(506) 2240-6804
3D printed record cleaning machine
Squeaky Clean Vinyl Record Cleaning Machine Mk. III: a review : vinyl
The Squeaky Clean Vinyl RCM is a manual vacuum record cleaner. It facilitates the vacuum cleaning of a record, but you have to provide your own suction (by way of shop vac or some vacuum cleaner that won't be destroyed by sucking up some water). I've had it for a couple weeks and I've cleaned several records with it. Long story short: it works.
The kit provides you with a turntable (a bit you put your record on to spin it), a puck/handle/cover which place over the middle of the record to facilitate spinning it and to protect the label, an adapter for your vacuum, a brush head which does the actual vacuuming of the record (as well some adapters to make it work with 10" and 7" records), a brush/squeegee for distributing the cleaning solution, and a 45rpm adapter.
There is a video outlining it's usage on the site, but I'll detail the procedure here. You put the record on the turntable. You then cover it with the puck. Apply some cleaning solution (you can use whatever you want, but in the demo the manufacturer uses a solution of 25% isopropyl alcohol and distilled water with a drop of dish soap to act as a surfactant). Distribute it about the record with the supplied brush. Put the vacuum brush in place (if it is not attached to the vacuum hose adapter already) and turn on the vacuum. Rotate the record until you've sucked up all the cleaning solution and it looks pretty dry. Repeat the procedure with plain distilled water to rinse it. The result should be a pretty clean record.
I bought this product because it was cheaper than other and seemed to be well reviewed. The fact that I had to supply my own vacuum was not a big deal, since any household vacuum cleaner is probably more powerful than anything a manufacturer could put in a small unit. The process does pretty dramatically reduce the surface noise of LPs. It doesn't eliminate them entirely, but sure does make them significantly quieter on the spaces between songs.
If you've got album with surface noise on it (provided the grooves aren't damaged), I would wager that this will bring it down to a level where it isn't audible during normal playback.
It's a well-constructed unit (mostly 3D printed). It don't see how it could wear out or break from normal usage. The plastic on the tube of the vacuum adapter is several millimeters thick.
The SCV RCM is a side business of Canfab3D. It is pretty much a one-man show. It is reported that he has excellent customer service.
I am pretty satisfied with the unit. It fulfills it function well. I imagine it is significantly easier than vacuuming a disc using only an adapter. It is more costly than something like the Spin Clean, but it also doesn't rely on any special cleaning solution. If you run out, all you have to do is go to the drug store and buy rubbing alcohol and some bottled water. You don't have to deal with drying either (although it does include a microfiber cloth).
It's not the speediest system around, but if you are a little bit quick it probably takes less than 2 minutes per side.
If you have hundreds of albums to clean at once, then you should look into a different system. Even if you have a large collection, it is fairly simple to give records a quick once-over before playback if they have been sitting disused, or come from unknown provenance (i.e. the thrift store).
TL;DR: Works as advertised. Fairly robust construction. A viable means of cleaning small numbers of records in a reasonable amount of time.
Vacuum Record Cleaners are too expensive, so I designed and 3D printed my own. : vinyl
So I'm about to nerd out really hard here, but I figured some of you would like to read about my journey into record cleaning because hey, it's Thanksgiving in two days and your mind is probably on vacation already.
TL;DR: I made a 3D printed record vacuum cleaner and it works great.
You can check out the website I set up here: www.undeadwax.com
Here is a video of me using it: Youtube Video
So like a lot of you, I have accumulated enough records that it now makes me self conscious to watch the TV show Hoarders.
Naturally I decided to invest in some record cleaning equipment, so I bought a Spin Clean and it did the job well, but one thing that really bothered me was the drying process. I felt like the cloths they provide don't do a very good job and they quickly become soaking wet and useless. I also don't have a lot of space to leave my records to air dry and leaving them on a dish rack overnight in my dusty apartment felt counter-productive.
