Date:         Tue, 27 Jan 2004 00:11:43 EST
Reply-To:     Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
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Sender:       Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
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From:         Dave Radlauer <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Superior disc cleaning technology
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In a message dated 1/26/04 9:00:39 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< Comments based on use would be appreciated, together with alternative =
suggestions if you don't feel this is a good choice. >>

I have found and purchased what I find a much better alternative: the 
Loricraft record cleaner. It is also the only cleaner I know of that can handle 16" 
electrical transcription discs, which is the main application I'm using it for.
 Details online at:
http://www.smartdev.com/loricraft.html


Dave Radlauer
www.JAZZHOT.Bigstep.com

**********************


From the SmartDev site:

The Loricraft PRC3 is based on the work of the late Percy Wilson, Technical 
Editor of the Gramophone Magazine in England. The prototype (hand made) machine 
was demonstrated at the Buxton HiFi show in the 1960's and drew quite a bit 
of attention for it's ability to thoroughly clean a record. This design was 
used by several companies since that time.
The design was improved and modernized using state-of-the-art components and 
by Loricraft Audio. Thousands of units are now used around the world by 
leading record studios, record dealers, and serious collectors. The product is also 
very simple to use.

------------------------------------------------------------------------



How Record cleaning machines work. . .

1 .The popular priced record cleaning machines use a basic, low cost Shop Vac 
"wet/dry" vacuum motor to remove the cleaning fluid from the record. These 
type motors are for intermittent use only and will seriously overheat if run 
continuously. Because these motors develop a high RPM in order to develop a net 
27 pounds per square inch vacuum at the nozzle, they are extremely loud. An 
optional cooling fan installation kit is offered by the manufacturers for 
continuous operation at a cost of about $100.

2. A Vacuum Pickup Tube extends over the playing surface of the record and 
sucks up the fluid applied to the record. Velvet-like strips are cemented to 
either side of the vacuum "slot" of the pickup tube. Manufacturers of these type 
machine recommend cleaning the velvet-like "lips" with a toothbrush after 
every few cleanings to keep grit, chemical pollution, and dirt from being 
transferred to the next record being cleaned. If not done religiously contamination 
from one record can be transferred to the next, and the next, and so on. 
Manufacturers recommend the Pickup tube be replaced after 200 cleanings (400 sides). 
The cost of the new tube is about $50.
3 . . . . etc

How is the Loricraft different?
Instead of attempting to clean the record in one pass, as the other machines 
do, the Loricraft has a vacuum arm similar to a phono tone arm that glides 
over the record. One side of the record is cleaned in less than a minute. The 
vacuum arm is driven by a separate motor assembly using a clever coupling system.
 
The nylon nozzle tip of the vacuum arm does not touch the record. A fine 
filament nylon thread threads through the center of the arm and nozzle that allows 
the arm to lie very close the record. This un-calendared thread acts as a 
"ski" to support the arm and keep it a small fraction of an inch from the record. 
In fact, the distance is the thickness of the 30 gauge thread. . . . .. It is 
high intensity, local suction that is not distributed over the whole record 
(globally). The arm will "ride" up the rim of the record to assure the 
beginning track of the record is perfectly cleaned.
  
The turntable platter moves at 80 RPM which exposes the maximum surface of 
the record to the moving vacuum arm. The record is absolutely dry because of 
this action.

Before cleaning another record pull out a 1⁄4 inch of fresh thread from the 
thread feed tube. This assures clean thread is in contact with the record and 
will not transfer contamination from the last cleaning. The excess USED thread 
is sucked into the fluid vacuum tube and is deposited in the USED fluid 
reservoir jar.
  
11. Any of the popular record cleaning solutions that work with other brand 
machines may be used with the Loricraft System. We include a free bottle of the 
SMART microgroove record cleaning solution with each machine to sample.

*   Cleans any size record including 16 inch ET (Electrical Transcriptions) 
*   Effectively cleans warped and rippled records. 
*   Superior cleaning of modern records with raised rim on the outside edge 
of the record. 
*   No contamination of record from debris and chemicals from last records 
cleaned. 
*   Inexpensive replacement of the medium. One spool of thread lasts for 
thousands of cleanings. 
*   Very quiet European industrial grade vacuum pump. 
*   Absolutely no damage to your valuable records. 
*   Separate control switches for turntable motor, vacuum arm, and vacuum 
pump. 
*   European craftsmanship. Made is the U.K. Fully warranted in the U.S. by 
SMART Devices, Inc. 
*   Equals or exceeds the performance of professional record cleaners that 
are 3 times the price.