Turntable Maintainance

I never clean it. I don't change it until it is obviously no longer functioning. The less you fuss the less likely you will cause a problem.

My SME manual states to replace the belt at 1000 hours & prior to that, it should never need cleaning.

Bob

I used to clean my VPI TNT belts with alcohol AND subject them every six months or so to boiling water for between 30 seconds and a minute. This was at VPI's suggestion and the belts lasted a LONG time. Dave

I should have mentioned that I clean the belt every two weeks.
Now that i'm getting older the 25 lb. platter which must be removed for access to the belt is getting heavier.
I was thinking that I might clean less often and preserve my strength for playing the heavy vinyl LP's from the 1060's.
Thanks for your response

FWIW, a local modder who modified my vintage Thorens TD-166 MkII suggested I dust the belt with talc. As long as the excess talc is gently removed with a dry paper towel, he feels it will reduce the tendency of a rubber belt to stick, and thereby increase speed accuracy and belt life. Just my $0.02.

That's a good suggestion .. Bondmanp
I do the same too

Talc was recommended by VPI too. Not sure if they still do.

Wouldn't alcohol dry out and eventually crack a belt and boiling it stretch it out and weaken it? I am surprised VPI recommended that; as a former TNT own we I don't remember that one! Talc I do remember and used it often.

Nope. They weren't rubber, so no worries with the alcohol. And the boiling process actually seemed to shrink the belts. In any event, they lasted close to forever. I replaced mine once in approx. 12 years and the new ones were no more stretched or damaged than the original ones.

Thanks for the belt tips; boiling and alcohol; never tried them!