DougMac
Super Member
I just completed my DIY record cleaning machine. Here's the main components:
VPI 16 to 15.5 UpgradeKit (http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HW-3015)
~$70
This comes with a new base unit, spring, tube holder and tube.
Technics SP-25 Turntable <$100. I ran across a great deal on the turntable. I had purchased a turntable from GW to modify, but it just turned out easier to use the SP15.
Computer Printer Table - Free
My office was updating furniture and was giving this away. I had planned to build a base, but I have room where the RCM lives and this was easier.
Vacuum Cleaner -$3 from GW.
New tubes - $12. Since I'm using the SP-25, the VPI tubes aren't long enough. I found a supplier of 1/2" plastic tubes and bought three six foot pieces, enough to make 20 tubes! They fit perfectly in the VPI tube holder.
Construction:
I cut a hole in the top of the printer table and mounted the TT. I had to raise the tube up. I cut a 1/2 x 4 piece of poplar, then drilled through it and the table. The VPI holder stops flush with the bottom of the table.
Underneath I mounted a large Radio shack hobby box. It has three holes. One hole is underneath the VPI tube. I used a block of wood into which I inserted a short piece of PVC. On the opposite side of the box (the bottom), I cut a hole and glued a mason jar ring onto which I screwed the jar. The PVC extends down into the jar. Finally, there's a hole on the side in which I insert the vacuum hose.
I used a Dremel on its router stand to cut the slits in the tubes. I then glued velvet ribbon on either side of the slit. Standard 1/2" plastic hole caps close off the end and allow for air adjustment. I made eight tubes; one "dirty" and one "clean" tube each for LP's, 45's, 10" 78's and 12" 78's.
It works like a charm and makes a huge difference. I could have made it cheaper, but for ~$200 I have what I think is a better than VPI RCM. See http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=136898 for more pics.
Doug
VPI 16 to 15.5 UpgradeKit (http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HW-3015)
~$70
This comes with a new base unit, spring, tube holder and tube.
Technics SP-25 Turntable <$100. I ran across a great deal on the turntable. I had purchased a turntable from GW to modify, but it just turned out easier to use the SP15.
Computer Printer Table - Free
My office was updating furniture and was giving this away. I had planned to build a base, but I have room where the RCM lives and this was easier.
Vacuum Cleaner -$3 from GW.
New tubes - $12. Since I'm using the SP-25, the VPI tubes aren't long enough. I found a supplier of 1/2" plastic tubes and bought three six foot pieces, enough to make 20 tubes! They fit perfectly in the VPI tube holder.
Construction:
I cut a hole in the top of the printer table and mounted the TT. I had to raise the tube up. I cut a 1/2 x 4 piece of poplar, then drilled through it and the table. The VPI holder stops flush with the bottom of the table.
Underneath I mounted a large Radio shack hobby box. It has three holes. One hole is underneath the VPI tube. I used a block of wood into which I inserted a short piece of PVC. On the opposite side of the box (the bottom), I cut a hole and glued a mason jar ring onto which I screwed the jar. The PVC extends down into the jar. Finally, there's a hole on the side in which I insert the vacuum hose.
I used a Dremel on its router stand to cut the slits in the tubes. I then glued velvet ribbon on either side of the slit. Standard 1/2" plastic hole caps close off the end and allow for air adjustment. I made eight tubes; one "dirty" and one "clean" tube each for LP's, 45's, 10" 78's and 12" 78's.
It works like a charm and makes a huge difference. I could have made it cheaper, but for ~$200 I have what I think is a better than VPI RCM. See http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=136898 for more pics.
Doug
