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Diy rcm mk ii

DougMac

DougMac

Super Member
I just updated my DIY RCM. I was at the Salvation Army and found an old Pioneer equipment rack. I has a lift top for a turntable and I decided I could re-purpose it using parts from my original RCM. The old one works fine, but was mounted under and equipment rack and I had to sit on a stool to use.

Here are some photos:

RCM%2520MKII-16.jpg


Opened:
RCM%2520MKII-1.jpg


The Shop Vac:

RCM%2520MKII-4.jpg


The turntable motor is an ice cream churn motor from GW:

RCM%2520MKII-5.jpg


Here is the bottom of the turntable platter, taken from a free torn up cheap Sony TT. I epoxied the lid of the ice cream churn to the bottom to connect to the motor:

RCM%2520MKII-7.jpg


Here is the deck with the VPI suction arm. I used black caulk to seal the open joints of the cab to prevent water reaching the MDF:

RCM%2520MKII-15.jpg


Here's the simple connection from the vacuum hose to the VPI assembly:

RCM%2520MKII-9.jpg


Here's cleaning in action. I spray the record with cleaner, then remove with cotton makup pads:

RCM%2520MKII-10.jpg


Here's how much gunk that came off this GW record:
RCM%2520MKII-11.jpg


I then spray again with cleaner and spread with a paint pad:

RCM%2520MKII-12.jpg


I finally spray with distilled water, that gets vacuumed. The motor runs CCW, you can see just beyond the wand where the record is dry. I normally cover the label with a DIY cover, but didn't here:

RCM%2520MKII-14.jpg


To recap, here's my costs:
Pioneer Cabinet from SA: $20.00
Shop Vac Wet/Dry Vac, new: $30.00
VPI Wand Assembly, new: $79.00
Ice Cream Churn, GW: $5.00
Lights, new: $16.00
Custom Tubes from bulk, set of 40: $20.00
Turntable platter: Free
Various hardware: $15.00
 
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dodog said:
What do you use for a DIY label cover?
Click to expand...
I used a white plastic flat tube cap. I it's fairly thin. It is better than nothing, but isn't the best solution. My next project is to come up with something better.

Did you notice my simple but effective record clamp? The suction is strong enough to stop the record without it.
 
Why don't you try small/medium sized plastic applicator bottles for the cleaning/rinsing fluids and then spread the fluids with the paint pad. Probably find them at beauty supply store, with a little practice applying the necessary amount of fluids you shouldn't have any spillage onto the deck or record label. Excellent, functional and inexspensive RCM.
 
majick47 said:
Why don't you try small/medium sized plastic applicator bottles for the cleaning/rinsing fluids and then spread the fluids with the paint pad. Probably find them at beauty supply store, with a little practice applying the necessary amount of fluids you shouldn't have any spillage onto the deck or record label. Excellent, functional and inexspensive RCM.
Click to expand...
This is a good idea.

I'm also pursuing making a semi-automatic dispenser. I could make a wand out of 1/2" PVC. I would then glue or cable tie a riser from one of those garden irrigation systems. If done right I could use either drip heads or mister heads. I'd then need two small aquarium pumps - one for cleaning fluid and one for water. The lines from the pumps would be joined with a "Y" connector to feed the wand. A push button would actuate the appropriate pump. If the "Y" is placed as high as possible, not much of either liquid would be pumped out before the correct liquid flowed. Flow could be regulated with just pinching the line
 
DougMac said:
I used a white plastic flat tube cap. I it's fairly thin. It is better than nothing, but isn't the best solution. My next project is to come up with something better.

Did you notice my simple but effective record clamp? The suction is strong enough to stop the record without it.
Click to expand...

I looked at that about 5 times and didn't see it. Finally it "popped." What is that, a piece of tubing?
 
dodog said:
I looked at that about 5 times and didn't see it. Finally it "popped." What is that, a piece of tubing?
Click to expand...
Yep!

It fits really tightly. Works great on the turntable if a record is slightly dished. Might be good for those who want to couple the record to the platter, but don't want to use a weight that might add a burden to the bearings.
 
Doug check out the design of the Nitty Gritty and VPI fluid pumps, both are manual, years ago the NG used to be electric. At the rate your going you should easly rival either companies better/best RCMs.
 
I am still working on piecing together my RCM. All that has been holding me back is a cabinet design. I see these old stereo cabinets all the time at GW for cheap. Of course now I will never see one again. LOL
 
Hofy said:
I am still working on piecing together my RCM. All that has been holding me back is a cabinet design. I see these old stereo cabinets all the time at GW for cheap. Of course now I will never see one again. LOL
Click to expand...

I think it's worth holding out until you find one. I used one for my DIY RCM, and it's great to have room to store things right there. I store fluids, brushes, and I have room to store to be cleaned and cleaned records. Next up is adding a simple divider on the record shelf at the bottom, to store new sleeves to replace the dirty/tattered ones I discard. I can unplug the unit, and literally roll it away if needed, with everything right there when I need it again.
 
That is sweet...and this coming from someone who owns a VPI 16.5 that he likes very much.
 
oldvinyldude said:
I think it's worth holding out until you find one. I used one for my DIY RCM, and it's great to have room to store things right there. I store fluids, brushes, and I have room to store to be cleaned and cleaned records. Next up is adding a simple divider on the record shelf at the bottom, to store new sleeves to replace the dirty/tattered ones I discard. I can unplug the unit, and literally roll it away if needed, with everything right there when I need it again.
Click to expand...

Yep still holding out and still looking. Best part of this design is repurposing / recycling the cabinet.
 
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