robforst1 Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 I was considering buying the VPI 16.5. However, before I spent $500, I thought I would try a DIY record cleaner. Check out the attached picture. I 'customized' the end of a $25 shop vac that I bought at Home Depot. I cut a slit down the middle, plugged the end and attached felt to the sides. It seems to work pretty well. I do not know if the VPI would work any better. I also made my own solution with 4 parts distilled water and 1 part 91% isopropyl. Please post if you have tried something similar or have any suggestions on cleaning solution mixtures or my 'DIY Record Cleaning Machine'... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjohnsonhp Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 I guess my question is does this work any quicker and better than the manual Disc Doctor fluid and brushes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 OUCH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robforst1 Posted June 20, 2003 Author Share Posted June 20, 2003 The idea is that the vacuum should lift the dust particles out of the grooves. This is instead of pushing them down further into the groove with a brush. It seems to work well so far... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjohnsonhp Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 I've always wanted a vacuum cleaning machine. I guess I'll need to have a shootout between the manual method, the wet vac and a machine. Interesting idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 You will not find a more staunch advocate of having REALLY CLEAN records than me! It's just that I can't imagine the shop-vac with the felt covered attatchment is doing a whole lot of good for your LPs! Especially with the cleaning solution you are using. My method has evolved over many years and this is what REALLY works! I know what I'm talking about because I've been doing this for a LONG LONG time. I am seriously considering making another upgrade--to a Loricaft RCM, but for now this is what works for me: I scrub and vaccum both sides of the LP with Disc Doctor cleaning fluid and brushes--about 2 minutes per side. I repeat this step if the record was really grungy. I follow the Disc Doctor cleaning with another scrubbing--this time with a solution of distilled water, ethyl alcohol and a small about of Photoflo. Again, about 2 minutes per side and then another trip through the Nitty Gritty. I follow this with ANOTHER scrubbing with distilled water ONLY and then vacuum AGAIN. WHEW! That's about 10-15 minutes PER LP!! But I have to tell you, anything less is . . . well, LESS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Flynn Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 Allan, That is a sweet process. I will keep it on file. But being a newbie to LP after years in hibernation I am not inclined to spend the time just yet. Currently i use the standard VPI process but i was considering using a water rinse as a secondary operation. VAC cleaning is an audible step up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reel 2 reel Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 My wife told me to buy a VPI machine back in 84' but I didn't....maybe my vinyl discs wouldn't be in as bad of shape now!!!!(how do you spell vinyl...vynal...vienel...vinyle...)anyway........yea.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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