Walker Prelude Quartet users with VPI 16.5

Theo,
As far as I know, the two better VPI Machines use better, acrylic platters, and I believe they will fit onto the 16.5 without any modifications, that it is a simple swap.

Last I heard, price was about $50, and this probably includes shipping, and the cork mat already installed.

That was about the cost my custom made platter cost for materials-labor, which was an identical clone of the 16.5's platter

Even with acrylic platter on board my machine, I can rock the platter if I press down upon it. This is because the four rubber standoffs that "hang" the motor off the top mounting plate have some give, and "cush" to them.

Switching to alu, or nylon spacers, with the appropriate length, and size screw will definitely eliminate any give, but I am unsure at this point with such a change, if there will be a downside? Only one way to find out?

On all VPI RCM's (since they all use the same vacuum wand assembly), is an ability to fine tune the distance of drop of the vacuum wand upon the record's surface.

Harry himself stated that to properly adjust the vacuum wand's height, and force upon a record, place a record on the platter, tighten down. Then remove the large coil spring from the vacuum tower, loosen the allen set screw on the tower's collar, then adjust-slide the delrin collar on the vacuum tower, either up, or down, to accomplish having the vacuum wand itself "just touch" the record's surface. Then tighten the allen locking setscrew, replace the coil spring, and you are done.
Mark

Mark
I had actually though about calling VPI about buying a cooling fan, but they are out till May. I will investigate into the platter as well. I have adjusted the wand as I use a LP12 felt mat on mine. I have removed the platter and think I can fabricate a roller support system for either this platter or the acrylic. I see what you mean by the motor supports, that solves my mystery as to why it wobbles more when hot, the rubber is softening with the heat. I am looking forward to fixing this once and for all.
Thanks again for all your help.

The cork mat is already pre-cut with about a small 1-1/2" diameter circle out from the center spindle. Look close at the center of the mat, and you will see it is pre-cut for removal.

Some will make a small dot with a pencil on the periphery of the cut, so one can then reinstall the center piece again in its exact position.

Simply take a small exacto blade knife to lift this little piece out. It is not adhered to the platter, and this piece will still have its adhesive backing on it.

Once that pice is removed, you will see the three #6 Flathead Phillips Platter attachment screws.

As you can see in my one pic of the clear acrylic platter, that is how it looks under the platter. Four inner screws attach the Motor to the top mounting plate, and that is were the four rubber standoffs are. The outer four screws secures the Stainless Steel Motor Mounting Plate to the top of the deck.

VPI might be able to sell you a cooling fan, but im sure you could find a myriad of suitable fans, shrouds, and even filters if desired, through someplace like Allied Electronics, and the costs will no doubt be less.

Even Rat Shack sells a cheap fan same size as the one I used, and circular chrome wire shroud, the shroud they sell looks like the one on the VPI 17F RCM. Mark