For as long as I can remember, the volume control on the Magnavox Micromatic console record player has made static/crackling/other non speaker-like sounds when the knob is turned or bumped. And sometimes while in the middle of listening to a record, the strange noises will suddenly start, and won't stop until I bump the knob again. It's only doing this in the left speaker. Is there much I could do to cure this problem?

Clean the control with Deoxit 5.

By saying control, do you mean popping off the knob and cleaning the control that way?

Sometimes the control, sometimes called a pot, which is short for potentiometer, has an opening
in the back--large enough to squirt some contact cleaner in it. Deoxit is the good stuff. After spraying turn the shaft of the pot back and forth to clean any deposits that might be inside the control.

Some pots are sealed and it might be harder to get some of the cleaner into it.

If you're curious, find a pot from a scrap radio and take it apart to see how it works.

[EDIT]
To clarify, you will have to remove the cover from the unit, or pull the chassis out etc, depending on how it's set up--to access the pot.

I'll try that as soon as time allows.