I started researching the next step up, vacuum record cleaning machines. As you know if you've ever shopped for vacuum record cleaners, they are pricy. The cheapest one I could find is the Record Doctor V on Amazon, which is $199. There is also the KAB-EV1, which is $170, not including the vacuum. Then there is the Nitty Gritty Model 1.0 for ~$450, the Okki Nokki for ~$600, and the classic VPI 16.5 for $649. And up and up from there into the thousands.
Even $199 seemed like a big investment for essentially a box with a vacuum motor, so I explored the DIY route.
I noticed one strategy is to use a wet-dry vac and modify the hose attachment by cutting a slot and lining the edges with velvet. The problem with this is that you need a separate junker turntable or you have to find some type of lazy susan to rotate the record while you clean it.
So then I thought, why can't the spindle that holds the record be on the hose attachment itself? Then you would only need two parts - a cheap wet-dry vac and the attachment.
I headed down to Home Depot and spent a few hours in the PVC aisle. I also bought some adhesive-backed felt and a 1/4" bolt. I then hacked away with a Dremel and ended up with Version 1.0.
Visually appealing? No. But it got the job done - a lot better than I expected - when I used it with my $25 mini shop-vac.
Once I saw this concept was feasible, I remembered something - I'm an engineer. I can do it better than this. So I downloaded FreeCAD, studied up, and ended up with the slightly prettier Version 2.0.
I had it 3D printed locally and when it was finally finished, I tested it and found out that the shell thickness and honeycomb fill pattern made it super porous.
When I put it under the faucet, water passed straight through it. I had it printed a second time with the correct settings, and it worked way better the previous version, and as well as I could ask. After using the Spin Clean, I just put the wet record on the spindle and rotate 2-3 times per side. It works much better than a cloth and I can now play records immediately after drying them.
Now I realize I could have bought a Record Doctor V with the amount of time and money I put into this project, but I learned some new skills and now I have a pretty cool finished product - I dubbed it the Revinylizer. The total cost so far has been about $200 - $25 for the shop vac, $20 for the parts at Home Depot, $140 total for both prints, and $15 for the felt and velvet.
The Future
If people are interested, I would really like to do a Kickstarter. From the research I've done, I'm confident that if I were to produce these in quantity using injection molding, I could price them at around $59.
If you'd like to track the project and get informative yet infrequent updates, you can check out the website I set up - just click "Buy It Now" or any link on the page:
www.undeadwax.com
If you think this is great or it sucks, let me know! I'd love to hear feedback, and if this ends up going anywhere, I can incorporate your suggestions into the design.
Thanks for reading.
Free 3D file Washing Machine / Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner・3D Printer Model Download・Cults
Apple Watch Stand
Free
Stand for Apple AirPods 2
Free
Apple AirTag Keychain Case
Free
nine0003 Klipsch R-51PM Remote Control HolderFree
Beard brush cover
Free
The best files for 3D printers in the Tools category
Tape dispenser - tape gun
Free
CR-10 Smart Drawer Organizer
Free
Wine Glass Cookie Cutter
0.
95 €
Screw Assembly Tarp Grommet
Free
House Spider Fixed
Free
CoronavirusMakers
Free
Chill Buddy Slide
1.38 €
Xenomorph - alien bottle opener
3 €
Bestsellers in the Tools category
PRECISE DIAL INDICATOR 3D PRINT DIY
1.91 €
Cut-Man - PET bottle cutter with handle!
€3.49
nine0003 Ender 3 S1 BEST cable guide - vertical2,50 €
Business card embossing system
3 €
Bit holder Spartan 4 mm Hex
1,80 €
Armadillo - flexible wire conduit
1.
69 €
Quick Print Stackable Parts Containers / Storage Boxes
2.83 €
Case for Chill Buddy lighter
0,94 €
Fire hydrant container
1.90 €
Cooling system Minimus Hotend
€2.72 -10% 2.44 €
3,12 €
ENDER 3 S1, S1 PRO, SPRITE, HOT END DUCT 4020 OR 5015 FAN, PROBE NO Y OFFSET
€2.28 -20% 1.83 €
Generativ Design Y-Filamentsplitter Bambulab AMS-Extern RS-CONCEPTS
2,50 €
nine0003 SUPERBOX1,50 €
UNIVERSAL BED LEVELING INDICATOR FOR VERY ALL PRINTERS
2,39 €
Ender 3 S1 pro fan duct 5015 4020
1,30 €
Do you want to support Cults?
