AR Legend tonearm pillar - supposed to move ?

[mjwraw]

Pardon my ignorance, but I've just bought a second hand AR 'Legend' turntable, and something I've never experienced before, I can turn the whole tonearm pillar clockwise and anti-clockwise in it's base. Is this normal for slightly better tonearms ? (I'm going from a Pioneer PL112D which obviously doesn't have this 'feature' !). Thanks

[Logan]

So what sort of tonearm does this Legend have? They were originally sold with an "AR" badged tonearm, which was actually a rather mediocre Jelco arm. If this is what you have then it is obviously missing the screws that fasten the base of the arm to the MDF armboard. If it is another arm it needs to be securely fastened to the armboard in compliance with the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure too that the armboard is securely fastened to the sub-chassis (4 Allen-type bolts).

[mjwraw]

I think my first post may have been a bit misleading, the arm pillar is definitely securely screwed to the armboard, and the lower section of the pillar is fixed, but the upper assembly, including the arm lift, anti-skate and arm rest is what is moving, and this is independent of the arm movement itself. I'm confused now as the assembly looks correct, as if it's supposed to be like that ? (it's the "AR" badged arm i.e. mediocre Jelco !)

[Ottermel]

There should be an allen head screw in the side of the pillar that's moving (it could be "grooved" in by now) which is supposed to be for VTA (if that arm had it like other Jelcos). It may be so deeply grooved that it allows the post to rotate (if it were missing, the post would be at its lowest point of travel. i.e the arm wand and lift would be at the base).
Try to see if there is a hole on the side and a screw in it and tighten it if possible.

[mjwraw]

Hi, yes, that's it !!! Thanks very much, I've found the two tiny screws in the side of the lower pillar that fix it in place. So now I can get the VTA and alignment set right then tighten - I'm assuming the arm should be aligned so it is exactly aligned with the edge of the plinth ? (I can do the VTA - if I'm correct the arm should be absolutely level to the surface of a 'standard' LP on the platter)

[Ottermel]

Yes, the arm should be level before you dial in VTF and antiskating, afterward you can twiddle with VTA.