DIY Turntable Bearing

[bennes]

Hi All,

I've started the process of making my first turntable and have referenced this forum quite a bit during my preliminary research but now comes the time to start a thread of my own in which I'm hoping to get some insight on.

Pretty basic question involving the bearing on what do most people tend to look at for their DIY builds. I've been looking at the J.A. Michell inverted bearing (mainly because it's the one of the few inverted bearings I can find for a part only purchase) however I'm curious what everyone else tends to gravitate towards. Also, is there a general rule of thumb on the platter weight limitations that an inverted bearing can withstand to function properly?

Thank you all in advance for your input!

 

[rayma]

I've been looking at the J.A. Michell inverted bearing.

I wouldn't go above the Michell's platter weight, if you use their bearing.

 

[coolmaster]

Current VPI Turntable models (with 20lbs platter) are inverted bearing design and use light lithium based grease. They've done this very well and I don't think I've heard any performance issues other than periodical relube.

 

[cygnus x1]

A1+ for the VPI Classic platter and bearing, or used VPI platter and bearing, also a 1+ vote for the Lenco, or look at the DIY HIFI platter and bearing, not bad. I guess you have to decide what you want to spend.

 

[bennes]

Thanks everyone for the input, it's appreciated! Maintenance on the bearing doesn't bother me too much as playing vinyl isn't the most convenient to begin with. I'll check out ebay to see what options there are for both a VPI platter/bearing and Lenco. I can only image that the VPI bearings will be quite a bit more expensive but I'll see compared to some Lenco's.

Are there any hidden gem websites other than ebay to find spare parts like this?

Thank you again!

 

[Marra]

You could check out Lenco Heaven they are a friendly bunch and parts do come up for sale.

http://www.lencoheaven.net/

 

[randytsuch]

There are other vintage tables that you can look for.
Garrard is a big name, but unlikely to find a bargain here lol.
I used an old Empire. Maybe an Rek o Kut. Pretty sure there are others that are potential donors to your project.

 

[hesener]

Check out scheu-analog.de , they also sell parts (upon request) , including bearings

 

[randytsuch]

Just remembered about these guys. Not cheap though.
diy hifi supply tt parts

 

[jobst]

I bought a (non-inverted) bearing intended as a Rega subplatter + bearing upgrade from an outfit called Fidelity Designs. I haven't done any testing of mine but have found no problems with it in use so far. It looks nicely machined, no wobble, simple design.

Do bear in mind that my plinth is currently a couple of IKEA chopping boards, and the tonearm crudely made out of balsa wood, so I wouldn't necessarily be able to hear any subtle bearing problems...