Do you like Cults and want to help us continue our journey on our own ? Please note that we are is a small team of 3 people, so supporting us in maintaining activities and creating future developments of is very easy.
Here are 4 solutions available to everyone:
-
ADVERTISING: Disable the AdBlock banner blocker and click on our banner ads.
-
AFFILIATION: Shop online with our affiliate links here Amazon.
-
DONATIONS: If you want, you can donate via PayPal here.
-
* INVITE FRIENDS: * Invite your friends, discover the platform and great 3D files shared by the community!
All you need for vinyl in 2021-2022 - Reviews and Articles
It's no secret that vinyl has recently gained a second youth and is increasingly captivating the minds of audiophiles, while we continue to sum up the results of the year and have chosen the best turntables, phono stages, components and accessories that definitely deserve attention in 2021-2022. nine0006
Rega Planar 1 Plus Turntable
Starting the production of turntables back in 1973, the British company Rega has gained a truly invaluable experience, which allows it to offer balanced and interesting devices in every sense.
As for one of the most popular models of the brand, Planar 1 Plus, this is a bright representative of the segment of affordable audio components.
The Rega Planar 1 Plus table is crafted from durable MDF and comes in luxurious black and white finishes and is sure to brighten up your home decor. The platter is driven by a 24-volt synchronous electric motor, which is characterized by minimal noise and high rotational stability, and the belt drive, made using proprietary EBLT technology, provides the highest speed stability. nine0006
The massive platter is made of phenolic resin to effectively dampen resonances and also contribute to high rotational stability, while anti-vibration feet provide a solid foundation for excellent sound without unnecessary distortion.
Separately, it is worth noting the new tonearm RB110, with high-precision bearings, minimum coefficient of friction and zero axial play, an integrated headshell and an automatic anti-skating system, and a pre-installed Rega Carbon MM-cartridge and a built-in phono stage allow you to connect the device to your home stereo system without any hassle.
nine0006
Cartridge Ortofon 2M red
The Danish company Ortofon was founded in 1918 and recently celebrated its centenary. At first, the brand focused on sound film technology, but later focused on the production of equipment for recording and playing records. Having accumulated vast experience in the production of pickups, Ortofon has become one of the most established companies in the turntable components market, with some of the brand's classic models being produced, with minor modifications, for more than half a century. nine0006
In the current Ortofon line, the 2M Red pickup deserves special attention: it has gained popularity among audiophiles and music lovers who are looking for the opportunity to get the maximum sound for a reasonable price. Moreover, this cartridge turned out to be so good that it is installed regularly in many middle-class players.
Designed by Møller Jensen Design, the Ortofon 2M Red is made of translucent anti-resonant plastic, which contributes to even better sound quality and adds its own unique charm to the exterior.
nine0006
Notable is the fact that the Ortofon 2M Red has an impressively flat frequency response comparable to even the more expensive MC cartridges, and the finely ground elliptical stylus delivers highly detailed sound.
Ortofon 2M Red output power reaches 5.5 mV, which allows you to use this cartridge with most modern phono stages, and its wide frequency range (20 Hz - 22 kHz) and rich, solid sound is a real find for fans of rock, electronic music and other dynamic genres. nine0006
Pro-Ject Phono Box MM
It's no secret that the most important component of a first-class audio system with a turntable is a high-quality phono stage that will not introduce unnecessary distortion and retain the original sound of an analog recording. But what to choose if the budget is limited, and you need a device from a trusted brand? The correct answer is Pro-Ject Phono Box MM, a successful alternative to integrated phono stages, which are sometimes only good for checking the performance of the player.
nine0006
As a matter of fact, Pro-Ject has managed to create a device that just does its main task well and costs quite reasonable money. Phono Box MM is made in a simple, concise case and is equipped with only the most necessary - gold-plated input and output connectors, a ground terminal and a connector for connecting an external power supply.
