Supply spool cores for Wurlitzer Simplex and Duplex roll frames are the
same as the 2" mailing tubes sold at the U.S. Post Office.  The wall is
not as thick, but the ID fits if one glues a stick into it.  (It also
helps to staple the stick.)  The music is speed compensated on the core
in production, so the diameter should not make that much difference in
the supply.

The take-up cores are a different story.  The diameter of this is critical
to the speed compensation, as is the paper thickness.  Wurlitzer take-up
spools are cast aluminum, built to tolerances hard for modern foundries
to match.  I took some into a foundry once; they said they can no longer
get the sand that fine.

Steve Lanick used to do the work after hours.  Now with all the health
and safety regulations, companies frown on after work use of the equipment.
Such after hours work is also now considered "stealing from the company"
as modern companies tend to want as much time as possible from the
"human resources."

It could also be that modern corporate owned shops are afraid that the
hobby project might turn into a competing business.  Most of my skilled
machinist friends are also way overworked as companies treat them like
robots and have them so overworked they never have time anymore for
personal job-work.

On the flip side, there are now Tech Shops and Maker Spaces.  These are
places that provide access to the tools, but not always the experience
of someone who worked the machines "from 8 to 5" for years at a time.
I started years ago to put the roll frames into CADD so they could be
3D printed.  It turns out 3D models are software that take time to
code/program and can have software bugs in them.  They also work only
with a given machine.

Eventually this will only be the way to get new parts.  All it takes
is a group of like minded people who can find the time and place to
get together, support each other and share the information.

Julie Porter
Martinez, California