Mills Jewel escalator - extraneous part problem

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Mills Jewel escalator - extraneous part problem

Postby 1Betsey » Thu Jun 16, 2016 12:06 pm

I'm trying to restore a 1947 (or possibly 1946, I've heard they exist) 10-cent Mills Jewel Hi-Top. I can get it to play consistently with a screwdriver when out of the case. I can often get it to play one (and only one) time when it is in the case, but then the next coin will not fall down the chute.

Today I took apart the escalator, and I think I've discovered the problem; I just don't know what to do about it, and I'm hoping you guys can help.

I'm attaching two close-up pictures of the escalator. In both of them, you can see a metal part attached slightly above and to the left of the coin detecting pin, with a spring connecting it to a little hook on the escalator.

In the first picture, you can see that the extra part is positioned so it is higher up and not in the way of the coin advancing bar, which is able to slide all the way to the left:
ExtraPartNotInWay.jpg


In the second picture, you can see that the extra part has slipped down so it is in the way of the coin advancing bar, which is not able to slide all the way to the left, and is blocking the chute so more dimes can't come through:
ExtraPartInTheWay.jpg


I can't find any documentation that explains what this part is for or how it is supposed to be positioned. I can't find any pictures of escalators that even have this part on them. Any ideas?

Let me know if more pictures are needed, or I'm about 20 miles north of Seattle, if you think you need to see it in person.

Thanks for any insight you can provide!
-Betsey
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Re: Mills Jewel escalator - extraneous part problem

Postby mrslot1 » Thu Jun 16, 2016 2:59 pm

that part is called a string cutter, it is usually removed these days, because the machines are for home use, but back in the day, people would tie a string around a washer very close to the coin size, and try and play the machine for free.

if you really want a new old stock of this part, I have them, email me at mrslot1@aol.com

thanks Dave
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Re: Mills Jewel escalator - extraneous part problem

Postby 1Betsey » Thu Jun 16, 2016 9:11 pm

Thanks, I knew I'd get a great answer if I went to the experts! :)

If the part is not required, I think I'll just try to figure out how to remove it from my machine, so it doesn't keep getting in the way.
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Re: Mills Jewel escalator - extraneous part problem

Postby watlingboy » Thu Jun 16, 2016 9:20 pm

It also keeps you from cycling the mech in the machine without a coin. There is no need to remove it. Most people just remove the spring and bend it slightly so it stays in the up position. This way your escalator stays original.

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Re: Mills Jewel escalator - extraneous part problem

Postby JHSS-1944 » Fri Jun 17, 2016 1:00 am

I agree with Watlingboy. just move it out of the way. some casinos had issues with them to from time to time, so they frequently removed the part on newly received machines, to avoid down machines / complaints.
keeping it original as possible is usually best.
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