How well does the VPI 16.5 work??

Charlie: Thanks for the info. "For the record", Sota is located about 15 - 20 minutes from my house. I've talked to Kirk ( from Sota ) regarding their machine and the various design aspects of it vs the VPI's & NG's and came away with the feeling that the Sota is probably a little bit better machine. I have not actually used or seen one though, so it might all be built up in my head. I'm sure that the info that you provided will come in handy for anyone that is interested in obtaining a Sota machine at a good price though. If i didn't already have the machines that i do, i would surely check into the Sota. Sean
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Maybe someone can tell me what's up with my 16.5. After I wet the record,put the vacuum tube facing the spindle, and turn on the vacuum, the tube lowers, but it stops the record from turning. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Do you have the recored securly fastened down with a clamp??? If not the record will be sucked up by the vacuum.

Cmp, my guess is one of three things is causing your problem. First, it could be that the nut holding the record to the platter is not quite tight enough, as Rwd suggests.

Second, and likely if not the first reason, the adjustable collet on the vacuum post is set too high on the post and, combined with a strong vacuum, the wand is pulled down too hard on the record surface. Do a dry run by swinging the wand over the record and turning on the vacuum with the motor running. The wand should come down flat against the record and JUST enough to provide solid suction contact. Lifting the wand with one hand as you shut off the vaccum will let you decide if you are getting good suction. If needed, loosen the allen set screw and adjust the collet height.

Third, though not likely. is that your motor shaft/bearings are worn out. Unless it is VERY old or has been abused, mine is 15 years old, I doubt this is the case.

One last thing is that the 16.5, unless you have installed a motor fan, will only do bout 6 LP's before the motor gets hot. When it gets too hiot, it willshut down and the platter won't turn. After cooloing, it will work fine again.

Thanks,4yanx and Rwd. Problem solved. I'm not absolutely sure whether it was a loose hold down nut, or the collet on the vacuum post, but I made doublely sure the nut was tight, and I also made a minute adjustment to the height of the collet on the post with a hex key, and that seemed to solve the problem. I think it was the collet. Thanks again for the advice.