The circuitry of the device is made on the principle of dual mono: thus, the listeners are guaranteed a wide stereo panorama and a minimum level of crosstalk. The Phono Box MM is perfectly compatible with most popular MM cartridges as well as high output MC cartridges. nine0006
The circuit board has been redesigned to improve reliability, shorten the signal path and reduce background noise, while passive components with minimal overshoot guarantee accurate audio reproduction. As for the power supply, it is implemented using an external DC source supplied in the kit.
Teac TN-180BT-A3 turntable
Since 1953, Teac has been producing first-class audio equipment for professionals and connoisseurs of exceptional sound quality.
And it just so happened historically that the Japanese brand was especially strong in the segment of recording and reproducing devices - from cassette and CD decks to vinyl players. Well, the revival of interest in records was a suitable occasion to present an inexpensive turntable with the most relevant functionality. nine0006
So, we have the Teac TN-180BT-A3 player, which is interesting for several reasons at once. First of all, the more than affordable price for a device from a world famous brand attracts attention. In addition - a simple and reliable design, as well as the presence of everything you need to listen to records with decent sound quality.
Unlike many "plastic" counterparts at a comparable price, the Teac TN-180BT-A3 turntable is made on the basis of an MDF chassis, and the classic belt drive provides good vibration isolation and decent sound for its segment. nine0006
This 3-speed turntable for 33, 45 and 78 rpm records. suitable for listening to both modern and retro recordings: it is designed in such a way that immediately after purchase, without any complicated settings, you can start listening.
We can not fail to note the desire of the Teac company to keep up with the times, because the TN-180BT-A3 is equipped with a Bluetooth module, which means that you can connect wireless headphones and speakers to the turntable. In addition, among the nice bonuses are hitchhiking and a built-in switchable phono stage, which allows you to integrate a brand new player into your home audio system without any hassle. nine0006
The turntable is equipped with a simple tone arm, factory tuned to give the best sound. In the package you can also find a rubber slipmat, an interconnect audio cable with RCA connectors and a transparent dust cover.
Audio Technica AT-VM95C cartridge
It's no secret that the Japanese company Audio-Technica produces both professional equipment and equipment for enthusiastic music lovers and audiophiles. The range of the brand includes high-end headphones, microphones, turntables and, of course, pickup heads. By the way, thanks in large part to very successful models of cartridges for turntables, Audio-Technica once won the trust of customers and managed to become one of the most famous electronics manufacturers.
nine0006
We will pay attention to the model AT-VM95C, which is balanced in terms of characteristics: assembled in a durable anti-resonance case and equipped with a conical-ground stylus, it guarantees high tracking accuracy and enviable stability of sound parameters. In addition, the most important advantage of the Audio-Technica AT-VM95C is its cost: thus, vinyl lovers have the opportunity to purchase a cartridge from a famous brand at a more than attractive price.
nine0003 Pro-Ject Q UP tonearm liftOwners of turntables with fully manual control often face the inconvenience of not hitchhiking: every time after the end of the record they have to go to the turntable to raise the arm and stop playback, otherwise the needle and cartridge can quickly become unusable.
Pro-Ject has found a simple and ingenious solution to this problem by introducing the Q UP Automatic Arm Lifter for manual turntables. This is a simple and thoughtful accessory, the installation and configuration of which will not cause unnecessary trouble: a small device is securely attached to the surface using the supplied double-sided adhesive tape.
nine0006
Everything is simple: when the needle moves to the end of the record, Pro-Ject Q UP automatically raises the tonearm, which allows you not to worry about the safety of the cartridge and extend its life. At the same time, the lift does not require external power supply and is suitable for most modern players with manual control.
It is important to note that the use of the Pro-Ject Q UP is possible if the distance from the arm tube to the turntable is at least 37 mm. Moreover, if this distance is significantly greater, when installing the lift, you can use the additional stackable platforms included in the kit. nine0006
Turntable Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
It is no coincidence that Pro-Ject has gained worldwide fame and status as one of the leading brands in the turntable segment. Focusing on this relatively narrow niche of the audio market, the Austrian brand has become one of the ideologists of the current vinyl renaissance. We turned our attention to the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO turntable.
