Steam cleaning records 2

Kip: Let's put this all in context. Your first sream cleaning experience was negative , mainly because you were not using that instant water boiler correctly. That one was returned to Home Depot. On the second unit I went out of my way spending my own money to assist you with the second steamer, a "Living Solution" that comes with a 2 year no hassel return policy; so why not return it?

Kip: FYI, PayPal has not yet forwarded any record of payment to me. So I maybe out the $51 bucks.

Over-All, what's of concern are your public remarks vs private comments I will outline below. Its vexing. You use the steamer once or twice , in a who knows who manner, declaring it worthless. This is the second time that has happened. Yet, in face to face "shoot-outs" with RCM's with noted designers personally on-hand, even they acknowledge the power of Steam Cleaning.

Kip, I believe the problem isn't with the steamer its either the vinyl is damaged , or the turntable is not properly set-up causing mis-tracking, an easy thing to do. Apparently, the grunge on one LP was so bad that even after steaming it took a nuge from your fingernail to dislodge it ... Now,that's real grunge.

For those that are RCM users, I have always said RCMS have a place in steam cleaning. A vacuum machine like a VPI 16.5 is excellent to pair/combo with steam.

Kip,perhaps, I misread your email noting that steaming was an improvement. Whats up? First you likey and then you don't? I have a suggestion-before making any claims steam several hundred LPS to get a feel for the vast number with manufacturing defects and prior owner abuse issues.

As I have mentioned in public & privately, near 50% of the LPS I formerly purchased were defective. I have greatly improved that take-home number by careful review using hi-rez reading glasses & angeling over-head lighting. Fifteen years ago that number was even higher, until I started to learn how to kull out the herd. And thats' about the time I started my search to find a better way to clean LPS that I now do via Steam.

Recently, I opined that several LP collections , totalling several thousands of LPS were given to me. So far, I have disposed of near 70%(to goodwill) because of defects , keeping only the creme for crem1. The only exception were those LPS from the 1950-60's so rare they are worth bucks in vg condition.

Kip, without experience how do you tell whats defective and whats not ? That's what comittment to vinyl is all about. CD's are EASY, LPS are difficult.

As for the payment problem, should PayPal not confirm your payment in a week I suspect I will never see it thru PayPal. If that is the case please put a trace on your account before sending me a personal check. I suspect that PayPal will return your payment to you ASAP being unable to find me. Not your problem theirs.

Kip, I certantly don't think that you aren't steaming , I do question your comittment to vinyl. Do yourself a favor, return to the second steamer to your local Walgreens for a refund. Kip buy CDS , your audio-life will greatly improve.You can always shed the analog front end on AG. All the best. Charlie

Stltrains & I stand that some of the remarks posted are out-of-line. Apology or not, it shows a lack of self-respect . Following years of responding truthfully to posts, I'm learning the differences ... If you want to stop for a vist please do so, this Thread is one of the the most popular on AG.

Just don't act like a punk (Ol'English prison slang). That does no good for the health of the Thread.

Hi Mike,
>>> I believe an apology it owed to this thread. <<<

About what? Not steam cleaning and having come to the conclusion a RCM is ones preferred method?
I don't get your apology idea.
But it's also fine to have all steam-cleaners only on the thread keep telling each other how marvellous it all works. Can't see you gonna get another hyper-thread like this one again.
I think the length is at least some sign of not only interest, but a degree of descent about the method too, or?
Axel
PS: If this is only about self congratulations, it seems little value added, at least to me.

Axelwahl i should not have made that statement. What you mention above as a reason is not where i was going with what i said. It was meant for Crem and his harsh reply to Kipdent. And in truth its not my business and my apologies to you Crem.

I dont have a problem with my method of cleaning lps. My vinyl cleaned this way compared to all other methods i've used in this new age of vinyl playback is what drives me to proclaim the advantages of steaming vinyl records.

Of all of the posts here there have been some who would rather use other methods to get the best playback and i say great. We would not improve if descent and negative response were not included in a topic of doing something, like steam cleaning vinyl.

Like i said if steaming is not for you great i'm happy if you are.

dont sweat the small stuff and enjoy your music
Mike