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Dual 1218

cdk99

cdk99

Well-Known Member
I have a unique plinth idea and am looking for a candidate. There's a dusty 1218 locally. Is it worth fussing over? I will completely replace everything plinthy, might even need to trim the top panel to fit.

Appreciate any thoughts bout the 1218's possibilities.
 
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The 1218 is not bad but any of the old idler wheel changers like that will likely need significant time cleaning out old dried lubricants and relubing just to get functioning properly. The cutout it needs will be the same as many other Duals so if the project table fails you can drop in another one.

AK has a bajillion threads on refurbishing old Duals including pictures. If you are not up to it yourself there are places like FixMyDual.
 
I think it's an excellent table: Basically a smaller platter version of the 1219.

It's got a nice compact footprint, silky smooth operation and that nice, heavy 10.5 inch platter....
 
Montycat said:
The 1218 is not bad but any of the old idler wheel changers like that will likely need significant time cleaning out old dried lubricants and relubing just to get functioning properly.
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Not quite true. Some Duals need it, others don't. It's a matter of luck, but quite often they still work very well as they are. No need to read all of AK to get the information, most of the work is covered in these two links:

- For the motor and main bearing: http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=65030, click "download" in the first post. Written by a retired Dual service person. Does not cover all the Dual motors, but many principles remain the same with the square motor of the 1218.

- For the rest: http://akdatabase.org/AKview/albums/userpics/10007/Dual 1219 1229 Service for Amateurs.pdf. The motor procedure is not entirely accurate in this document, so refer to the previous one.

Of course, also refer to the Dual reference manual for your model (available for free on the Vinylengine library). And don't mess with your turntable unless you need to.
 
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Ok, I will concede that often they won't need as much work. ;)

In my experience the areas that are most likely a problem are the clutch pin or steuerpimpel which may have disintegrated, and the speed change mechanism which could be seized. The slider bar and other areas can need some lube, and after that it is usually signal path issues with the headshell contacts, muting switch or even the RCA cables that are corroded, dirty or damaged.

I've almost never seen any issues with the motors on the 12xx series. Preventative maintenance (lubing) is still a good idea though.

Those resource documents are good and very thorough. I did forget about those links...
 
The 1218 is an excellent TT. I have one and a 1019 also, but both needed a full cleaning and relube.It's pretty easy on the 1218.
 
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