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Cracked record cleaning pick up tube

I have owned a VPI 16.5 recording cleaning machine for about 1 year. It has generally worked quite well, except for on two occasions, the pickup tube has cracked in the compression fit slot area.

My early speculation is that the issue may relate to the use of steam cleaning with simultaneous vacuum pickup. The pickup tube may thermally expand and subsequently crack within the compression fitting. I usually steam as one step in the cleaning process and I have been careful to minimize localized heating for fear of record warping. Thus, I am surprised if the tube would warm enough to crack.

Has anyone else had this mishap? Any alternative thoughts on the cause for the cracked pickup tube - they are not cheap!
hickory

Showing 1 response by slaw

slaw's avatar
slaw
20,377 posts
 
Hickory, are you saying that you steam lps while they are actually on the 16.5? I always steam my lps before cleaning with my 16.5 and Audio Desk, but do it manually.

I've had several crack and each time it was because I applied too much force as, markd51 stated, when pushing the tube into the holder.
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