VPI TNT Super Platter Bearing Oil

by **rbwinterlink** » 12 Feb 2011 23:33

Hello all,

Does anyone know what oil or grease it good for use in the super platter bearing? I was thinking of putting a couple of drops of synthetic motor oil in the bearing, but wanted to get the best information before I proceed. Thank you so much for any suggestions regarding your experiences.

bob

by **analogaudio** » 13 Feb 2011 04:17

Motor oil is not necessarily most appropriate for a turntable. The oil for Technics DD bearings is much lighter than motor oil. Using grease on a bearing designed for oil would be wrong. Also a TT with a low power motor needs oil not grease. Check with VPI.

Ted

by **Whitneyville** » 13 Feb 2011 05:37

It also depends on the type of bearing on a TT. Many Japanese brands use Torrington "Thrust bearings" (flat roller bearings). Some TT's have tapered roller bearings, my Heybrook TTII uses a sintered bronze bearing "socket" with a steel "cup" at the bottom and a steel ball bearing in the shaft, so it requires a fairly lightweight "EP" (extreme pressure) lube. All of them work very well, as long as the correct lubricant is used. There are more types of bearings too. I replaced a sealed ball bearing last year in a Japanese brand TT, cost $4, and it couldn't be lubed at all.

by **Tedrick** » 13 Feb 2011 06:55

For older turntables with a bearing well, VPI recommends either Mobil 1 10W-40 or Slick 50. If it's a newer inverted bearing design, you'll need to use a high-quality white lithium grease. This info comes from the manuals for my Classic and HW-19 as well as conversations with Mike at VPI, so it's "straight from the horse's mouth."

by **rbwinterlink** » 13 Feb 2011 11:06

Good morning everyone and thank you so much for sharing information with me. I use the VPI TNT 1.75inch thich Acrylic Super Platter with the Inverted Bearing as an upgrade on my classic VPI HW-19 MK-2 turntable. I purchased the turntable initially and then the platter used so did not get owner manuals. It looks like I am going to have to contact VPI to purchase what I am to use with this particular platter and bearing. Finally, I am also going to require knowledge of the amount of lubricant I am to use as well as how often to use it. Thank you forum members for your help. I truly appreciate your sharing with me.

bob

by **Tedrick** » 14 Feb 2011 05:53

I had the same platter on my HW-19 before finding an original acrylic/lead Mk IV platter. It only takes a small amount of grease on the inverted bearing, and then spread a thin film of grease on the bearing spindle, but not too much. You don't want any grease to get scraped off the spindle when you re-install the platter.

You don't need to buy grease from VPI (though they will gladly sell you a small tube for $25). Any white lithium grease will do. You can buy it at just about any auto parts store. $5 will get you enough to last more than 100 years.

VPI recommends you re-grease about once a year. I prefer to do it about once every 6 months, but I'm not too religious about it. When you re-grease, it's also a good idea to put a drop or two of the synthetic motor oil into the motor to keep it running smooth and quiet.

You can go to VPI's website (http://www.vpiindustries.com) and download any manual for anything they make for free. If you can't find one specifically for the newer TNT platter (the original TNT 'table used a standard non-inverted bearing), download the manual for any of the Scout series or the Classic for instructions on lubricating an inverted bearing.

Once you get the lubrication down and are ready for some further upgrades that will take your HW-19 to new levels of performance, let me know. I've done a lot to mine, and I know some other HW-19 owners who have tweaked theirs significantly, as well.

by **rbwinterlink** » 14 Feb 2011 06:14

Good morning Tedrick,

It's 12:10am here in Baltimore. Thank you so much for this wonderful information and I will certainly want to keep in touch. My email address is: rbw@power800voicemail.com
It's alway great to communicate with one who has actually had the experience as you have. I am also glad to see that there are others who still use this turntable and have gone so far as to do upgrades on it. I will follow your instructions regarding the owners manuals as well. Email me when you get the time. Again, thank you so much. I want to thank everyone who took the time to share information with me. Everyone have a great day and week.

bob

by **fscl** » 30 Nov 2011 00:33

rb,

Still have the Townsend Rock?

Fred

by **rbwinterlink** » 30 Nov 2011 03:04

Fred, no I don't have the Rock. I sold it sometime ago.

bob