DIY linear tonearm

[moray james]

I like to refer to those flanged bearings as a sort of rolling knife edge if you will. Bo moved to the present configuration without flanged bearings to intentionally eliminate the rocking action of the arm which is a source of resonance and energy loss. Best regards Moray James.

 

[directdriver]

From this maker, here's an interesting update on the headshell and possibly other components.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

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Just random hi-rez pictures of the Cantus.

 

[relder]

One thing I like about this design is the apparent ease of swapping cartridge/arm combos. One for mono cart, one for stereo, already balanced, ready to go!

 

[batsong]

vynuhl-addict, what about vertical oscillations? Do the bearings on the carriage have to overcome friction on the glass guide tube?

 

[vynuhl.addict]

Batsong,


Action is so smooth that a bad choice in tonearm wire dress will easily push the arm across the rail .

Colin

 

[directdriver]

diy

Another DIY project from here.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

 

[vynuhl.addict]

Carbon fiber arm, the fun part of making many different arms to try, so far this and the glass are the best for neutrality go figure with the carbon having a lower noise floor and tighter bass.


Colin

 

[SGregory]

Based on the counter weight position, the carbon fiber looks to be a higher mass than the glass rod?

 

[vynuhl.addict]

SGregory,


Looks to be but it's not, the prior bolt weighed 8 grams , this has been subbed with carbon fiber rod. I will weigh the two today with cartridge and see the difference, update coming tonight.


Colin

 

[vynuhl.addict]

The results!, with cartridge installed.

Glass tube-34.1g, 27.6g w/o cart
Carbon fiber-29.5g, 23g w/o cart

Higher than I predicted, but perfect for a mid compliance cartridge as the at120e, not so good for a high compliance shure m95ed. Could use thinner cf arm tube, but getting too low the tonearm wires must be dressed precariously .


Colin

 

[SGregory]

I didn't notice the carbon rod for counter weight. Description and data make sense. So which one do you prefer?

 

[vynuhl.addict]

SGregory,


So far the carbon fiber seems to have a lead on the glass for sonics, surprisingly not by much . Going to build a lower mass version from a thinner cf tube for the higher compliance cart. But a total lateral mass of 29.5 grams in not too shabby.


Colin

 

[directdriver]

Carbon fiber carriage from a Swedish forum.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

 

[batsong]

What about decoupling the arm from carriage?

 

[directdriver]

More pictures of Veteran Hifi's visually more refined version of the Cantus from another forum thread. The base can be swiveled and makes changing records easier. Also notice the bearings are rounded edge.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

 

[directdriver]

Another version from the same site. Check out the construction pictures in the link that are not posted here.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

Carriage is a little over 21 grams without cartridge.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

 

[Marra]

Excellent links

 

[vynuhl.addict]

Lowest mass yet!

 

[jamikl]

Hi vynuhl addict. Can you lower the carriage weight by drilling lightening holes through it it or is that not possible. Maybe it could be made of two thin sheets with spacers in the appropriate place - bearing and tube mounts into the carriage. Just an idea. I'm new to this side of things but extremely interested.
jamikl

 

[vynuhl.addict]

Jamikl,


Good idea, and I picked a few I could drill out while still maintaining rigidity . Another great part of this forum is getting ideas and thoughts of other members to make an even better end result!.


Colin