DIY Record Cleaner Project - Need ideas

interesting idea - I'd be interested in seeing the finished product. I partially agree with Cableplex in that for normal cleaning of clean records you don't need that much solution, but for first time cleaning of used "thrift shop" buys, it would be beneficial. There are other advantages to your vertical approach I think too. It would be pretty easy to construct a tank from plexiglass with 3 compartments - one for fluid, one for rinse, one for dry. Each compartment needn't be more than 1/2" wide at the most.

I think you will want to use a vacuum system - can't think of any other system for drying that would take up less space and assure complete cleaning. The vacuum used in Cableplex's DIY system seems pretty compact. I think it would be very easy to keep the labels dry - using something like suction cups on both sides of the LP to hold it would do the trick (actually keep it more dry than using a VPI).

As for the brush, I suspect you'll want to experiment. I've used the VPI brush, Disk Doctor Brush, and velvet covered pads that everyone makes - I find for deep cleaning I always used the both the DD and velvet brush suction head.
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On the question of how much solution, I suspect that I'm envisioning using more than most folks are used to using on platter machines. I'm thinking of putting the fluid in a trough and running the record through it with some sort of brush mechanism in there too. Then a second and probably third trough for rinsing. In a crude way, its not unlike a bar that uses three sinks in succession to wash glasses. Yes, you would ultimately have contaminants in the soap solution, but if you’re rinsing well and then vacuuming dry, how much could be left over on the playing surface (a loaded question, I’m sure)?

I actually think the troughs will be easy. As a prototype, just to test the cleaning part, I can even use three tubs. They don’t have to be connected or anything. Finding the correct brush will be a bit of a challenge, and of course the vacuum system.

Bdgregory,I am afraid your suggestion of using suction cups to hold the LP on the vertical will not work.Here is why,how can you form suction on a paper surface (label) that is porous by nature? Suction cups work on glass only when clean,on dirty glass the suction lasts briefly and suction works to some degree on some other truly flat,smooth surfaces like polished granite,aluminum panels.Although be prepared to jumb if they let go!I am a glazier by trade and being using commercial suction cups all my life,from small handheld Veribor to Wood's and big commercial battery operated power cups that handle 2000lbs with the use of a crane.Union of Glaziers and Allied trades Local 1819.Journeyman Glazier and metal mechanic since 1989.Being on many jobs ,small and big,one of the bigger and more challenging of late was the Royal Ontario Museum.Mixed crew of 110 Glaziers and Ironworkers on 10 shifts for one year to complete the job.The structural steel took 3 years tobe erected prior to that.We took a chance and air lifted panels that were made in Germany and weighted anywhere from 120-300lbs and some more because they absorbed water,on suction cups.We used two cups per panel (500lbs holding capacity per cup)one wasdoing lifting and the other was a back up.We lost a few!We had to feel by hand the polished aluminum surface for scratches before we put the cups on the "clean" spots.As always we did that to speed up and meet the deadline.Obviously the best way to lift them was with slings but took longer!And all that in one of the busiest downtown Toronto intersection of Bloor and University.!!
Regards
George

Well, in any event, I wasn't planing on using suction cups. I think rubber washers holding the record on a bolt would be more stable.

The only advantage I can see is being able to wash both sides at once. Otherwise, using the standard horizontal method with good fluid, brushes, and vacum will likely yield the same results. Since you have time to kill, I would suggest getting good rubber o-rings rather than washers. Every time I use my pressure washer I think about this possibility. Also, you will want to develop a filtering system for the solution so you are not washing in dirty solution. Keep us posted.