Did anyone ever try to replace the J shaped arm tube with a straight one?
I have a NOS series 2 improved already disassembled to replace the wiring when it occurred to me to try this modification, I already found an aluminum tube that will fit perfectly. I will also be able to use other headshells.
I am familiar with the works of Baerwarld, Bauer, Cooper and Woodward regarding tonearm geometry and want to try a straight arm tube with the
3009, SME new models have straight arm tubes.
I have had several straight tonearms such as the Grace 707, Breuer Dynamic Type 8 and 8C, Keith Monks, etc. I also had LT arms such as the Rabco SL8E and the Golmund T3F, the later when properly working was a hell of an arm.
I have a NOS series 2 improved already disassembled to replace the wiring when it occurred to me to try this modification, I already found an aluminum tube that will fit perfectly. I will also be able to use other headshells.
I am familiar with the works of Baerwarld, Bauer, Cooper and Woodward regarding tonearm geometry and want to try a straight arm tube with the
3009, SME new models have straight arm tubes.
I have had several straight tonearms such as the Grace 707, Breuer Dynamic Type 8 and 8C, Keith Monks, etc. I also had LT arms such as the Rabco SL8E and the Golmund T3F, the later when properly working was a hell of an arm.
Wouldn't replacing J shaped arm with straight arm affect the lateral balance of the whole tonearm ?
I thought about that too but there is a fellow there in Scotland who does it for a hefty price albeit he uses high quality materials. Please see the link with specifications.
SONIKSircle SME3009/3012 II Improved Tone Arm Upgrade
SONIKSircle SME3009/3012 II Improved Tone Arm Upgrade
Last edited:
Hi
I replaced the tube with a straight 12" carbon fibre tube and hardwood headshell (with adjustability to ensure correct offset angle) and then also replaced the rubbish knife edge bearing with two high quality (Abec 9) ball races. Result-a superb arm with far superior performance to the 3009. It was the SonikSircle ad that gave me the idea.
On holiday at present so can't post pictures.
Chris
I replaced the tube with a straight 12" carbon fibre tube and hardwood headshell (with adjustability to ensure correct offset angle) and then also replaced the rubbish knife edge bearing with two high quality (Abec 9) ball races. Result-a superb arm with far superior performance to the 3009. It was the SonikSircle ad that gave me the idea.
On holiday at present so can't post pictures.
Chris
Chris,
I would have to find out who works with carbon fiber here in Miami for something as small as an arm wand. They manufacture a lot of CF things for cars and boats but no idea what else.
I found two more projects on the web, there is no info about this one:
http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/al...p?pic_id=15665
This one was sold on ebay and looks a little bit crude, probably like a Sonik Sircle prototype.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SME-S2-IMPRO...p2047675.l2557
Have a good holiday.
Cheers,
I would have to find out who works with carbon fiber here in Miami for something as small as an arm wand. They manufacture a lot of CF things for cars and boats but no idea what else.
I found two more projects on the web, there is no info about this one:
http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/al...p?pic_id=15665
This one was sold on ebay and looks a little bit crude, probably like a Sonik Sircle prototype.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SME-S2-IMPRO...p2047675.l2557
Have a good holiday.
Cheers,
Doing a simple web search I found hundreds of companies offering CF tubing. Very interesting info is from a company in Utah that specializes in custom tubing. My problem would be: length of the tube [I have no room for a 12" wand], how to attach a head shell.
TUBE PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES
Inner Diameter Range: .250"-3.75"
Wall Thickness Range : .024-.500"
Max Tube Length: 90"
Minimum Tube Length: 30"
Standard ID tolerance: +.002"/-0.00" (Based on layup mandrel dimension)
Standard Material Options: Carbon/Epoxy and E Glass/Epoxy (Minimum material purchase required with other materials)
Material Stiffness Options for Carbon, axial laminate: Standard (15-16msi), Intermediate (20-21msi), and High Modulus (30-32msi)
Tube heat tolerance options: 250F dry TG (Increase in material heat tolerance is available for large orders.)
*Resin TG provided by Newport. Mechanical properties of a finished tube will decline before TG temp is reached. Customer is responsoble for application testing.
TUBE PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES
Inner Diameter Range: .250"-3.75"
Wall Thickness Range : .024-.500"
Max Tube Length: 90"
Minimum Tube Length: 30"
Standard ID tolerance: +.002"/-0.00" (Based on layup mandrel dimension)
Standard Material Options: Carbon/Epoxy and E Glass/Epoxy (Minimum material purchase required with other materials)
Material Stiffness Options for Carbon, axial laminate: Standard (15-16msi), Intermediate (20-21msi), and High Modulus (30-32msi)
Tube heat tolerance options: 250F dry TG (Increase in material heat tolerance is available for large orders.)
*Resin TG provided by Newport. Mechanical properties of a finished tube will decline before TG temp is reached. Customer is responsoble for application testing.
