Cork mats

[szeppelin75]

I've been reading about this cork mats for TT. Do they work reducing static noise?, Can anyone recommend me one that's good and that won't brak my bank account?

Thanks

 

[62sunbeam]

I like the cork self adhesive rolls you can get at the hardware store. Less than $10 a roll and I have found them to be a good dampener for a resonant platter.

I don't think it will reduce static however.

Good luck

Eric

 

[4Play]

There is one called the Tri Pad that can be found at the auction site. They go for around $100 and it's supposed to be the best mat to use. However, they have become harder to find.

 

[fishoz]

I've had great luck with a homemade mat made of card stock paper and cork dots (about $2. total) and useing a Thunderon Anti Static brush (Sleeve City $25.) Works surprisingly good. Check older threads - many options.

 

[squirrelnest]

Ready made "cork" mat......

http://www.needledoctor.com/Simple-Mat-Record-Mat

 

[dodog]

I've been reading about this cork mats for TT. Do they work reducing static noise?, Can anyone recommend me one that's good and that won't brak my bank account?

Thanks

Buy a 4-pack of cork-board at Menards/Lowes/etc. Take your existing platter mat and draw an outline on the board. Take a box cutter and carefully cut out the circle (or tape the other platter mat on and cut around (shouldn't cut the original mat if you're careful). Use a drill-gauge guide to determine your spindle size, find the appropriate drill bit and make the center hole (having the original mat on top make alignment much easier. There are many variations to this method but you get the point.

As an example (and no affiliation):

http://www.menards.com/main/home-de...-x-12-natural-cork-tiles/p-1471983-c-7158.htm


Four mats for $6 and you can even practice and screw up the first three before you get the fourth one right.

It's really cheap and it will allow you to evaluate on your system if *you* think it works. If it works for you and you want something nicer, then lay out the coin for a "real" cork mat.

The one thing to keep in mind, however, is that the DIY mat may be thicker than your original platter mat so you'll need to adjust for the thickness if your tonearm can change height.

 

[bobins08]

Buy a 4-pack of cork-board at Menards/Lowes/etc. Take your existing platter mat and draw an outline on the board. Take a box cutter and carefully cut out the circle (or tape the other platter mat on and cut around (shouldn't cut the original mat if you're careful). Use a drill-gauge guide to determine your spindle size, find the appropriate drill bit and make the center hole (having the original mat on top make alignment much easier. There are many variations to this method but you get the point.

As an example (and no affiliation):

http://www.menards.com/main/home-de...-x-12-natural-cork-tiles/p-1471983-c-7158.htm


Four mats for $6 and you can even practice and screw up the first three before you get the fourth one right.

It's really cheap and it will allow you to evaluate on your system if *you* think it works. If it works for you and you want something nicer, then lay out the coin for a "real" cork mat.

The one thing to keep in mind, however, is that the DIY mat may be thicker than your original platter mat so you'll need to adjust for the thickness if your tonearm can change height.

^ DIY is good advice.

If your arm does not have VTA then match the cork to the thickness of the stock platter mat. I have seen it from 2 mm and up. If it does have VTA you have some flexibility.

I do like the sound of cork on some of the tables I have had. However, I think cork is cork and I see no need to ever buy an expensive pre-made cork mat. Save your money for a stylus upgrade and you will get more bang for the buck!

Cheers, Bob
cheers, Bob

 

[cgutz]

Will cork help with static electricity per the OP's question? The only times I've worked with cork is that static charges seem to thrive in cork, at least the cork dust sticks to everything, including itself, with static.

I only have experience with rubber mats. I control static with my vintage Empire static gun.

 

[majick47]

If the OP wants to reduce static noise his best bet would be to concentrate on improving his methods of cleaning the records. I doubt a cork mat alone will do much to decrease static, no easy and cheap fixes.

 

[Flammaster]

I bought two cork mats for potted plants from Amazon. Then drilled holed in them. 7 dollars each!

