Ultrasonic Record Cleaning Machine

kevhed72

Or at least the gizmo that spins the records. Someone here awhile back was making these and I am too lazy to use the awesome search function on this site to find them. Ebay and Ramazon sell ones that look a bit flimzy. Anyone have info on these?

msg

I have one of the spinners that Brian made for forum members that's in the "stuff to let go" collection. Works great. My only hangup with it is the "clamp" gaskets, and questions re: the CN Ebay ultrasonic tank. The clamp gaskets are wide and not soft, so while they grip the record and you can clean up to 4 at a time (2 max rec), they don't seal the record label 100%. The spindle turns slow enough that it's never been a real issue since the record cleaning solution/bath "flows" on the vinyl very well (it's not "sticky" like plain water), but the label edges do get wet sometimes.

You'd still need to buy an ultrasonic tank off Ebay.

This label wetting happens with a hand spinner I use that does have better seals too, as well as with the HumminGuru I use, so...

There are a bunch of different options out there now, though, that would probably be cheaper and less fussy.


HumminGuru, despite some negative reviews and claims it's not a real ultrasonic, I like a lot. Easy to see the results in the collect wash water post cleaning.
https://humminguru.com/

Favorite washing method right now is the VinylStyl Deep Groove hand spinner with label clamp/protection. (I have two - one wash, one rinse - for when I have a bunch of records to clean). Built in drying stand in the base. Very nice design, easy to store. So many great features, a favorite being some really nice plush goat hair brushes for really nice spread of cleaning solution and rinse water.
https://www.amazon.com/Vinyl-Styl-Groove-Record-Washer/dp/B01M0LRLM5

Then I follow up with a run in the HumminGuru.

If it's a new record and I just want to check it out, I only use the HumminGuru.

Bunch of developments in record cleaning the past few years, though.
Record Doctor has a dual-sided vacuum one now
https://www.amazon.com/Record-Doctor-Washing-Cleaning-Machine/dp/B0CPN3Y4VW

Pro-ject, Okki Nokki are vacuum.

The ultimate ultrasonic cleaner is the Degritter, but I think it's around $3500.
Uses 120Hz transducers, another consideration with budget options. Most others, if I'm not mistaken are 40Hz, including the HumminGuru.

msg

PS - Don't forget you need edge/periphery ring and center clamp set from Wayne's Audio.
https://www.waynesaudio.com/shop

Don't worry - Wayne usually offers a package deal when you buy both. You're welcome
And don't wimp out going with the little clamp. You'll always feel inadequate.

jdjohn

Ultrasonic is one approach, but regardless of the method, I think two cleaning stages are needed in order to get the best results.

There should be a 'cleaning' stage, and then a 'rinse' stage. The cleaning stage would (obviously) include a detergent of some sort (with potentially other chemicals), which cleans the records, and suspends any nasty particles in the cleaning solution. Those get rinsed away during the transition between cleaning and rinsing.

The next/final/rinse stage is to use pure distilled water to rinse everything away, and just leave a clean vinyl surface for playback.

In one of these stages, I think a few drops of a quat should be incorporated in order to add a microscopic layer of lubrication, anti-static properties, and anti-mold/fungal prevention.

msg

The quat is an absolute requirement.