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Cleaning a old tonearm

Hi, A friend gave me an old Grace 727 tonearm and it is very dusty and dirty from sitting out in the open. My question is how and what should I use to clean it. I do not want to mess with dissasembleing the bearings. The dust seems to stuck to it and will need some type of cleaner. Or is this a lost cuase? Thanks in advance.
motorpsychos

Showing 2 responses by pryso

pryso
1,970 posts
 
Schipo, just what are these "natural oils" on tonearm parts? A possible lubrication on pivot points I can understand but I am not aware of any natural oil occurring on metal parts themselves.

For anyone concerned with providing a "protective" coating, I would suggest a dedicated automotive or metal polish or wax. Any liquid that does not evaporate away completely, like WD-40, will leave a residue that may attract dust and dirt.
pryso
1,970 posts
 
The tone arms I am familiar with are painted, anodized, chrome, or stainless, or some combination of these finishes. I have seen older arms with some form of crud or tarnish but I have never seen one with possible signs of rust. Perhaps I just don't get around enough.

To me, lubricants are for protection of bearing surfaces. For the application of protecting tonearm finishes, other solutions will serve better. YMMV.
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