TT bearing

[wuffer]

Im going to make my own TT in the future and the bearing is the only thing i havent got a clue about.
I dont want to make one.
The only one i know of is the one teres audio have.
the plint is going to be heavy but the plasser is going to be around 5kg i guess
What options do i have??

[GlidingDutchman]

Teres or Scheu ??

GD

[paudux]

I made my TT using a VPI inverted bearing, they sell them as upgrades to their TT's, there are a couple of options and good value.

Cheers

[wuffer]

Thanks..
I have looked around and found bearing and platter from bix turntable. Any thoughts on that?? Not the same quality as the scheu and teres but is it ok for a first time turntable??

[jrevillug]

I'm planning on using a Rega bearing- apparantly they are quite easy and cheap to buy from Rega dealers (I have heard figures of around 20-25UKP).

James

[Nanook]

seems like they want to sell you a platter and bearing. Do you have a link to where one could buy them separately

thanks

stew

[paudux]

I purchased them together wth a view to one day removing the platter, however it works now and I need to rationalize my projects so maybe in a years time.

Cheers

[DaveM]

Wuffer,

You say this is for a first time turntable. That infers that this is not to be the last. I personally try to not cut any corners that I may think about later and say "Hmmmm how much better would it sound with that other bearing?". Just my 2 cents. Get a bearing that you know is worthy of your labor.

With that I know nothing of the BIX and how good it is.

[Magura]

Well, all good advice, but which bearing is considered the best out there?


Magura

[DaveM]

That is a good question. In fact it is one that I have been looking for the answer to for quite some time. I think in the end I will end up making my own. McMaster Carr sells high tolerance polished rod that make a perfect starting point. From there I have access to grinding equipment that I can use to make a bore as needed. I will probably go with an inverted bearing with a teflon pad and a ceramic bearing. Cut grooves in the ground rod for oil lifting. Is there anything much more? I don't know.

I still don't really know how tight the fit should be. Tight enough for minimal play and a wide enough gap for oil to be able to lubricate. .0005" gap? Beats me. I always look at the Teres bearing and think that it is a very solid design and a great compromise in terms of an inverted style bearing without the hassle of the oil grooves and oil bath.

Of course the issue with the design I laid out is access to the machines and expertise to make it well. I am fortunate and have access to the machines and someone who knows them well enough to keep my from making a hash of it. I am also fortunate to have had someone at work mistakenly order an piece of 6" X 12" X 12" black Delrin. That should make the best platter money can buy. I believe the material was $300. Delrin is often used as a replacement for metal parts when weight is an issue. Sounds like the next best thing to me.