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DIY record cleaner

B

BillR mastering

First system, 1972
Given that some of the better record cleaners are in the 4K price range, over the winter, I am going to attempt to build something that will do a good job, as close to the 4K type units as possible.

I am going to need the vacuum pump, fluid container and exit container, suitable arm for vac and assembly of the suction arm. Of course, I need to build the box and stand to contain it all.

What I have so far is a Pioneer PL 518 turntable that will be used as the platter/ parts table. Its motor should provide sufficient torque.

Anyone ever tried this? Any parts tips/links?

TIA
 
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Very cool thread! That is a big 'honkin' motor you got there. I actually have one of those 'hang up' shop vacs, I like it too much to use it for the project so I will seek out an alternative with that.

The cabinet is very nice as well.

This gives me food for thought, certainly. I am not too good with abbreviations so I did not connect what an RCM was.

I just now learned what TOTL was... (sigh)

I can forget text messaging, for sure.
 
LOL.. yeah.. takes a few years on the net to get them down.. I still see ones every day I have to think about, and still can't figure out.. I still remember the net without bannes and ads, and remember what Veronica and Archie were... BBS's were fun too..

I am still keeping my eye out for a better motor and drive system though.. Almost thinking along the lines of a 1/2 drill or something similar.. nice, slow, and torquey...
 
1/2 drills usually have straight cut reduction gears, which makes a LOT of noise.

I am thinking the super silent motor on the pioneer should be enough torque. It is pretty strong.

The suction pipes and the suction arm and pick-up are items that I need to seriously investigate. I think I will do something along the lines of your desk.
 
I wasn't too worried about noise. I don't really clean any while music is playing. Besides, the vac makes more than enough noise to cover any motor noise..

You will need more torque than you think. It doesn't take much suction from the vac to hold the platter still..

I've also thought about keeping my eyes open for a trashed Technics SL-1200, and just use the innards from it. That would have more than enough torque, and the quartz lock should help keep it running up to speed. I know my Pioneer DD table wouldn't have enough torque..
 
I was thinking the Technics 1200 as well. I found this Pioneer on epay for cheap, with the intention of using just the platter (and I have a friend who needed the arm weight)

If worst comes to worst and the Pioneer doesn't have the guts, the way the platter is made is perfect for wrapping a belt around it.

(I have an old washing machine motor I bet would have the power :)
 
Mine is a bread maker motor.. problem is, they tend to spin a lot faster than an ice cream maker motor.. I can almost spin dry my albums :zoom:
 
I may try one of the small motors
from those Allen organ Gyrophonic speakers.

They must have decent torgue if the spun that
huge wheel with the 12" Jensens and RP-302s.

Plus they were variable speed.....Hmmmmmm????
 
BillR mastering said:
Its motor should provide sufficient torque.

Anyone ever tried this? Any parts tips/links?

TIA
Click to expand...
The Pioneer motor will not turn the platter while you have vacuum applied to the LP. :no: You need a serious motor, slow speed, high torque... ice cream makers are very popular. You'll also need to use some kind of clamp for the LP, or the vac will just hold it still while the platter turns underneath.

Search the DIY forum, there are plenty - Jimmy Neutron built a really nice one, I think his thread has links to a building page.



BillR mastering said:
...I am not too good with abbreviations so I did not connect what an RCM was.

I just now learned what TOTL was... (sigh)

I can forget text messaging, for sure.
Click to expand...
There is a thread in the Introductions forum titled "AK Lingo", it has some AK specific stuff and some of the more common ones used on this forum. :thmbsp: (Don't feel bad, I had to learn all this stuff too when I got here. :) )
 
I do clean my records on my SL1200, but I think with vacuum even the mighty Technics, which has to be among the highest torque turntables in history, wouldn't be up to the job. I have an ice cream maker down in the workshop along with assorted vacuum and turntable parts. I just need to get to work and build the damed thing.

Simi, I said it before, but hell of a job on that thing. Its just outstanding.

Take care,

Ed
 
Telling you Eddie.. tell yourself you won't play any more albums until it's done, and you'll get busy...

Tonight is the first real night of serious listening since I got mine done, and I'm LOVING IT!!!!

Since I had told myself that, I had bought maybe 300 or a few more albums, so I got LOTS to listen to.. :yes:

Much less pops... pretty sweet.. I've got a few little things I wanna tweak, and I'll post those in my old thread...
 
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