I appalled your DIY approach. We should all do more of this. Be sure to let us know the final result.
N
My new Idler - but is it an idler ?
Some time after my rediscovery of vinyl, I started toying with the idea of building a turntable. At the time I owned an idler (Dual 1219) and a DD (Technics SL-QL1). For me, the Dual was a small revelation (although there was The Rumble) and started me on an If... path.
Put it simply, what about designing an idler with modern materials, technologies and principles ?
Almost 3 years later - and 2 prototypes - I think I might be getting somewhere. I leave some picts and details for your "viewing pleasure".
Externally, I used black Alcantara for finishing (no nasty fingerprints), with the sideboards made blackened mahogany. Later, (after loosing 2 stylus to an excited child…) I added a darkened acrylic cover with a tilt/slide opening.
Overall, the main drivers for the design have been speed stability, low background noise and resonance control - hence the several “sandwiches”. Speed stability is where I think some progress is still needed, but I have an upgrade coming along.
https://restlessengineer.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/dsc_0399.jpg?w=1000&h=&crop=1