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Many sing the praises of using a vacuum machine to clean records. Being of Scots descent, I couldn't bring myself to spring $550 for a VPI machine, much less the serious change for a Monks type 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.
I wanted to post photos, but I'll have to resize first. Craig and Rick, did you ever find out how to adjust the attachment bucket for users? 87k isn't very much room.
Doug
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.
I wanted to post photos, but I'll have to resize first. Craig and Rick, did you ever find out how to adjust the attachment bucket for users? 87k isn't very much room.
Doug
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