Walker Prelude Quartet users with VPI 16.5

Theo,

I've been using this same combo for a couple of years and can honestly say that it works great. I've tried most of the record cleaning fluids, and the Walker Prelude is the best by far.

I've never had any wobble or heat issues w/my 16.5, and have many friends w/same, and never heard of nor seen any such issues. From your description, I am getting the impression that you are applying a lot of scrubbing pressure on your albums, and that concerns me because it isn't necessary. You might even be causing the heat if you are working against the motor by applying much pressure on the platter. If you machine isn't broken, this process shouldn't be a workout! Your machine might need service. If you call VPI and ask for Mike, he is full of great advice. Call them Tues-Thurs only.

I also usually use the smaller size batch of enzymatic step 1, and also typically get about 10 Lps. You don't need a ton of fluid.

Regarding swapping of the VPI tubes for the steps, I can't really make a suggestion other than saying to email Lloyd Walker and ask his advice. I use a Walker Vortex, which is a modified delrin tube without a velvet strip. It has a small opening which concentrates the suction from the vacuum, and easily wipes clean, so no need to change it. This item is no longer available.

Keep 'em spinning. Cheers,
Spencer

My experience matches Sbank's and my suggestions are similar. If the VPI motor is overheating, that suggests to me that you are scrubbing with the platter rotating and applying a fair amount of pressure.

If you're using a Walker, Disc Doctor or Mobile Fidelity brush (all good), stop the platter after spreading the Step 2 fluid. Scrub with the platter turned off, rotate it in one-third steps scrubbing each third with the platter still.

As to the wobble, it may be that the mounting plate under the platter has loosened. As Sbank suggests, check with Mike at VPI for recommendations.
.

Mucho good advice so far.

Agree that considerable downward pressure from brushes while the platter is spinning, will cause more drag, and no doubt cause increased platter motor heat.

A cooling fan mod will solve that.

Me, I generally apply fluids, with platter rotating, then once the record is covered, I stop the platter, and give those cleaners some time to do thier job. I'll very lightly-gently scrub the record in sections with the platter motionless.

A spare wand dedicated for just the final rinse step I think is a good idea. I have hear some going to the lengths of having a different wand assembly for each, and every step, but I think this is a bit overdoing it.

I myself, notice what you say about platter rock, and have recently considered replacing the 4 rubber standoffs that connect the platter motor, to the motor mounting plate, with either aluminum spacers, or nylon.

I know places like the home improvement stores carry such in their hardware sections.

I feel if there is less rock-play, the vacuum wand will be able to maintain a more uniform contact across the record.

Whatever the standoff's lengths are, the new spacers would need to be the exact same length, so as not to alter platter height. Mark

Thanks for your replys. I am as you suspect cleaning with the record spinning, and it does make complete sense to me now that I am causing the motor to overwork and produce more heat. I think you have given me a solution to look into. It never occured to me to scrub with the platter stopped. Markd51, I was one of those that had 4 wands and recently reduced it to two as it was just to time consuming and confusing as to what step I was on. The motor mounts is something I will look at, good advice, thanks. I do use the MoFi brushes and like them better than Walkers. Sbank, I tried the Vortex and was not pleased after 2 phone calls to Lloyd on set up and a concern about scraping along the vinyl, I gave up and got a refund. I think it wan't well received since it is no longer offered. You must have set yours just right to get good results, I think it made great sense in it's design. But executing it in the field must have been too difficult as the dealer I returned mine to, said he had most of them come back. Thanks to all I think you have me going in the right direction on solving the heat issue and the wobble.
I had also thought of a cooling fan, but maybe these suggestions will avoid me doing that.

Theo,
I've discussed these seemingly strange heat issues occuring with some of the VPI 16.5's with numerous folks, in a number of forums.

It seems a mystery that some experience it, and some don't. In any case, I don't believe Harry Weisfield had marathon cleaning sessions in mind with the 16.5. At least not in stock form. No doubt why the more expensive offerings do have fans.

Harry recently commented about the 16.5 in one forum, saying that the vacuum motor has been the same for a long time, so, the only other variable I can think of, is the platter motor.

My own 16.5 displayed a very hot platter motor after short usage, and hence, I installed a cooling fan, and it has helped considerably.

Whether some motors were a different model, a change of internal design, or other issues, such as inadequate gearcase lubricant where the motors were made, I cannot say?

The slight bit of rest in between steps helps, but the 16.5 doesn't possess much in the way of cabinet ventilation to let heat escape.

I think all will agree that even the finest cleaners need some time to do their jobs. An instant on, and off doesn't give any cleaner sufficient time to properly work. I see no benefit though, letting a rinse step sit for a prolonged period of time on a record.

A rinse water I usually apply, spread the best I can, and take off quickly. If I feel there might still be remnants of cleaners left behind, I simply repeat the rinse step again. Mark