DIY record cleaning machine (RCM) consolidation and resource thread

[vintagecrank]

I ended up cutting a rectangle out of the box and pushing the switch in there; fits snug, looks mickey mouse, but works great. Thinking of mounting the vacuum part more permanently with pvc pipe fittings (elbows and such); gonna think on that for a while.

How is it coming along, can you post some pics?

 

[vintagecrank]

Hello Hi*ball

Like your machine, what are you using to turn the table

 

[hi*ball]

Hello Hi*ball

Like your machine, what are you using to turn the table

I am using a little 15 rpm motor that I purchased on the auction site for about $10

 

[JW Laviguer]

I used a wooden crate for this RCM. 12V motor, 15 rpm, DPDT toggle switch for forward and reverse. Dual CS500-series subplatter, locks into the platter. Had to screw the motor mount into the top of the box to adjust for the levelness of the subplatter. I have the vacuum wand held in place by a cable clamp, but that won't stay put because of the vacuum hose pulling it down, so I have to hold it into place to vacuum up the liquid. Using record doctor cleaning solution mixed with a gallon of distilled water, cleaning with a mofi record brush and a rinse of distilled water. The vacuum wand is the Vinyl Vac from Amazon, which I had to cut off the far end and tape the suction reducer into place and punch a hole into the tape. The crate isn't large enough to put in PVC 90 degree fittings, so eventually I'm going to come up with a different box redo this RCM. Works perfectly for what I needed though.

Edit: looks like I have duplicate images; sorry about that.

 

[JW Laviguer]

I'm going to have to move the subplatter/motor mount over, to overlap the side, so I can have room to install the pvc pipe fittings into the box.

 

[vintagecrank]

I'm going to have to move the subplatter/motor mount over, to overlap the side, so I can have room to install the pvc pipe fittings into the box.

Looks like it’s como together well. On your vacuum wand is there away you can add a bushing with theads to adjust height and tighten up on it to where it’s secure and locked in?

 

[Chris Miller]

I likely have the most simple newbie question here but I am a recent vinyl convert and never used an actual record cleaning machine. I’ve been DIY Ing my own and I’m wondering if mine is working well enough is the record supposed to be completely bone dry afterwards? Or is there always a little bit of moisture left?

For example on my throwaway test junk record I’ve been testing things with after vacuuming if I immediately run my finger on the disc it leaves a bit of a trail ( yes I know don’t touch the vinyl normally)

 

[hi*ball]

I likely have the most simple newbie question here but I am a recent vinyl convert and never used an actual record cleaning machine. I’ve been DIY Ing my own and I’m wondering if mine is working well enough is the record supposed to be completely bone dry afterwards? Or is there always a little bit of moisture left?

For example on my throwaway test junk record I’ve been testing things with after vacuuming if I immediately run my finger on the disc it leaves a bit of a trail ( yes I know don’t touch the vinyl normally)

Hello Chris,

If it's working well, your record should be almost completely dry after vacuuming.

 

[JW Laviguer]

Looks like it’s como together well. On your vacuum wand is there away you can add a bushing with theads to adjust height and tighten up on it to where it’s secure and locked in?

After thinking on it for awhile, and rereading all of these diy posts, I'm going to get a VPI HW-16.5 replacement kit and use that as the vacuum portion and connect it somehow to my shop vac. I like the spring mount option of the VPI part. Now comes the hard part...finding one. I've seen a few averaging about $100 US.

 

[JW Laviguer]

I finally bought the VPI HW-16.5 upgrade kit on ebay; ebay had a 20% off storewide sale, so I pulled the trigger. It's being shipped from Great Britain, so it might take a bit to get here.

Question for anyone who's done this: the spring fits into the base piece that gets screwed into the platform, and the spring goes around the wand holder part? Or is there another part other than these 3 pieces (wand, want holder, base) that I need? Thanks.

 

[DC]

I think you will have what you need. The wand goes in to the wand holder, the spring interfaces between the base and the wand holder. Once you're holding it in your hand, it will make obvious sense.

Good luck!!

 

[JW Laviguer]

I have the VPI wand assembly installed, and the wet/dry vac hose through a hole in the crate and attached to the bottom of the assembly. The only issue I'm having is the wand moving with the vinyl so I have to pull it back and hold it in place while it's suctioning the liquid off of the vinyl. Works great except for that little annoyance. Not sure if that means I need to rotate the base, or adjust the suction by poking a hole in the end cap. Any ideas?

 

[DC]

You need to unmount the base, rotate it, and remount. There is a “stop” integrated it to the base that will “catch” and prevent the wand from rotating. Rotate the base to the point that the wand “stops” perpendicular to the record and remount it there.

 

[JW Laviguer]

You need to unmount the base, rotate it, and remount. There is a “stop” integrated it to the base that will “catch” and prevent the wand from rotating. Rotate the base to the point that the wand “stops” perpendicular to the record and remount it there.

Thanks very much for your advice...that did the trick, and it works perfectly now!

 

[FunkDoctor]

I am trying to understand how to add a threaded spindle to use the hockey puck method to clam records down. Right now the shaft of the motor sits flush with the top of the platter hole. Is there any adapter I could use? I’m lost I see most DIY with that threaded spindle but I am clueless. It’s the only thing stopping my completion. I attached pics below.

Please help!

 

[JW Laviguer]

I am trying to understand how to add a threaded spindle to use the hockey puck method to clam records down. Right now the shaft of the motor sits flush with the top of the platter hole. Is there any adapter I could use? I’m lost I see most DIY with that threaded spindle but I am clueless. It’s the only thing stopping my completion. I attached pics below.

Please help!

Recommend mounting the motor and spindle lower, then attaching a threaded shaft with a shaft coupler.

 

[FunkDoctor]

Recommend mounting the motor and spindle lower, then attaching a threaded shaft with a shaft coupler.

Thank you for your prompt reply. Are the shaft threaded? I googled a couple up seems straight forward just want to be sure I am buying the right screw size and coupler for mine. grainier acted totally clueless when I asked them.

 

[JW Laviguer]

Yes you can get them at grainger.com or on Amazon (that's where I got mine before I decided it wasn't going to work). Do a search for threaded rod, and whatever size you need. Then just match the thread coupler's two ends to get the right size; for instance, a 6mm to 8mm shaft coupler, if your motor shaft has a 6mm post, and the threaded rod is 8mm (or 1/4"); just search or that size. Amazon has everything.

 

[FunkDoctor]

Yes you can get them at grainger.com or on Amazon (that's where I got mine before I decided it wasn't going to work). Do a search for threaded rod, and whatever size you need. Then just match the thread coupler's two ends to get the right size; for instance, a 6mm to 8mm shaft coupler, if your motor shaft has a 6mm post, and the threaded rod is 8mm (or 1/4"); just search or that size. Amazon has everything.

Mine is like a 7.93 mm shaft wise so would it be better to just go with an 8mm?

 

[JW Laviguer]

Mine is like a 7.93 mm shaft wise so would it be better to just go with an 8mm?

8mm should be sufficient; depending what type of shaft coupler you get, they either have one screw on both ends or two; might have to do some trial and error to get it just right.