Stelkor : Thanks you for the remarks and Q's.
1. As time goes on and I receive more emails from Steamers
and I am learning from their experiences.
Several Steamers report excellent results cleaning Lps on the RCM's. I too have lately experimented with their suggestions; I agree that in most cases one can steam clean effectively on the RCM turntable.The RCM turntable and surroundings can get very wet may need a careful wiping off.
It is my observation the physical action of steam hitting the groves is the catalysist that releases contaminates .That release is accelerated by a record cleaning solution following the initial steam. Remember, to always steam-off the record cleaning solution following a good scrub and vac on a RCM , or you will defeat the purpose of getting the vinyl as free of sonic fingerprints(residue) as possible. Some steamers forgo the vac in favor of micro-cloths reporting similar results. Personally, I use both and would never give my RCM.
The exception to cleaning on a RCM rather than initially by hand, appears more directed to recordings that visually exhibit greasey-type smuges/fingerprints or organic-type grunge. Stuff one may find on second-hand LPs; the steam control issues may become more important regarding a "45 degree angle" for removing gunk for the dirter-than-thou LPs than the mint-. Again , to clean on a RCM is a choice not than absolute rule. My preference is to use all options depending on my naked-eye observation and wipe-up the slightly wetter RCM at clean-up time.
I feel , the shorter the distance from the steam cleaning unit to the LP the better. With the Perfection I do use the 6" cone attachment sometimes but no other. My experience had been the steam tends to cool down in the hose attachments sometimes causing a water build up in the hose that streams out when you initially pull the trigger to the Steamer. That is not what I want and that happens far less using the shortest distance between the heating tank and the vinyl surface.
2. The hole issue one is new on me. My practice is to avoid getting the label wet by applying a cover -- I use a give away circular vinyl jar opener to cover the label.
Stelkor, what you have aluded to has been discussed personally with me; that some LPs seem "expand" after cleaning then return to normal size.
I know of one scientist who has related that he believes some vinyl compounds retain heat longer than other vinyl compounds . However, following extensive listening , he deserned no playback problems. Personally, I have read a couple of articles that suggest recently cleaned Lps (cleaned on RCMs) "rest" for a period of 30 minutes or more, and claims the LPs sound "better" when rested for a day . I can only relate that of all the LPs I have cleaned one or two 1950's Verves really did sound improved with a rest.
But Stelkor let me make this clear,in all the years of steaming have I never damaged a record by steaming. Bad turntable management Yes , Steaming ? No.
Cheers , Charlie
