VPI JMW9 Tonearm setup questions


I just bought a VPI Aries Scout via mailorder, and am in the process of assembling it. I have some familiarity with setting up and adjusting cartridges and tonearms, BUT, I must admit that I am not familiar with unipivot tonearms.

I have no local dealer that has any VPI turntable set up, so I have not actually seen a JMW tonearm setup. I purchased the Scout based on the very positive comments here on Audiogon and elsewhere.

So, my question is really a basic one. The JMW9 Manual at page 4 states simply to "Place the arm tube assembly on the lower bearing." When I do that, the entire arm is balancing on the sharp pivot point of the lower bearing, but it is otherwise not secure in any respect.

Because the manual has no drawings or pictures showing what parts are to go where, I've been scratching my head wondering if I am missing a part of the bearing assembly that might slide over the sharp pivot point and takes up the space inside the cavity of the upper bearing housing. In fact, the nomenclature of "bearing housing" implies that this cavity is supposed to "house" a bearing, and there is nothing in there except the sharp pivot point.

Am I missing something here? Or is the tonearm supposed to float and wobble around touching absolutely nothing except the pivot point.

I hope this makes sense. Thanks for any guidance you can offer.

Coffee_nudge
Tad
coffee_nudge
Yes, it is supposed to "float and wobble". It is designed to be in perfect balance when properly seated. If this is your first unipivot (as it was for me), this can be rather disconcerting when you first set it up. But as soon as the glorious sound filled my room, my doubts melted away. Congrats on the purchase of a great TT!
Your statement, "balancing on the sharp pivot point of the lower bearing, but it is otherwise not secure in any respect", is quite accurate. That is the way unipivots operate.
Yes, it floats, on the point and the bearing oil you should place in the cup. Contact VPI via phone or e-mail for more specific answers. I've found them to be very responsive. Although I do agree with you that their instruction manuals do not appear to be written for beginners. They do make some assumptions about your turntable knowledge, which a well written manual wouldn't.

Regards,
John
Thanks all for the responses. I just wanted to make sure that this is the way the tonearm is supposed to sit before starting in on the cartridge adjustments.

Coffee_nudge