New Maplenoll Ariadne owner needing advice

My Jun-Air compressor came in today. I found a good deal on an overstock item on Ebay. The model# is 6-15. It is an oil lube compressor that is easily delivering 50 psig to the table. The noise factor is nil. Its about like a refrigerator. Jun-Air is used a lot in the research and medical industry. Pluto Audio also uses Jun-Air. The compressor is built like a tank so its actually a good match for the Maplenoll table.

Threaders: I located a source of information on the Web relating to air bearing tonearms. Go to www.EminentTechnology.com and download the manual for their Tonearm. Lots of good stuff including maintenance and other issues related to air bearing tonearms. Some interpertation to our situation required but all things considered a excellent addition to anyone's library...And besides its free.

Threaders: ]

The E.T.Manual recommends a particular air filter the Motor Guard Model D-13. This filter is a superior replacement to the white paper filter Maplenoll included with the Tables. Its specifications are: Pipe Size 1/4" NPT (needs 1/4 x 1/8 barbs) , Max. Floor @ 80 PSI 1800 SCFH, Max Pressure 100 PSI, Max Temp 175 F , Removal Rating (norm) .01 microns, Size 21/2x3". Price on www.weilerwelding.com reg.$7.05 sale $5.84 + shipping .

According to the Manuals, the filter is a must to keep gunk from clogging the Tonearm's Air Bearing Sleve. The filter should to be installed before or after the last plenium that feeds the air supply. Some reviewers recommend placeing the filter close to the pump. Take your pick of options. An alternative is a china made knock-off at Harbor Tools, Inc 2 for $2.99 on sale. No specs available.

Threaders: Quite Pump Care (QP)

If you own a Maplenoll Quite Pump like is understandable you want to extend the life of the QP as long as possible.

Scott Leventhal includes some upgrade hose and fittings recommendations on his Tweak Sheet. Fotunately, the hoses and fittings on my QP are in excellent condition; The work been apparently done at the factory long ago.

However, besides implementing the QP recommendations mentioned earlier , I did a homework regarding the pump lubericant. The factory recommendated MOBIL 1 (5-30 SAE). Another synthetic alternative to Mobil 1 is AMSOIL 5W-30 SAE. The product has been extensively tested in racing circles and reportly outperforms all other syn. oils. I have used the product in my car for years so I decided to use the AMSOIL in the pump. After, the VERY messy job of clearing the pump of who's knows what via 17 years of faithful service;I replaced the oil, cleaned the pump, and replaced the filter. I then rechecked the pump for air leaks and gently retightened the clamps. The result ? A consistent air flow of not less than 45 PSI, a cooler and less noisey pump in operation. As always my results may not be your own , so you take your chances but for me no problems.

Air Supply Control:
Threaders; Using "hit an miss" , I have setteled upon a professional-type Air Control Unit I use to deliver a clean, oil free air supply from the Maplenoll Quiet Pump. The product , manufactured by Central Pneumatic, available at Harbor Freight , on-line or in their stores, # SKU 1118, consists of a air regulator, air control and filter unit. The specifications are ; operating pressure 160 PSI (Max.), Inlet size 1/2"NPT , Oultet size 1/4"NPT ( adapters/barbs required) , re-useable/ replaceable filter , Dimensions 11-3/4" Tall x 3-7/8" Dia. x 8-3/4" Deep , Weight 5-1/2 lbs., Filter up to 40 microns and Max.Capacity 21 C.F.M. @ 90 PSI. Sale Price $29.99. The Unit enters the air supply chain a few feet from the air output of the QT.

After the Air Control Unit, I follow-up with a secondary oil/water separator, a replaceable air filter , a charcole filter, a plenum (6"x41") that sends pressurized air to room where the 'Noll sits. At the 'Noll, all Walker Recommendations were implemented exactly as written with additional plenums/charcole filtering followed by 100' of tubing dedicated to the tone-arm . With the exception of a tweak here and there, the air supply chain is complete. More to come later.