Carbon fiber tubes
Good general-purpose vendor for pre-made carbon tubing is
CST Composites (airplane model building, RC etc)
Carbon Fiber Rods | Page 1 of 4
They also have high modulus (stiffer) if you want to experiment.
Many vendors sell low-quality carbon fiber which is weak (e.g for kites) and is subject to cracking--probably not what you want for a high quality tonearm.
Randy
Good general-purpose vendor for pre-made carbon tubing is
CST Composites (airplane model building, RC etc)
Carbon Fiber Rods | Page 1 of 4
They also have high modulus (stiffer) if you want to experiment.
Many vendors sell low-quality carbon fiber which is weak (e.g for kites) and is subject to cracking--probably not what you want for a high quality tonearm.
Randy
Hi,
High strength is irrelevant for tonearms, weak is fine.
What matters is stiffness, doesn't matter if its weak.
rgds, sreten.
High strength is irrelevant for tonearms, weak is fine.
What matters is stiffness, doesn't matter if its weak.
rgds, sreten.
Sorry the link I posted was for rods, not tubes,
Carbon Fiber Tubes | Page 1 of 3
Sreten: have you actually built anything with carbon-fiber? Its pretty complicated to work with. As I say there are many low-quality vendors that basically just want to take your money. "weak" is just shorthand for getting ripped off. Note that carbon fiber suitable for an arrow is definitely not low-quality and would not be described by me as weak. Yes, there are many mechanical variables that must be considered but most folks want to get what they are paying for--that is why I suggested a reputable vendor.
Judging by other materials that tonearms are made from, e.g metal, the CST composite tubes are suitable. More expensive and very high quality can be had from Rock West Composites. Check out
45911-BLOWOUT - Rock West Composites
Thats an amazing price for a high-mod tube. Unlike other manufacturers that claim "high-mod" Rock west actually has it.
Again, I'm posting here because I have built with carbon fiber for many years and know that it can be confusing for someone who just googles for, say, carbon fiber tube. The two I mentioned are good and will deliver what they claim. CST is hobbyist but Rock West is a commercial supplier.
Carbon Fiber Tubes | Page 1 of 3
Sreten: have you actually built anything with carbon-fiber? Its pretty complicated to work with. As I say there are many low-quality vendors that basically just want to take your money. "weak" is just shorthand for getting ripped off. Note that carbon fiber suitable for an arrow is definitely not low-quality and would not be described by me as weak. Yes, there are many mechanical variables that must be considered but most folks want to get what they are paying for--that is why I suggested a reputable vendor.
Judging by other materials that tonearms are made from, e.g metal, the CST composite tubes are suitable. More expensive and very high quality can be had from Rock West Composites. Check out
45911-BLOWOUT - Rock West Composites
Thats an amazing price for a high-mod tube. Unlike other manufacturers that claim "high-mod" Rock west actually has it.
Again, I'm posting here because I have built with carbon fiber for many years and know that it can be confusing for someone who just googles for, say, carbon fiber tube. The two I mentioned are good and will deliver what they claim. CST is hobbyist but Rock West is a commercial supplier.
Fortitudine, excellent post and very illuminating, it is an education in CF, thanks.
Will search both links.
Will search both links.
How do you calculate the length of the arm tube, let's say, between 9 and 10 inches for me, not 12.
One more thing, how about head shells?
One more thing, how about head shells?
12" SME Hybrid
Hi All
Here are pictures of a little experiment I carried out. I had an SME arm pillar and bearing knocking around and decided to add a 12" arm tube and replace the lousy knife edge bearings with ABEC 9 ball races. Arm tube is an Easton Gamegetter arrow shaft (a la Nanook's arms) and the lift is a prototype which works well.
RESULT? I had 2 or 3 SME 3009's a few years back and was disappointed. No such results with this version. It performs brilliantly.
regards
Chris
Hi All
Here are pictures of a little experiment I carried out. I had an SME arm pillar and bearing knocking around and decided to add a 12" arm tube and replace the lousy knife edge bearings with ABEC 9 ball races. Arm tube is an Easton Gamegetter arrow shaft (a la Nanook's arms) and the lift is a prototype which works well.
RESULT? I had 2 or 3 SME 3009's a few years back and was disappointed. No such results with this version. It performs brilliantly.
regards
Chris
Attachments
I will try to get a 3009 for parts and start with experimenting with it. Mine is new and it would be a crime to cannibalize it so, I have decided to sell mine together with the Thorens TD147 Jubilee.
I just purchased a mint LP12/Ittok VII/Valhalla/Trampoline, with a Grado Referenz Signature. I have plans to install a Mose + Hercules II outboard power suppy.
I just purchased a mint LP12/Ittok VII/Valhalla/Trampoline, with a Grado Referenz Signature. I have plans to install a Mose + Hercules II outboard power suppy.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.