2. analog
  3. 151964-3674

Mounting Triplanar Tonearm to SME 20/2 Turntable

I just got a Triplanar U2 SE tonearm and am wondering how to mount it to my 20/2.  
The arm board I have is for an SME tonearm.  Until now I've had a SME IV mk vi mounted.  
After removing the SME arm I used the TP jig to see approximate location of the three holes.
Two of the holes land on the aluminum of the board and the third one is in the open hole in the center.  
It does not seem likely that I will be able to use the SME arm board for the TP arm.  Unless using only two holes to mount it will be enough???
I've also wondered about using 3M high bond tape to fix the arm to the board.  I use this tape in my profession and find it to be of excellent strength and longevity.  This doesn't mean that it's an acceptable application.  Just curious.    
In searching these forums and internet searches I have not been able to find a TP compatible arm board for use on an SME TT.  
Please share any info you might have.  Thanks!
snackeyp

Showing 3 responses by mijostyn

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
I have a 30/12 and rock solid is an understatement. Aluminum may be lighter than other metals but it is still pretty heavy. It is used in this application because aluminum does not ring. It is self damping and in the thicknesses used by SME real stiff. I own one so you could say I am biased and there may be cooler looking tables out there but IMHO none that sound better. Maybe as good but not better.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
snack, the SME plinth is aluminum.
Atmasphere, I absolutely agree that the tonearm has to be rigidly connected to the main bearing but I'm not sure the arm board has to be exactly the same material. It certainly has to be rigid. Plain wood of any species is not a good choice because it is not dimensionally stable. However MDF Laminated with aluminum or a heavy plastic or solid surface material should be fine. You can even make the MDF harder by soaking it in Watco overnight. 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Three choices. #1 buy a new tonearm board.
#2 laminate 1/2" MDF to the current tonearm board to cover the hole. Spray paint it black and make sure you can lower the new arm enough to get it down to platter level. 
#3 Make a new tonearm board. Layer plastic and aluminum layers to get the right thickness using slow set epoxy. Use the old board as a temple to router the board to exactly the same shape. 
If you don't have the stuff to make your own just buy a new one. 
More to discover