[78-L] Turntable repair question (was Re: Cheap Turntables (Up to $600))

[Steven C. Barr]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <bradc944 at comcast.net>
>I have played around with a couple of the USB-turntables and all I can say 
>is one word: BLEAH!  I have a few Duals here, but they're in reserve duty, 
>mostly because of the ELAC Miracord 4-speed I have running right now (which 
>does well, except for the inability to vary the speed).
>
> Which brings me to my question: I have a Fons CQ-30 sitting here that 
> won't spin up.  It was my wonderful-turbtable, with three individually 
> variable speeds.  Someone advised that by using a thin syringe (such as 
> what would be used to inject insulin) I could get the motor to turn, as 
> perhaps a bearing had packed up... would this be a good try to get it 
> running again?  Fortunately there is an outfit here that will attempt 
> turntable repair (Gold Audio), but their tech is more into attempts than 
> actual repairing (at least that was the impression I got when I last went 
> in there...)...
>
> Any input appreciated... I have some nifty Soviet 8" vinyl 78s that are 
> begging to be transferred... :)
>
In almost all cases, "repairing" a turntable consists of a thorough cleaning 
and lubrication...
nothing more!

Step 1: Remove the "platter" which will expose all the "moving parts."

Step 2: Clean and lubricate all the parts which are/were supposed to turn; 
they usually
are on "shafts" of some sort! Over years, at least SOME of these "rotating 
parts"
will (1) have had their lubricants dry up...and/or (2) will have accumulated 
enough
"dirt" that they no longer turn freely. Clean ALL of these bits, so they 
turn freely...
then use a light machine oil to lubricate the places where these "turning 
bits" rotate!

Steven C. Barr