Custom tonearm boards - who makes them to spec?

Sorry to say, but if you want something made "to specification" don't you need to specify the, uh, specifications?

Pardon the pun, but for the record, the only specification that matters is thickness, which even then only needs to put the tone arm within its height adjustment range. The only other spec that matters is pivot to spindle distance. Which you solve very simply with a slot.

So what specifications are you talking about?

I had Multi-Craft Plastics in Portland Oregon make me arm boards for my VPI Aries and HW-19 tables. I chose acrylic, but they also handle Delrin (technically named Acetal). They machine to order, and did a great job on mine.

millercarbon

... but if you want something made "to specification" don't you need to specify the, uh, specifications?

Perhaps he didn't provide the specs because he isn't asking us to actually build the armboard, but is just seeking general info from those with experience.

... The only other spec that matters is pivot to spindle distance. Which you solve very simply with a slot.

Perhaps you lack the experience the OP seeks, because it's not always as easy as you suggest. Some pickup arms aren't designed to be mounted into a slot, but are intended to have a fixed mounting using just a few screws.
 

My local machine shop works with me/my crazy ideas and they have been great. They’ll work with most materials. One benefit is all of their work is saved in a computer folder for easy reference. Another advantage is it's local. I've developed a relationship with them and that is important as well.

Thanks, everyone for your input.

bdp24 - Thank You, this is what I was hoping for. Found them online and will contact them when the time comes.

Normally I would suggest the TT manufacturer but I understand TTWeights was sold off to another company(?) They might be the ones to contact.

I would also suggest avoiding Delrin if the arm board is cantilevered. It’s nowhere near strong enough (even the thickest piece can warp) so my advice would be to choose metal alloy.
The alloy can also be threaded which is a big advantage. ;)
Hope this helps...

FWIW: I built a prototype out-board motor enclosure out of birch ply for my upcoming knock-off of a VPI DIY tt. After 2 years of testing I had my local machine shop make the top plate out of 6061 aluminum with pretty intricate details. They even had to make their own custom bit in order to make the finished radius on the top of the plate edge. BTW, they let me supply my own material which was a savings.

When I went to pick it up, I almost went to tears because, in my mind, it was absolutely beautiful. It was perfect!

I found this place online.

https://fosworld.wixsite.com/magna-audio/armboards-pods-plinths

Haven't used them.

Wow, In my day audiophiles were very creative guys. We made our own arm boards. Childs play. go4vinyl if you send me your arm board I will be happy to make you one out of anything you want as long as you pay for the materials, no labor included. It won't take me that long, maybe 20 minutes. 

Mine, but in Germanyhttps://www.graviertechnik-hupfer.de/vinyl.html