3D Printed Thorens TP 68 headshell for TP28 tonearm/TD318 MKII and other tables

[Capitol C]

I received a 3D printer as a present from my family and decided to learn how to use it by making a spare TP 68 head shell for my Thorens TD318 MKII turntable which has the TP28 tonearm. This head shell apparently also fits some other tone arms, see http://www.theanalogdept.com/thorens_tonearms.htm. After a good amount of learning, I’ve got a design that I’ve been using which works well.
In two of the pictures I show comparisons between the original and the copy. A third picture is taken from an angle, and a fourth shows the copy on the tonearm. I made some dimensions thicker for strength and rigidity, but the key dimensions are the same, in particular the angle between the tonearm and the cartridge. The head shell is 100% density PLA. As is typical for 3D printing, lines show in the finished object.
As far as I can tell, the only disadvantage is the visible lines. You can find metal TP 68 head shells on line, but they are rare and often not cheap—the least expensive one that I can find right now looks like it is unpainted aluminum and costs about $44 including shipping. There are others at $75 including shipping. (https://www.dualfred.de/Thorens/Tonearm ... cmku4rjqr2 and https://www.ebay.com/itm/362313998059)
Would it be worthwhile for me to sell the plastic ones at a lower price point?

[user510]

Nice work! What cad program do you use to draw your models with?
-Steve

[Capitol C]

Steve. I am new at this, and used Tinkercad, which is free online. Then I used Cura to convert .stl files to .gcode files. Do you 3d print?

[user510]

Steve. I am new at this, and used Tinkercad, which is free online. Then I used Cura to convert .stl files to .gcode files. Do you 3d print?

Yes I do quite a bit. Although I have not posted that much to my website and have only a few photos I can share online. Here's one print I made a couple of years ago.
http://www.theanalogdept.com/images/spp ... C_1475.jpg
It is a record weight I produced that uses #9 lead shot within it's chambers as a damping medium. Material is ABS. Process involved using Acetone vapor to smooth the outer surfaces post print. There's some dust on that one. I use it regularly for vinyl playback duty. I have a selection of different record weight designs with different mass. The one above is the heaviest within my group of 3D printed weights at 13-1/2 ozs.

Btw, the ABS is much stronger than pla. However it is not as well mannered during the print and wants to pull up off the bed plate (mid-print) until you get conditions just right.

I've printed many other objects that I can use for record players but nothing is ready for show just yet. But some of that is coming and will be shown at my website.

I 3-D model with Rhino V-5.0 and I slice and export to gcode with Repetier-Host/cura. I have lots of fun doing this. The more I learn, the more interesting stuff I can print. And on and on. I've been drafting in CAD since the early nineties when I was working with AutoCAD v10-12. Then I got into using Rhino during its beta testing phase and was among the first to own V-1.0. It is very much like AutoCAD only with NURBS and is quite capable of modeling even the most difficult organic shapes.
-Steve

[Capitol C]

The record weight is very nice. You have a flair for design!

[user510]

Your headshell print indicates excellent control over the process and I anticipate you will have much success with that printer. Keep on printing :D

-Steve

[Shocking80]

Hello Capital C

Would it be possible to get a copy of the cad for the tp 68 head shell I’m in need of one. I just purchased my first ever turntable used in an auction. The only issue with it I see so far is it is missing a head shell. I have looked online and it looks like you can buy carbon fibre filament. I am thinking of printing one. I just need the CAD. If you can give me a copy I would be willing to print you one as well. P.S. I picked up a Thorens TD 316. We will see how it works soon.

Thanks,

Rob.

[Capitol C]

Hi Rob. I sent two private messages, but perhaps you didn't receive them. Please check, I'm not ignoring you!
Chris

[Shocking80]

Hello Chris I received my new 3D printed head shell from you yesterday and started setting it up this morning. It fits snug and is very rigid. Here are some pics. I also now see I have more cleaning to do. Thanks again

[Capitol C]

The extra pieces are spacers to put between the cartridge and the head shell, of course. You can get a manual from vinylengine which shows what spacer(s) to use. Basically the top of the head shell should be parallel to the record when it playing. You will enjoy your turntable, I am sure!

[apalmeri1968]

Hello Capital C,

I sent you a PM yesterday. would you be willing to share the CAD file, (.STL) i want to try some options for printing this headshell, and possibly CNC from alum. i can get a couple from the spare material we have if you want one.

if you cant, or don't want to just let me know either way, i will understand.

thanks

Tony

[Capitol C]

Hello, Tony. I want to try selling some head shells soon, so I'd rather not share the CAD file just yet. My printer is down which has delayed things, but I will have some time open up this week so I hope to get back on track. I think that it would be better to have plans that match the original to make a headshell out of aluminum, my design has some extra support and thickness to add rigidity and to make a clean print possible.
Sorry for the slow response, I've been away from my computer, and I am too slow on my phone to do anything other than talk and occasionally text!

[apalmeri1968]

Chris

It's OK, i understand,

Thanks anyway

Tony

[simonineaston]

...and for your next project, consider the cream plastic tonearm fork that Thorens used to use, on tables like the TD135. The pesky things go brittle and break.

[Capitol C]

It doesn't look too hard, but without an original it is not likely to work. If someone can take a good picture next to an accurate (steel) scale, plus a few dimensions, I can look into it.