DIY Record Cleaner

[jimbones]

I have recently made an attempt to return to vinyl. I have never ever cleaned any of my records.  I was so impressed after Bob M cleaned a few of my albums on his VPI machine that I had to build a similiar beast. I decided to try my hand at making a DIY record cleaning machine.So I bought a cheap used direct drive TT. I am in the process of removing the arm and purchased a VPI suction tube and have all the required fittings. I will use an inexpensive wet/dry vac but I hope it isn't too much suction that it lifts the LP clear off the platter 
I'll post pics and update status as the build progresses. 

Jim

[sleepyguy24]

Hi Jim

Can't wait to see the DIY project. I hope it works out a lot smoother than what I use. I use a SPIN Clean record cleaner and then use a Vinyl VAC attachment to clean up the liquids after.

Also check out other AN members DIY cleaners.

http://www.audionervosa.com/index.php?topic=4255.0

http://www.audionervosa.com/index.php?topic=4170.0

[Nick B]

I have recently made an attempt to return to vinyl. I have never ever cleaned any of my records.  I was so impressed after Bob M cleaned a few of my albums on his VPI machine that I had to build a similiar beast. I decided to try my hand at making a DIY record cleaning machine.So I bought a cheap used direct drive TT. I am in the process of removing the arm and purchased a VPI suction tube and have all the required fittings. I will use an inexpensive wet/dry vac but I hope it isn't too much suction that it lifts the LP clear off the platter 
I'll post pics and update status as the build progresses. 

Jim

Nice project. I love DIY stuff (especially when others are doing it ) and will be following your progress

[BobM]

Glad to see you are hearing the improvement Jim. A worthwhile project during these cold days when you need to stay indoors and keep busy.

[jimbones]

OK so here is a pic of what I am starting with. I removed the tone arm (anybody want a cartridge?). I selected a position for vacuum arm. more pics tomorrow.

[sleepyguy24]

Hi Jim

I don't know if you selected your vacuum yet but this is the one I got from Lowes.

Shop-Vac 2.5-Gallon 2.5 HP-Peak HP Shop Vacuum
Item #: 215726 |  Model #: 9302011

http://www.lowes.com/pd_215726-20097-9302011_0__?productId=3339728&Ntt=shop+vac&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dshop%2Bvac&facetInfo=

The suction on this one is no joke. I can pull off the record from the platter if I wanted to with it. It isn't the quietest vacuum but I haven't had any complaints yet when I use it at night.

[jimbones]

Hi Jim

I don't know if you selected your vacuum yet but this is the one I got from Lowes.

Shop-Vac 2.5-Gallon 2.5 HP-Peak HP Shop Vacuum
Item #: 215726 |  Model #: 9302011

http://www.lowes.com/pd_215726-20097-9302011_0__?productId=3339728&Ntt=shop+vac&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dshop%2Bvac&facetInfo=

The suction on this one is no joke. I can pull off the record from the platter if I wanted to with it. It isn't the quietest vacuum but I haven't had any complaints yet when I use it at night.

Home depot has a similar one so I would say I am using something very close to that. I did mention in one of my previous posts that I realize that too much suction is likely so I will have to build in some vent to reduce suction.

[rollo]

I have recently made an attempt to return to vinyl. I have never ever cleaned any of my records.  I was so impressed after Bob M cleaned a few of my albums on his VPI machine that I had to build a similiar beast. I decided to try my hand at making a DIY record cleaning machine.So I bought a cheap used direct drive TT. I am in the process of removing the arm and purchased a VPI suction tube and have all the required fittings. I will use an inexpensive wet/dry vac but I hope it isn't too much suction that it lifts the LP clear off the platter 
I'll post pics and update status as the build progresses. 

Jim

Nice project. I love DIY stuff (especially when others are doing it ) and will be following your progress

   Thanks Nick got me laughing. Good one I needed that today.



charles

[jimbones]

Going to town with the dremel tool. This is a plastic structure. At first I was disappointed now I am glad because it is so easy to modify. Pics include arm tube assembly with collet and with power swith added on left side (this was an automatic TT). The arm pivot location allows me to take advantage of the existing arm support.

[jimbones]

Next Mod will be to mount the TT on a "base". Originally I was thinking of making the Vac as a dedicated part of the Record Cleaner. With a built up wooden base I will drill a hole in it and have an external fitting so the vac will be attached only as needed.

[sleepyguy24]

Hi Jim

Are you still planning to reduce the suction of your vacuum with your record cleaner? The reason for my question is that I found that the reason why my Shop Vac can pull the record off of the platter. It is due to the width of the Vinyl Vac attachment. I believe membership here before informed me that the opening was just too wide to be effective. I got a different attachment where the opening is narrower and I can't pull the record off the platter any more.

Vinyl Vac attachment.



Conrad Specialty Mfg Record Vac Cleaner Record Cleaner attachment



Just putting this out there as an FYI.

[jimbones]

I am using the VPI "wand" It has a very narrow slit. I made some progress this weekend I made a base and the fittings for the vacuum, pics to come.

[rollo]

  With all the time spent on this it should a personal sucking attachment.


charles

[jimbones]

  With all the time spent on this it should a personal sucking attachment.


charles

Now now, keep it clean. Haven't really spent much time it's been more of spend a few minutes here a feww minutes there. Besides I love these DIY projects. The VPI machine is like $650!!

[jimbones]

It's more difficult to post pics on this website than it is to build this contraption!