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VPI bearing and platter swap - inquiry

I think I might have messed up with my recently purchase of, what I mistakenly thought was an Aries 1, but, turns out it is an Aries Black Knight (Aries 2?) with the inverted bearing.

I had intended on swapping my platter that I have on my HW-19 MKIV (TNT MKIV platter, non-inverted bearing) but I now realize there is a bearing compatibility problem that I’m facing.

I don’t have the Aries in my hands yet so I’m just trying to get a head of these issues and I need guidance.

Question, if the Aries BK bearing plinth whole is 1.25" in diameter, will I be able to attach the smaller 1" diameter bearing to it?

pappas3278
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,403 posts
 

I’d ask VPI. I think VPI  sell or used to sell a spacer. But then there is the bearing issue. I’d also drop the question into ChatGPT... it’ll give you specifics. 

pappas3278 OP
7 posts
 

I actually reached out to Steve Leung of VAS and had a nice conversation. Super nice guy and best part is, he has extensive experience working on VPI tables. I believe he was once employed there and worked directly with Harry.

Steve is closer and much more available than VPI so this is really good news.

dover
2,496 posts
 

You likely are going to have to drill 3 holes in the Aries plinth and add a bush to take up the gap ( VPI used to sell them ) but the bush is only for centering the bearing, it is not actually required. The Aries has a compression fitting - no screw holes required.

Also likely you will need a new pulley as the 2 platters are mated to different motors - 300/600rom.

In my experience inverted bearings do have some advantages if they are designed well.

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