Author Topic: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner  (Read 5307 times)

Offline StephenWVU

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Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« on: November 19, 2014, 09:52:29 AM »
Hi guys,

I am thinking about building an ultrasonic record cleaner with a built in dryer. I don't think this should be overly difficult and am in the preliminary designing stages. I would like to be able to clean at least five records at a time and the real kicker, I'd like to dry five a time. I think I have the ultrasonic cleaner figured out. I might even have a motor assembly figured out.  Drying is the main concern.

Would an ion blower work to fan off wet records?  I think the only way to dry several records at a time is with fans or a drying rack. Recommendations are welcome.
Speakers: Nearfield Acoustics Pipedreams Reference 18
Amplifier:
Mark Levinson ML3 (subs)
Phison A2.120SE (towers)
Preamplifier/DAC/Phono: Phison PD2SE
Server: Pi & NUC
Turntable: VPI HR-X, VdH Colibri XGW

Offline papabearjew

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2014, 03:46:11 PM »
An old friend used a dishwasher on gentle cycle I'd imagine. LOL

bearjew

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2014, 04:13:00 PM »
just use a heat gun, then bend the records back once they're dry

Offline Sir Thrift-a-Lot

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2014, 06:14:29 PM »
I've got nothing.

Usually when I've got nothing, I feel no compulsion to respond at all, but reading the other posts...

Offline papabearjew

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2014, 08:09:32 PM »
Come on Thrifty. Nothing to add?  Can't be.

Offline schwarcw

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2014, 09:06:58 PM »
Hi guys,

I am thinking about building an ultrasonic record cleaner with a built in dryer. I don't think this should be overly difficult and am in the preliminary designing stages. I would like to be able to clean at least five records at a time and the real kicker, I'd like to dry five a time. I think I have the ultrasonic cleaner figured out. I might even have a motor assembly figured out.  Drying is the main concern.

Would an ion blower work to fan off wet records?  I think the only way to dry several records at a time is with fans or a drying rack. Recommendations are welcome.

I think there are some DIY design projects out there.  Ultrasonic vinyl cleaners are the future for vinyl nuts.  These things will come down in cost in the next five years.  I saw one at the DC Audiofest for around $1,300.  When the price get to around $500, there will be a lot of buyers.  Count me in!
Carl

Offline StephenWVU

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #6 on: November 19, 2014, 09:29:40 PM »
I am fairly certain I can build one for around $350 without drying capabilities.
Speakers: Nearfield Acoustics Pipedreams Reference 18
Amplifier:
Mark Levinson ML3 (subs)
Phison A2.120SE (towers)
Preamplifier/DAC/Phono: Phison PD2SE
Server: Pi & NUC
Turntable: VPI HR-X, VdH Colibri XGW

Offline StephenWVU

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #7 on: November 19, 2014, 09:31:42 PM »
This is what I found and it looks like a very easy build.

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/diy_ultrasonic_cleaner_e.html

I want one that would not only rotate but have the ability to lift the records into some sort of fan drying chamber and rotate while the fans are going.  That would allow me to clean maybe 4 or 5 at a time, then dry the 4 or 5.
Speakers: Nearfield Acoustics Pipedreams Reference 18
Amplifier:
Mark Levinson ML3 (subs)
Phison A2.120SE (towers)
Preamplifier/DAC/Phono: Phison PD2SE
Server: Pi & NUC
Turntable: VPI HR-X, VdH Colibri XGW

Offline Jim Pittsburgh

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #8 on: November 19, 2014, 09:36:10 PM »
I've been ruminating on building a cleaner for some time...
But want them vacummed not necessarily dried. I've found
drying hasn't been the problem nor the time killer. Anything
I can do to help or contribute let me know.
a bunch of nice sounding stuff. Nice that I'm finally able to actually listen to file music for the first time...

Offline scorpio333

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2014, 12:30:40 PM »
Make any headway on this? I just came across this and wondered how your design ideas compare to this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ultrasonic-vinyl-record-cleaning-kit-vinyl-stack-ultra-sonic-spin-kit/161402849405?hash=item25945c087d

My cobbled together cleaner is ok, but it's slow, manual and one side at a time. Always interested to see what people can do without over paying for a ready to go unit.

Offline StephenWVU

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #10 on: December 12, 2014, 01:51:08 PM »
I looked at that; however, I want mine to be a bit more advanced.  Unfortunately I haven't had much time to make any real headway.  I have specs of parts I need to make.  I might see what patents are already out before discussing the main difference in my design.
Speakers: Nearfield Acoustics Pipedreams Reference 18
Amplifier:
Mark Levinson ML3 (subs)
Phison A2.120SE (towers)
Preamplifier/DAC/Phono: Phison PD2SE
Server: Pi & NUC
Turntable: VPI HR-X, VdH Colibri XGW

Offline schwarcw

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #11 on: December 12, 2014, 07:22:43 PM »
That guy with the listing on eBay also sells marbles, heart shaped pins, and patterns for making ballerina dresses!   :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Carl

Offline Jim Pittsburgh

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #12 on: December 13, 2014, 10:44:45 AM »
I have access to machine shops and milling machines
a bunch of nice sounding stuff. Nice that I'm finally able to actually listen to file music for the first time...

Anders

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Re: Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
« Reply #13 on: December 13, 2014, 11:07:45 AM »
I have a VPI 16.5 and I want to rebuild it with plexiglass.
Its hard to believe they made it out of particle board !
Its now a bit moldy with puckered particle boards.