Record Cleaning Machine ~ Ultrasonic vs. Rest

Keep in mind that in some cases, there is no amount of cleaning that will eliminate ticks, pops, and all around poor audio quality that one gets from some LPs bought second hand.  There is such a thing as a worn out LP. Those I throw in the trash.

“I throw in the trash” 😳

Consider taking unwanted records to a thrift shop or donation center near you. Old records are like other plastics: they leach chemicals into the environment if they end up in landfills.

Great idea!! So someone else can then throw them in the trash, and I don’t have to be made to feel guilty. The phrase "throw them in the trash" was a euphemism. Here in Montgomery County, MD, you would have to bring useless LPs to the town dump for controlled disposal, but, call me a cynic, even then they end up in the environment. I throw away about 3 LPs in the average year, so I am hardly a major polluter. Also, can you say what chemicals you fear? So far as I know, LPs are made of vinyl, a very stable polymer that is mostly carbon and hydrogen atoms in covalent linkage. That is why LPs can last a hundred years at least, if properly stored. Nevertheless, I do take my junk LPs to the county dump.

@dogberry

What a fascinating and personal connection to the history of Loricraft and Garrard! Terry O’Sullivan’s work clearly left a lasting legacy, both in preserving the Garrard name and in creating innovative products like the Loricraft cleaners. It’s wonderful that you had the chance to interact with him! 

IMHO, SME done a fine job in restoring and honoring that tradition of quality and craftsmanship with both brands albeit at a cost that is simply out of reach for many. Who would be willing to pay $30K for SME Garrard 301 Classic :-)

@lewn,

Regarding the composition of vinyl records; vinyl records are not a stable polymer of just carbon and hydrogen. Vinyl records contain a significant amount of chlorine and oxygen and a variety of additives. The thermoplastic resin used to produce vinyl phonograph records consist of copolymers of vinyl chloride (PVC) and vinyl acetate (PVAc). The ratio of PVAc to PVC varies depending on the particular formulation. The total PVAc/PVC copolymer can be 75-96% of the record weight. The other 4%-25% are additives that are critical to the performance, and stability of the vinyl record. These additives are not covalently bonded to the copolymer matrix but are merely incorporated within the copolymer matrix and therefore can be leeched out. The stabilizers are typically metal salts of fatty acids or similar organometallic compounds. The metals are typically lead, tin, barium and cadmium. Other stabilizers include phenolic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytolune (BHT)

PVC is not a stable polymer without the addition of these heat and UV stabilizers. Without proper stabilizers, PVC will readily degrade via a dehydrochlorination reaction which liberates HCl and is an autocatylic reaction. Even with stabilizers, PVC can degrade over time but the degradation process is reduced with stabilizers.