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Turntable Belt Care—talc or corn starch?

While servicing my belt driven turntable recently I discovered my 15 year old container of unscented talcum powder had disappeared. While shopping for more, I found that drug store talcum powder isn’t really talcum powder anymore. Because of cancer concerns, the talc has been replaced with corn starch. For our needs, both can be considered a lubricant.

VPI said using corn starch on the belt is okay, just make sure to wipe any grease off of the belt, pulley and platter rim before you powder and install the belt.

In the past some manufacturers put talc in the bag with the belt. Anthrax fears ended that.

I was able to find real talcum powder online and some dive/surf shops have it (to ease donning wetsuits).

If you’ve forgotten how to powder the belt, put some powder in a baggie with the belt and shake, take the belt out, shake off the excess powder and reinstall.

Why do this? The powder allows the belt to slip slightly on start-up acting like a clutch, reducing/eliminating belt noise and extending belt life.

Maybe it’s just me, but I prefer using talc (a mineral) over cornstarch (a food). Perhaps it’s that talc isn’t water soluble so it’s unaffected by humidity or moisture like corn starch? Is that really a concern? Or that manufacturers have recommended using talc in the past and not the more common corn starch?

Either way, now you’re aware. If even you care.

And if you have a direct, magnetic or idler arm turntable, no belt, no worries—you can stay out of your wife’s kitchen domain looking for corn starch. I recommend that like I recommend talc.

128x128bslon
bslon's avatar
bslon OP
2,174 posts
 

@lewm

I agree...

Why do this? The powder allows the belt to slip slightly on start-up acting like a clutch, reducing/eliminating belt noise and extending belt life.

When the drive belt (re: O-ring) squeals on start up talc silences it. Once the platter is up to speed there should be no slippage. And there isn’t, I test the speed periodically with a strobe disk. On my TT it’s a 25lb. platter and the rim is wiped clean when the bearing is lubed. FWIW, this is per VPI.

And Lol, you’re forgiven, but we're sure off the subject about talc.

lewm
13,065 posts
 

I had forgotten that talc is now hard to find, because of its proven toxicity, not only because it physically resembles anthrax spores.  If one must use something similar, what about the current version of baby powder?  I personally don't think it's helpful when responders try to talk the OP out of the idea behind his or her question, but what is so terrible about a little squeak at start-up?  And are there real studies that show talc or the like extends belt life?  I no longer own or use a belt-driven turntable, but I did own several in my past audio life, and I never heard a belt squeak even without the benefit of talc.  Apologies for doing the very thing I have an adversion to, trying to talk you out of talc, in this case.

bslon's avatar
bslon OP
2,174 posts
 

@lewm  Logic would indicate the belt squeak is the belt saying it's unhappy with the motor's pulley torque starting a heavy, stationary platter. This would likely stretch the belt eventually, or snap it. Because I follow the manufacturer's recommendation on servicing, the belt is still functional at 7 years. In the end I'd rather save the $30 for a new belt and buy a new record.

 

@tablejockey Yes, giving the platter an assist helps but isn't necessary if the 'rubber band' is serviced properly.

 

With TALC...😂

tablejockey
3,904 posts
 

blson-

I like the LP storage unit-brand?

Also like the choices of albums on display.

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

I have a 47lb platter it takes a little help to get it started with 2 motors. I quit using it and went back to the same TT I've used for 1000 years.. TD124s and Russcos

Belt drives, Rem drives. outside O-Ring.. It's still the platter bearing and how it's set up..

 

Anybody have a TD124DD?

 

Regards

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