Why is he so good?
The player comes with a pre-installed Ortofon 2M Red cartridge - you can start listening to records immediately after unpacking and simple setup. Moreover, the standard pickup head can be replaced with a model that impresses the owner, since the anti-skating is manually adjusted if necessary. nine0006
The massive platter guarantees high rotational stability, and the supplied felt mat provides additional damping and reliable protection against resonances.
Unlike many budget solutions with an integrated audio cable, the Debut Carbon EVO is equipped with gold-plated RCA connectors and comes with a proprietary detachable cable.
Thus, listeners have a choice - to use a regular wire for switching, or to purchase an alternative option to their taste. nine0006
Cartridge Sumiko Pearl
Against the backdrop of such giants as Ortofon and Audio-Technica, the Sumiko brand may seem less popular, but do not jump to conclusions, because the Japanese company has been producing first-class cartridges for turntables for more than 30 years.
Moreover, in the brand's model line there is an offer that is perfectly balanced in a number of parameters - the Sumiko Pearl MM pickup head, which is part of the Oyster branded series. And in terms of the "price-quality" ratio, this cartridge is able to "give heat" to most competitors in its price range. nine0006
At a relatively low price, the Sumiko Pearl boasts an elliptical stylus, as well as a high-end synthetic rubber suspension system, which allows you to say “goodbye” to unwanted resonances with complete confidence.
It is worth noting that Sumiko Pearl was highly appreciated not only by leading specialized publications, but also by thousands of audiophiles: the cartridge is compatible with many modern turntables and preamps, which makes this model truly universal. True, in order for Sumiko Pearl to reach its full potential, it is worth using it in tandem with a high-quality phono stage from a trusted brand. nine0006
Record washing machine Pro-Ject VC-E
Pro-Ject actively promotes the resurgence of vinyl through the production of high-quality yet affordable turntables, but also pays close attention to the care of precious audio recordings and introduces the company's VC-E record cleaning machine.
This compact and practical device spins a record at 30 rpm so the vinyl can be cleaned in a matter of moments. Moreover, Pro-Ject claims that one turn in each direction should be enough to restore cleanliness. In addition, a special clip keeps the label dry, and a specially designed suction arm effectively removes dirt and detergent residue.
What is the end result? Less annoying noise and crackling, less track wear, even better sounding of your favorite records. nine0006
Tonar Knosti Washing Machine 3508
Vinyl pollution is an urgent problem, because in addition to the purely aesthetic side of the issue, there are more unpleasant consequences: a decrease in sound quality and bleak prospects for buying a new needle or even a pickup head to replace the one that prematurely lost its properties due to neglected records.
Of course, there is a solution: you can clean vinyl at home, but the quality of cleaning with improvised means is far from always high. In addition, it is important to be vigilant so as not to spoil precious records with inappropriate chemical agents. That is why the right solution to the problem of "vinyl cleanliness" was invented - special washing machines that range from the simplest mechanical to professional ultrasonic cleaning devices. nine0006
We will take a course on a decent price-quality ratio offered by the Knosti Washing Machine kit from the Dutch company Tonar.
The plate is securely fixed in the washing machine, and a special liquid is poured into the container (purchased separately). As it rotates, the vinyl is cleaned with a detergent composition and special brushes with soft bristles. Thus, it is easy and simple to keep your record collection in perfect cleanliness. In addition, the kit includes a special funnel that allows you to drain the washing liquid from the bath back into the bottle and then reuse it, as well as an ergonomic tripod with a tray for drying records. nine0006
Audio Technica AT-LPW30TK
TurntableAudio-Technica has become widely known as a manufacturer of high-quality cartridges, and today they also offer turntables of their own production, which have deservedly become bestsellers in the middle price segment. The AT-LPW30TK is a 2-speed (33⅓, 45 rpm) belt-driven machine with full manual control, a built-in switchable phono stage and a replaceable RCA cable. nine0006
The AT-LPW30TK's chassis is made from durable and solid MDF with a teak finish and looks as expected.
