B55 Project

[avincenty]

I could not resist giving it a go with a Lenco after becoming a member of this forum and reading about the qualities of the Lenco Turntables.  I am hooked building and modifying audio stuff.  My latest project was a DIY Schroeder tonearm mounted on a Technics SL-Q2 gutted and damped. Sounds really good



I recently purchased a B55 as part of a VP-30 system.  The turntable is in really good shape.  Even the V blocks look really good.







So, after reading many of the post is this site I decided that I am going to build a new plinth, change to the heavy platter and add another DIY Schroeder arm as a second tonearm.

The heavy platter and bearings are on the way.  I started on the plinth.

I used Visio draw a cutout layout for the plinth.




The plinth is to be made of 5 layers of 1/2 inch MDF and 4 layers of 1/8 inch ply panel.

First marking the template



Then transferring the template to MDF



The first layer was cut with a jigsaw.



The other layers were routed out from a clone of the first layer but without the center cable runner.



Dry fit of the layers




More to come....

[nic]

Hi and welcome!

Off to a running start I see. 

So far so nice to this untrained eye. That visio draw thingymajig looks interesting!

If you feel comfortable, why not let us know your real name and location (at a guess, South America??)

Makes it easier/friendlier all around in discussions 

[avincenty]

Ah, yes, did not sign off.

 Alfredo, in Los Angeles, California.

[rfgumby]

Ah, yes, did not sign off.

 Alfredo, in Los Angeles, California.

Ji Alfredo, and welcome.


If you add your name and location to your profile settings, it'll auto-signature for you.  Even southern Cali is close enough for a location.  The signature name is primarily helpful for those using language translators, and location is helpful for electrical and motor discussions.  And of course, it's usually easier than typing "Ht3l914" during conversation.  Monikers are cool and because we need distinction, but names are just plain easier.   If you're not comfortable with it, we understand and it's been great meeting you and you're having the enthusiasm to post as a newbie here.  I think you'll find it an awfully nice place.

That project looks like it's getting legs and starting nicely.

[avincenty]

I am currently waiting for my heavy platter and bearing to arrive but I built a MDF ring similar to the one shown by member TRANCERA.  I also added some perimeter weights to increase the flywheel effect.  The MDF definitely removes all ringing.  The ring with the weights added almost 1.5 pounds to the platter.  I only turned it on to see the strobe ring.  The speed is very stable.

The build:

First the circle to fit the inside of the platter.  A router and a circle jig.



Made a template on the computer for 60 weights



The circle is pivoted on top of a base fixed to the drill press, the holes were easy to align and drill, I used a 3/8 bit spiral bit.



Ring dry fit



I then matched the weights and placed them 180 degrees apart.



The ring was glued with non permanent rubber cement.



More to come...

[mfrench]

cool stuff!

[daiwok]

Very very cooool ! 

[Paul]

and very clever!!

[autobayer]

Alfredo.
How cool is that
Why do you need a heavy platter now - I love, what you did to that platter.
Fantastic.
I have 2 B-55 and still need to modify the platter.
If you want to get rid of yours, please let me know.
I am sure it sound amazing!
Best
Chris

[avincenty]

Why do you need a heavy platter now

It all had to do with timing....

I purchased the heavy platter first with the intention of building a DIY turntable.  Then found the B55 at a decent price and later read of people modifying the light platter lencos.  Once I finish the plinth I will give it a good listening.  You are right, I might not need to modify it with the heavy platter.  I may be able to use the platter for my original diy project.

[nic]

We should just have our motto around here as... one is never enough. 

Alfredo, my friend, just remember friends don't let friends use belts. 

Check out your fellow Los Angeleno, mfrench's, builds based on vintage decks.

[avincenty]

A little progress.

Veneering the top with some Teak veneer I had laying around.

I did not have a single piece that would cover the whole top.


I used the Titebond II plus hot clothes iron  method.


Two very generous coating of glue on each side.  Must fully dry, it feels leathery to the touch.


Applied the hot iron  over a piece of cloth so as not to burn the surface.  Titebond II glue melts and adheres the two layers.



Using a new blade, cut a straight line over the overlap of the two pieces of veneer to make a new seam. Iron was the applied to glue down the seam.


Edges were trimmed, picture shows veneer wet with mineral spirits to emulate final color. I like it so no staining necessary, only a clear coat.




Next step is to cover the sides.  I think this will be the most work as I need to prepare the rough Jatoba I will use for the sides.  I need to figure out which joint I am going to use.

So, I listened to a bunch of records (in original plinth) with the modified light platter and a Ortofon OM-10 cartridge i have for testing. I like it a lot.  Don't really know how to explain it, i never listened to a good idler turntable before.  The sound is very punchy, the bass is all there.  I guess it has to do with the torque available to the platter.  

BTW, today i received the heavy platter and bearing.  The platter is heavier that I expected.  Now I am not sure if I want to mutilate the B55 and put the larger bearing on.  Maybe I just try my DIY attempt with the heavy platter, I can always go back and modify the B55 if the attempt is not successful.

More to come...

[Wout]

WoW! You are a true craftsman Alfredo.

[daiwok]

 Great photos ! and great pride ! 

[syncopeter]

Yes, the deep yet tight bass of a good Lenco is incredible. Yesterday I set up my L75 and I've never heard so much bass from my tiny 5" Kef B110 woofers. It's not overwhelming, but sure is better than my old modified Thorens belt drive. And that was sounding pretty good, mind you.

Peter.