Record Cleaning Machines - DIY or Purchase - Who uses one?

MrBuhl

Hi All

Done a few searches and have seen some nice DIY record cleaning machines - also have been researching VPI and Nitty Gritty - I have a couple questions:

For those who have constructed a vacuum based DIY RCM - do you still use it as your main RCM? Or did you move to a commercial model?

For those who purchased "factory" models - is there a good place to get one that is likely to produce the best "deal" on one vs. paying absolute top dollar?

I currently use a Spin Clean and microfiber, but I'm looking for the next level of clean if you will - and frankly the SC isn't all that convenient for a larger amount of records, almost all of which need a good clean...

Many thanks for any wisdom and assistance in advance.

Best
Ed

thsmith

STill using my DIY vacuum system. I make my own solution, use no longer working turntable to spin record manually while I manually scrub the record and use modified shop vac to suck off the cleaning solution. Then let sit in dish rack until completely dry then put in MFSL sleeve.

Sunday mornings are a great time to knock out 20 or so records while I am also listening.

I use the solution method noted here http://www.teresaudio.com/haven/cleaner/cleaner.html

Use this brush to scrub http://www.needledoctor.com/Nitty-Gritty-Nylon-Bristle-Brush?sc=2&category=1182

I use this vac http://www.walmart.com/ip/1-Gallon-Shop-Vac-Hang-Up-Mini-Vacuum/8477890

MrBuhl

That looks awesome and super easy! How dry does the vac actually get the vinyl thsmith? Did you build the box as in your first link or just use the vac as is?

thsmith

Very dry but I let each site sit in a dish rack. I clean 4 side A's then put a clean mat on the TT and start cleaning Side Bs. That way the clean side is touching a clean mat.

I did not build a box. I sit the TT on a table. The vacuum is not in a box either.

I use microfiber towel to clean the brush after each side and give a good rinse with my cleaning solution.

cnh

I spent 11 minutes watching a guy (youtube) clean ONE side of a record, the album cover and replace the inner sleeve with a plastic one and also put some plastic over the cover. ONE SIDE! lol

I guess I'll stick with a few snap, crackle and pops. Besides all my vinyl is not worth a lot and my tables are all $200+ (in their day, that is--'70s, '80s) or less MSRP vintage. So it's not like I'm missing much. Since all I remember are record players from the late 60s and '70s played on mid-fi equipment this all sounds like it did back then. lol Good enough for a trip down "memory lane"--nostalgia, if you will!

But if you REALLY have some GREAT gear, I suppose you can USE your TIME this way!

cnh

thsmith

I get pretty medevil when scrubbing. I have been very happy with my results.
I verified my cleaning solution left no film or debris behind by checking my Stylius with a microscope.

gce

I use the Spin Clean to clean and then a shop vac to blow the fluid off. I've also found that using a carbon fiber brush really does a good job all on it's own.

voltz

I have a VPI 16.5 machine and it is quick and simple. I turn it on add pour a little bit of cleaner on it and press down withe the brush in my hand, for afew rotations- then vacuum it off with the machine - add a rinse (distilled water) and vacuum that off and flop it over and do next side, a couple minutes per LP and I only do what I think I will listen to that day or sometimes I clean a bunch while listen to headphones as its really loud. I also pick up the cleaned record with a micro cloth and put it into a good sleeve & I'm done.

My records for the most part don't hardly make any noise

vmaxer

voltz wrote: »

I have a VPI 16.5 machine and it is quick and simple. I turn it on add pour a little bit of cleaner on it and press down withe the brush in my hand, for afew rotations- then vacuum it off with the machine - add a rinse (distilled water) and vacuum that off and flop it over and do next side, a couple minutes per LP and I only do what I think I will listen to that day or sometimes I clean a bunch while listen to headphones as its really loud. I also pick up the cleaned record with a micro cloth and put it into a good sleeve & I'm done.

My records for the most part don't hardly make any noise

That's what I use as well, not the cheapest but works very well!!

hochpt21

I have a Nitty Gritty (base model)...I think it cost $400.

I have to manually turn it, but man does it do a fantastic job. Potentially, the best purchase I have made....but then again I listen to a lot of vinyl.

I feel its a great value if you don't mind manually applying the solution and spinning the record.

bikerboy

I still use my diy cleaner and am happy with the results. I use something like this http://www.teresaudio.com/haven/cleaner/cleaner.html
I can hear a big difference before and after cleaning. I use a steam cleaner first then cleaner then steam again to rinse. I use the cbc stuff I got here on the forum.