 

[Sam Cogley]

I've bought the round plant mats at Home Depot. Just have to pick through them to find ones that are flat.

 

[btol]

Buy a 4-pack of cork-board at Menards/Lowes/etc. Take your existing platter mat and draw an outline on the board. Take a box cutter and carefully cut out the circle (or tape the other platter mat on and cut around (shouldn't cut the original mat if you're careful). Use a drill-gauge guide to determine your spindle size, find the appropriate drill bit and make the center hole (having the original mat on top make alignment much easier. There are many variations to this method but you get the point.

This is exactly what I did minus using a drill for the center spindle hole. While I had the exacto out, I just carved out a hole big enough for the spindle. Here's the end result: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=529613

As far as static, that's one of the downsides to cork. I find there's definitely more static involved - especially after a side is done playing - than with a rubber mat. I like its dampening properties though and I'm a sucker for it cuz I think it looks cool. A carbon fiber "dusting" brush is all I need to deal with the static.

 

[fishoz]

This is exactly what I did minus using a drill for the center spindle hole. While I had the exacto out, I just carved out a hole big enough for the spindle. Here's the end result: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=529613

As far as static, that's one of the downsides to cork. I find there's definitely more static involved - especially after a side is done playing - than with a rubber mat. I like its dampening properties though and I'm a sucker for it cuz I think it looks cool. A carbon fiber "dusting" brush is all I need to deal with the static.

.22cal shell casing works perfect to cut the spindle hole.

 

[Catcher10]

I did the homebrew cork planter rounds a few times, both the 12" round and also did 4" rounds. My problem with the 12" is finding a perfectly round one and also a flat one, these planter mats are a looser cork composition so the cork can break apart. And very porous so they hold a lot of dirt and dust bunnies.

I broke down and bought the MH cork mat, very thin higher density cork with the small 2" round pcs to decouple the record.
I like it better as the thickness is consistent and perfectly round. Static will always be an issue, you have to look at your cleaning methods. If you live in low humidity areas you have to introduce moisture

 

[szeppelin75]

I did the homebrew cork planter rounds a few times, both the 12" round and also did 4" rounds. My problem with the 12" is finding a perfectly round one and also a flat one, these planter mats are a looser cork composition so the cork can break apart. And very porous so they hold a lot of dirt and dust bunnies.

I broke down and bought the MH cork mat, very thin higher density cork with the small 2" round pcs to decouple the record.
I like it better as the thickness is consistent and perfectly round. Static will always be an issue, you have to look at your cleaning methods. If you live in low humidity areas you have to introduce moisture

Actually i live in a high humidity área, just asking.

 

[dodog]

Will cork help with static electricity per the OP's question? The only times I've worked with cork is that static charges seem to thrive in cork, at least the cork dust sticks to everything, including itself, with static.

I only have experience with rubber mats. I control static with my vintage Empire static gun.

I've tried many of the anti-static tricks that others promote:

cork mat
zerostat
carbon-fiber brush
dryer sheet

In every case, it really depended on the season, the humidity and the table. What works for one doesn't always work for all. This is why I suggested the $5 DIY route. It *may* work for the OP, it may not, but it's a cheap experiment. Nothing against a ~$30 pre-made mat, but I'd hate to shell out that much coin and find it didn't do anything better than what I was always using.

 

[Catcher10]

Yup...just depends. I also use a can of Static Guard during the dry winter months here....Just a quick spray in the air and carpet and that usually does it for me.

I also keep a bowl of water near my table

 

[SPL db]

There is always a Herbie's turntable mat...

Herbie's Mat

 

[McBru6177]

I use cork. It does help reduce static, especially compared to a felt mat.

 

[Jimbosw007]

Spray antistatic spray or rub with static dryer sheet on the BOTTOM of the mat. Or put a small piece of sheet between mat and platter to quelch the static....
Do NOT use one the TOP of the mat or it will get on the LP's.
If you take the mat off, you'll need to clean the platter to get any residue off but that's quick and easy.
Just some idea's.