Label Protector while cleaning.. old CDS!!!

[triphop]

I've seen the Groovmaster label saver and GEM Dandy and I'm really interested in a label protector that also serves as a handle for cleaning of all kinds (wood glue, sink wash, etc.)

I thought about a DIY method of the above two examples, and saw online videos of someone using a cork coaster... I just thought about old CDS and held one over an LP to test the surface coverage... whole label plus much of the lead out groove!

So, it would seem that a combo of old CDS (or coasters from bad burns) plus SOMETHING(s) to act as a clamp and adaptor for a record hole vs. CD hole would be great. Imagine a plastic 45 adaptor but smaller for a CD hole, then a threaded screw and simple washer/nut and you have a handle.

Any ideas on the best and easiest way to do this?

[hezagenius]

I just started using these things. Suction cups with handles designed for holding glass panes. One on each side of the record and clamp into place. They are 4-5/8" diameter and cover all of the label and a little bit of the dead space. I use them for the first step of my washing routine - finger scrubbing dish soap onto the record.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?R=BK_5751107_0006398032
About $6 each at Napa Auto

[triphop]

Brilliant idea hezagenius (hence your name I suppose!!)

I got two at a shop though they are made by Bondo. They work, however I tried them on a 33 lp and a 45. They come detached easily (intended usage is w/o a spindle hole in your car, being fair- haha), and more so on the 45 due to the bigger hole to vacuum seal. I may try something else for 45's or figure a way to cover the hole a bit first.

[ripblade]

I've seen the Groovmaster label saver and GEM Dandy and I'm really interested in a label protector that also serves as a handle for cleaning of all kinds (wood glue, sink wash, etc.)

I made something similar to the Groovemaster except that the handles were replaced by an axle with ball tips so it spins freely in the jig. The gasket is from a sink basket but it's not ideal; it's too wide and doesn't compress well enough aound the raised label. I've seen others use expanded poly foam sheeting for this and I think it will work.

Based on the Gem dandy, this one I find more convenient to use. The record actually rotates on it's own under the water pressure, and I can work on both sides of the album at the same time....a huge time saver. The platterless arrangement also ensures there is no cross contamination at the vacuuming stage.

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[hezagenius]

That is an awesome contraption. I may have to try to build one.

Maybe one way to get a better seal around the label is to use a spring coil that can fit around the axles? Something with just enough force to hold those plates in place against the record but will not hamper the ability of the record to spin freely.

Where did you find those axles?

[ripblade]

Thanks, I made them.

There is a threaded shaft of stainless steel that runs though each half of the label clamp, holding the various bits together. In one half, the thread protrudes about 1/2" to act as a spindle to center the record, this then threads into an insert on the other half. The disc of the female half is allowed to slip when the two halves are twisted together, so they can be clamped together quite tightly.

The problem is the rubber gasket doesn't compress very well, so only the raised portion of the label is protected. Osmotic action causes water to seep in nonetheless, but only very little. I've modified the vacuum wand to dry out any accumulation under the gasket, but ofcourse some moisture remains on the edge of the label.

I think the expanded foam sheeting would do a better job, as it's highly compressible. I just haven't bothered with it as yet.

[triphop]

Looks sooo cool! I can't imagine even beginning to know how to make that... maybe you should make and sell them?????

[ripblade]

Thanks! For the time it takes, I would have to charge sufficient to discourage any sales. I think it really is better suited as a diy project.

The frame is the ultimate in simplicity...this one is made from tubing taken from a child's toy, but pvc or abs pipe could easily be substituted. The pieces are all tight fitted, with no adhesive applied, so it can be dismantled and recut if necessary.

The hard part is the hub, but all parts were made using a few hand tools, a drill press and chop saw. Perhaps one day I'll draw up a detailed drawing with a parts list.