Loricraft Record Cleaning


I've put off buying a record cleaning machine for years now, and doing it by hand is just getting old (So am I for that matter). Seems like everyone has an opinion on which machine is best, but nothing really negative on the Loricraft machines.

I'm looking for a used machine if possible, and if someone has one and is tired of cleaning records period, let me know. If you can point me to a solution or have a reason why I'm completely out in left field, that's helpful as well.

Thanks for the input!
Paul
pkubica
Hello Paul, No RCM machine is without flaw,, the need of tweaking, and some mechanical aptitude. The Loricraft can be touchy from what I understand. But are basically little things you have to insure are in good oder, like a good seal on the Fluid Recovery Jar, the Thread Feed, etc.

The VPI Machines, like the 16.5 are great, economical, but loud like a 747 taking off when vacuuming. No cooling fan might mean heat build-up after a dozen, or so LPs. Easily added for no more thsn $35-$40 total outlay if you're handy.

The RCM is just half the battle. Good Cleaning Fluids, and a pure Rinse Stage are paramount.

Full Auto Machines, with automatic Fluid dispensing may be for the birds, a waste of money as well, if you are going to ultimately resort to a 3, or 4 step cleaning process, which will mean manual application of Fluids, and manual Scrubbing for each. Mark
I went from the VPI 16.5 to Loricraft. The Loricraft takes longer to clean a disc. You sometimes have to vacuum twice to suck up some residual fluid. However, it is extremely quiet and sonically far superior to the 16.5. Records cleaned on a Loricraft as compared to my 16.5 had noticably quieter, blacker backgrounds, better transparency, less grain, better resolution and better sense of air, space and depth. I attribute this to the fact that you do not continually contaminate the LP with the same wand that sucks up the fluid and dirt. The Loricraft may also do a better job of sucking up the liqiid/dirt through the very fine nozzle. All I know is that the sonic results are very consistant.
The Loricraft is the best.
There are some setup issues like Mark mentions, but once you get past the setup, its smooth sailing after that.

It cleans better than the others, its more quiet, and it does not take longer. With the VPI or similar machines, you clean at least twice, but its never really as clean. As for residual fluid, the correct application is not to use too much in the first place. As long as the LP side is wet, one pass should be enough, otherwise you are wasting solution.

Another benefit is that I've found that I didn't need to clean the stylus anymore after cleaning with the Loricraft, that's a testament to how clean the LP is.