap.

Solution: (ObHack) Remove offending disk, insert bamboo skewer through center
hole, grease lightly with Crisco, position in bowl of plaster of paris, allow plaster to
cure, regrease disk and top of plaster, add more plaster to cover disk. When the
second pour has cured, disassemble, break rubber rim off of disk, lubricate the
area where the disk impression is on each half of mold, put the rubberless disk
back in the bottom mold, fill the area where the rubber had been with 100% Silicone
Caulk, put the top half back on and allow to cure for ..., well it turned out to be weeks.
But upon disassembly the silicone is stiff enough and well shaped enough to work,
and soft enough to work quietly. I was kind of worried that all my lubricating might
keep the silicone from curing, but it didn't.

Jim DeVries