Jhayman

Nitty Gritty Version 1.0
Works Great

vcwatkins

I bought a used VPI 16.5 and absolutely love it. Didn't mind the Spin Clean, but this is sooo much faster and easier. It actually gives me pleasure to use. Glad I didn't wait too long before taking the plunge. I try to clean 10-12 two or three nights per week which is more than I can listen to most weeks.

If I were looking now, I'd probably go for the newer heavier duty Cyclone.

Craig

Toolfan66

Built my own using an old technics TT I picked up for I think some stupid price of $25 on CL, works great... Here is a few pics..

voltz

Larry -> You just totally rock!!

agfrost

Larry, I remember your build thread for that--Wasn't that when you were pretty new around here? Seem to recall you taking some grief for "butchering" the TT you used; no one around here knew at that time what kind of artwork you were capable of turning out!

Toolfan66

agfrost wrote: »

Larry, I remember your build thread for that--Wasn't that when you were pretty new around here? Seem to recall you taking some grief for "butchering" the TT you used; no one around here knew at that time what kind of artwork you were capable of turning out!

I did take some grief for "butchering" the TT, I tried to find the thread but couldn't seen to find it..

Toolfan66

Found it..

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/96700/diy-record-cleaner-with-a-technics-tt/p1





.

MrBuhl

Thanks all - Larry that DIY thread was one of the first ones I came upon! Was wondering if you found it sufficient to keep using it and I guess you have.

Seems like if you take the time to build a decent one, you'll be just as happy as the guys who have purchased on too from my short poll and read-up.

Though the overwhelming consensus seems to be an RCM makes a huge difference and is definitely more efficient.

Gotta figure out what I'm gonna do!

[Deleted User]

I bow to toolfan's craftmanship. I take my dollar LPs into a clean room at CWRU and use a solution I can't tell you about. Works great.

voltz

Ed - could you imagine having a record collection like P-mans or Red's and cleaning them by hand? When I saw how much it cost I thought no way, then I cleaned a few buy hand and right away I ordered the VPI 16.5. in the end it just is part of the cost of Vinyl you just sort of have to play -it cost more then my TT but I like using and do not mind cleaning any more no hassle really. but yes they are not free.

Mike Reeter

I picked up a used VPI 16.5 off A'gon at half price, works like a champ! There is at least one for sale on Ebay or A'gon at any given time.

[Deleted User]

+1 on the VPI as this is were I might end up. BTW, PMan is the man.

thsmith

Wow, I just watched a video on utube for a VPI cyclone. For $1000 it better do the scrubbing and vacuuming on both sides at once.

I thought they were more automated than that.

Even at half the price I will stick with method and I know I do a better job scrubbing.

EndersShadow

@Toolfan66‌ .... Show off .....

I think your is the best DIY I've seen.

There is a guy building a DIY ultrasonic cleaner that can do like 4-5 records at a time which is cool.

Build thread here for it. Seems like a basic DIY kit...
http://thecarversite.com/yetanotherforum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=15515

[Deleted User]

Don't know about the vinyl cleaning unit but those are some lucky woofers!

EndersShadow wrote: »

@Toolfan66‌ .... Show off .....

I think your is the best DIY I've seen.

There is a guy building a DIY ultrasonic cleaner that can do like 4-5 records at a time which is cool.

Build thread here for it. Seems like a basic DIY kit...
http://thecarversite.com/yetanotherforum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=15515

SCompRacer

Toolfan66 wrote: »

Found it..

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/96700/diy-record-cleaner-with-a-technics-tt/p1

Outstanding workmanship!

I get by with my Nitty Gritty Hybrid 2. Does vinyl and CD's. Looks like this. I scrub/steam clean on an old turntable. Bought it used.

Fongolio

Nitty Gritty 1.5 FI. I've had it for 5 years or so. Bought used. Still going strong. I'm using down at the record store where I'm working part time.

hochpt21

For those who buck at the cost....I think of it two different ways.

1) If you have 400 lps, would you pay a buck per record for those to sound significantly better....and still have a used record cleaner at the end? I would.

2) We spend so much money upgrading components, cables etc...trying to eek out as much SQ as we possibly can. When it comes to vinyl, absolutely nothing improves SQ more than a vacuum RCM. Not even close. And a RCM is cheaper than just about any single component piece you can buy.

MrBuhl

It really does make sense. I have about 800 or so. That's 50 cents a record. Well worth the cost!

nspindel

I've got a 16.5. It's not cheap, but after cleaning over 800 discs with it, the cost doesn't really seem all that high any more.