Record Cleaning Vacuum Machine
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Spellbinder
My Spine Is The Bassline
Bob_in_OKC
Addicted Member
Sears Craftsman Clean n Carry.
I've cleaned well over a thousand records on my Nitty Gritty. I burned out a vacuum once. That was expensive and mostly due to my carelessness. But I have learned to do my own maintenance. Gayle at Nitty Gritty is very helpful. I just buy parts as needed, which is rare. I think it's a great machine.
thedelihaus
Nocturnal transmissions
VPI 16.5. Does right by me.
DougMac
Super Member
I own a "mongrel" VPI. It's actually just the base and wand upgrade kit that I bought. I then built a RCM around it using a platter from a cheap TT, an ice cream churn motor, a small vacuum cleaner, some plywood and ingenuity.
I found a company that sells plastic tubing and made my own wands. They cost me less than a dollar. I made tubes for LP's, 45's and 78's.
If you're handy, build one for yourself. If not, I think the VPI is worth the money. Few things I've done has improved my listening experience more. I've been buying a lot of thrift store/yard sale records and a RCM is a must. I also collect 78's and they are always filthy.
Of all the designs I've seen, the Keith Monks RCM makes the most sense. I won't be getting one any time soon, though!
I found a company that sells plastic tubing and made my own wands. They cost me less than a dollar. I made tubes for LP's, 45's and 78's.
If you're handy, build one for yourself. If not, I think the VPI is worth the money. Few things I've done has improved my listening experience more. I've been buying a lot of thrift store/yard sale records and a RCM is a must. I also collect 78's and they are always filthy.
Of all the designs I've seen, the Keith Monks RCM makes the most sense. I won't be getting one any time soon, though!
cableguy
In Twang We Trust
Yep, same here and for the same reasons...it is one of the most important pieces of equipment that I own....:thmbsp:
Letitroll98
New Member
I also have the Nitty Gritty Model 1.0 and it works well, cheap price, all the above mentioned qualities. But...my next one will be with automatic disk spinning, VPI 16.5 or a higher model NG. I use a three step cleaning process and spinning the records by hand is becoming more tedious as I age. 
pioneervato
Lunatic Member
I had the VPI 16.5 but now have the VPI 17F with a bi-directional platter and quieter but still loud enough. I like it a lot.
pioneervato
Lunatic Member
OP described an issue of "wand" maintenance with the VPI 16.5....since you used to own 16.5...what is this maintenance? Replacing of felt pads? or cleaning the wand periodically?What kind of general upkeep does this unit require?
Rinse under distilled water and use a plastic comb or brush with stiff bristles for some light scrubbing. Set it aside to dry. That's pretty much it. The felt pads will last a long time.
markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
To add, and to concur with what Pioneervato said, that yes, during a cleaning run, with these type of machines that use a Vacuum Wand (VPI, Clearaudio, etc) it is good practice to inspect the Vacuum wand, as you go. One might note a buildup of fuzz on one of the Velvet Strips.
And as he says, a simple matter of just quickly rinsing with some distiled water, and a soft clean toothbrush. Shake excess water off, and you're ready to go again. Then after one is done with a cleaning run, again clean in the same fashion, pat dry with a paper towel, and set aside to fully dry.
The reason you'll note slightly more accumilation of dust-dirt only only one velvet strip, is because the Vacuum Wands themselves are supposed to have theie vacuum slot angled slightly off a degree, or two from being perfectly perpendicular to the record, to enhance fluid removal, and as well probably, less chance of record damage.
The original Velvet Strips are good from anywhere to 300-, to maybe as high as 450 LPs, dependent on how well you care for the wand, and just how dirty the records are that the vacuum wand will encounter over time.
One can then either buy an entirely new Vacuum Wand replacement from VOI, or Dealers for about $26-$30, or one could also buy replacement velvet strips from somebody like the Disc Doctor. Cost I believe is $15 for 4 replacement Strips. One can then just peel off the old strips, degrease the wand with a solvent such as Alcohol, and re-apply.
Since the Disc Doctor Strips are slightly longer, and wider than the originals, some cutting to length might be needed to duplicate the originals. Mark
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