WTB: Turntable Record Player Stabilizer Clamp

[OldiesButGoodies]

Anyone know of a local machine shop that will do these for cheap? [hey - maybe we should buy a 1 foot stainless steel cylinder and make a group order for multiples?]

[SunnyDaze]

My uncle owns Vangura Tool in Elizabeth. I can always ask him?

[tube_dan]

Sunny,

Are we talking about Al Vangura?  I've taken many motorcycle trips with him !

He was in Clairton however.  They'd do it in titanium, or any other (exotic) materials -- since they built parts for nuclear subs and reactors.

Small world...

[SunnyDaze]

I think that'd be either my uncles cousin or uncle. My uncle is an Ebbitt. I think "owns" is a vague word. Supervises? I'm not sure who actually owns it. Giant world. Tiny 'Burgh.

Yes, they do make parts for subs. I don't know how feasible it'd be to just CNC some aluminum hockey pucks in the name of audiophilia.

All I can do is ask!

[OldiesButGoodies]

Ask him Sunny, no harm inquiring.  If he can help us get a batch of 10 for under $250 or even at that price it would be a great deal [new line of business for Tom??]

This web page has a basic DIY design:

http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/puck.html

Thanks!

Pepe

[Falcon]

If he can do it, put me in for one..

[tinpan]

I would be in for 2

[wkhanna]

I have not seen Al in many years, but I used to hang out with the PGH chapter of the BMW Motorcycle club where Al was member.
I have rode & shared libations many times with him. One year he hosted a Spring tune-up meet at his shop in Clairton. One of the most selfless and kind people I have ever met.

BTW, one of my past vocations was as a machinist. I now am the QA manger of a 90,000 sqft high precision machine shop near Zelienople. I could possible knock off a few weights for you guys.

Stainless steel might be a bit heavy. Too much weight will end up damaging your spindle bearing over time.
I can get 6061 T6 aluminum. We send huge quantities of parts to East Liberty Electroplating & I could probably get them anodized fairly cheap, too.

Finding the time may be an issue, but it's not out of the question.

I'll get some pricing on material at work tomorrow.

[OldiesButGoodies]

wkhanna:

That would be great - let us know what you estimate the cost to be. The last time I used a lathe was back in college.  I agree that aluminum would be best.  Would be great if we could also add the store's logo to them on top or sides,  but that would be project scope creep 

Thanks!

OBG

[schwarcw]

In general I do not like weights for stabilization.  Not that they don't work but I have found that a reflex clamp can actually apply much more force that a simple weight.  Plus weight will add stress to your moving parts that drive your TT (belts, motor, bearings, etc.)  

Most reflex clamps work on similiarly.  These clamps have several moving pieces the "twist" mechanism on the top engages a brass collet that grips the spindle in the center of the turntable.  As you twist the collet begins to move back into the body of the clamp causing the body of the clamp to exert a downward force on the record.  The result is the twister type clamp can perform a better job coupling th lp to the turntable, providing better dampening characteristics and can actually flatten a warped record.  Check out the Clearaudio clamp.  

I doubt that your DIY will cost much less, and most sellers will allow you to return the clamp if you don't like it  How can you go wrong.  Look Here

I've used both types, go for the reflex!!

Enjoy the vinyl!!

[wkhanna]

Hey OBG,
Lathe work is something I can do without interrupting production.
Getting a logo machined on the weights would require CNC horizontal milling.
Not likely I that I could break into a production CNC mill schedule for our weights
Stamping might be an option, but there are some guys at the plant that have small shops at home that may be interested.
I will investigate.

[wkhanna]

Hey Carl,

I agree with you.
The spindle on my TT is threaded for a light weight aluminum 'Clamp'.
This allows the LP to to be coupled to the platter mechanically without adding excessive weight.
But some TT's can see some audible benefit from a simple weight that helps couple the LP to the platter.

JMHO, YMMV

Bill

[OldiesButGoodies]

$249 bucks for clamp is a bit too much for me.  I live on cash, no credit!!Plus the DIY piece has that coolness factor.  Thanks!

OBG

[schwarcw]

$249 bucks for clamp is a bit too much for me.  I live on cash, no credit!!Plus the DIY piece has that coolness factor.  Thanks!

OBG

The Clearaudio clamp is $100 and returnable?

[Kingman]

Here's one a guy made for me. I found no audible difference when I used it. It will not "unwarp" a record. I recently bought some new audiophile grade vinyl discs that were visibly warped! I also have a slim design table and the weight will not fit with the cover closed. It does look kool in an audiophile kinda way....