The straight-type aluminum tonearm is equipped with a reliable AT-VM95C MM cartridge pre-installed on the AT-HS4 universal headshell with the widely used half-inch mount, providing audiophiles with plenty of upgrade options. As a result, we have before us a balanced device with an optimal price-quality ratio, decent sound and pleasant design, which will successfully complement a modern interior. nine0006
Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 Phono Stage
TheVinyl is rapidly making a comeback for many reasons, including its unmistakable analog sound. And especially for those who want something very special, the Austrian company Pro-Ject has introduced the Tube Box S2 phono stage, the name of which clearly alludes to the “warm tube sound” delivered to listeners in a stylish metal box.
The Tube Box S2's circuitry is based on a pair of ECC83 tubes, giving the unit its own unique sound. The lamps protrude beyond the body - this ensures the best cooling and the ability to observe their glow in the dark.
nine0006 The
Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 is a good solution for turntables with MM cartridges as well as high output MC cartridges. Moreover, for the best coordination with players and amplifying equipment, the phono stage is equipped with a gain selection key. In addition, the Tube Box S2 boasts a built-in rumble filter, which can be especially useful with some turntables.
The Tube Box S2 phono stage is equipped with an external mains power supply, and the circuit uses electronic components with a minimum spread of parameters, which guarantees high fidelity with minimal distortion of the audio signal. nine0006
Analog Renaissance Record Sleeves
Experienced vinyl growers are well aware that the key to good health and long life of records is their proper storage. Many of us are familiar with situations where vinyl is left without a protective sleeve for one reason or another, and this often happens with the most valuable records in the collection.
Moreover, even new records are not always equipped with good sleeves that provide reliable protection.
Thorens Cleaning Set
The Swiss company Thorens is well known to experienced vinyl growers, because it is one of the most reputable brands in the turntable market. Moreover, in addition to consistently high-quality turntables, the manufacturer's assortment has something else interesting, namely, a set of accessories for caring for a precious collection of records. nine0006
In a beautiful wooden box you can find a soft cloth and a velvet brush to effectively clean the vinyl, as well as a spray to minimize the effects of static. In addition, a special liquid and a brush are provided for gentle cleaning of the stylus (needle) from dust and dirt, which will positively affect not only the sound, but also the life of the pickup head.
Turntable Magnat MTT 990
In the era of widespread digitalization, although analog sound has faded into the background, it still has not disappeared from the field of view of audiophiles, and in recent years, sales of records have been growing at such an unimaginable pace that it is appropriate to talk about a new trend, which Magnat also supported by presenting its own Vision for the perfect turntable - Model MTT-990.
This stylish 3-speed, 33-, 45-, and 78-speed, direct-drive, quartz-stabilized turntable offers thoughtful engineering and the sound you expect. The MTT-990 plinth is made of thick MDF, and the luxurious glossy finish will definitely catch the eye. The platter is made from a durable anti-resonant polymer and is padded with a felt mat.
The tonearm is an alloyed aluminum J-tube, which Magnat says is the best choice for the best fidelity and minimum tracking errors. In addition, there are all the necessary settings, including height adjustment: thus, the happy owners of the MTT-990, a large selection of cartridges is available.
By the way, the internal wiring of the tonearm is made with a first-class cable from the Japanese brand Mogami.
The player is equipped with a bayonet headshell, which means that replacing the cartridge seems to be a simple and convenient procedure. At the same time, the Magnat MTT-990 can be equipped with an Audio-Technica AT-95E head, the sound of which will surely satisfy not too fastidious audiophiles.
Turntable Thorens TD 402 DD
It would seem that whoever but the Thorens brand produces modern equipment with impeccable vintage design, because the history of the Swiss company dates back to 1883, and behind it is an impressive experience in the development of turntables, which, like works of art, are timeless and appreciated by any circumstances. As a matter of fact, Thorens TD 402 DD is just a vivid example of this approach.
The design is timeless classics, harmoniously complemented by modern touches: natural wood trim emphasizes the refined taste of the owner, and two flag switches serve as a reference to the “warm and tube” era of analog sound.
