malden
Lunatic Member
I use a M44-7, it has the right suspension for the Lab 80 arm. M91ED is better suited in a more modern arm.
No matter which cartridge you use, the tonearm bearings should be overhauled.
For the Love of Lab 80
- Thread starter Quadaptor!
- Start date
No matter which cartridge you use, the tonearm bearings should be overhauled.
Quadaptor!
Active Member
I gotta admit, I'm pretty happy with the 44-7. To perhaps coin a phrase, it does seem "technology appropriate." Could you direct me to some instructions on the tonearm bearings? Thanks
malden
Lunatic Member
it's been about 10 years or so since I rebuilt my tonearm.
malden
Lunatic Member
if you understand that the bearings need to allow the tonearm to move freely vertically and horizontally without any binding or "slop", then you should be able to rebuild them
1) remove all bearings
2) keep track of them
3) clean bearings and races with alcohol
4) reassemble with light oil
5) adjust for no slop and no binding
6) test
to test
1) install cartridge (remove stylus so as not to damage it)
2) balance tonearm so it floats horizontally and level
3) give it a slight nudge up or down, tonearm should sea-saw several times before coming to rest in the horizontal (level) position
4) with tonearm level and at the outer rim of the platter, give it a very gentle nudge towards the spindle, it should float across the platter
1) remove all bearings
2) keep track of them
3) clean bearings and races with alcohol
4) reassemble with light oil
5) adjust for no slop and no binding
6) test
to test
1) install cartridge (remove stylus so as not to damage it)
2) balance tonearm so it floats horizontally and level
3) give it a slight nudge up or down, tonearm should sea-saw several times before coming to rest in the horizontal (level) position
4) with tonearm level and at the outer rim of the platter, give it a very gentle nudge towards the spindle, it should float across the platter
i would suggest not messing with that arm unless you really have reason to. It also did not have any oil from the factory so far as I can tell, based on the two unintentional disassemblies of the horizontal bearing that I've performed.
The bearing balls in there are really really small, easily lost, and very difficult to get back in place.
The bearing balls in there are really really small, easily lost, and very difficult to get back in place.
Quadaptor!
Active Member
I found changing the spindle bearing a bit of a challenge until I got some good advice from a member of this forum. Dropping those small ball bearings onto a desktop or floor is always a hazard.
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malden
Lunatic Member
here's a Rek-O-Kut tonearm I overhauled. I had used white lithium for the vertical bearings which was a rookie mistake. At the time, I thought it was a good idea because it held the tiny bearings in place but the vertical movement of the tonearm was hampered.
Rek-O-Kut "Rest-O-Ration" (part 1) Micropoise Tonearm
A couple of years ago, I picked up a Rondine 2 (belt drive) with a Micropoise tonearm at a local antique shop that was in sad condition (the turntable, that is). The first thing I did was to remove the tonearm and break it down to give it a thorough cleaning and re-lube and adjust the bearings...
audiokarma.org
jqp
Well-Known Member
I have been running my Lab 80 without springs due to having a bouncy floor and a light tracking stylus.Take one step and the stylus really starts bouncing around when using the springs. The trade-off when not using springs is a tiny amount of motor vibration remaining in the motor board, which can be barely heard, but only between tracks and in quiet passages. I believe the springs help to dissipate motor vibrations. Solution was using Herbies silicon (?) rubber feet under each corner of the plinth. Idler had a crack in it, so I resorted to using a 2mm square belt glued on. Sanded the edge smooth with the idler running against the motor pulley. Also sanded a slight "D" shape to the idler (square belt) face. Nylon washer under the idler was quieter than a fiber washer. 11 ball spindle bearing with plain wheel bearing grease. Using a p-mount adapter because the plastic mounting ears can be elongated allowing for precise alignment and I have plenty of p-mount carts/styli not in use. I am open to any recommendations to get this nice table quieter. Use headphones if you can.
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