VPI Super Platter

Nope. Didn't work. This little ball is really pressed in tight, or perhaps machined out of the whole bar of steel and not a separate ball at all. It is not going to turn or loosen, not now, not ever.

I guess I've got what I've got.

Again, anyone hot a MK IV platter and bearing they want to part with?

Bob

I received an e-mailed suggestion that I'll have to give a try (thanks Markd51). Basically he suggests I dry off the shaft and ball, then take a hard dry rubber mat and try to turn the pressed in ball so the wear spot is not on the pivot point. Just press the ball down on the rubber matt and try to move it with force.

Smart idea. I'll have to give it a shot and see if it works.

Thanks again,
Bob

Thanks guys. Now to locate someone with a "very strong magnet". The only ones I have around here are holding pictures and report cards to the 'fridge - and they fall off all the time.

I'll try thinning out the oil/grease under the ball also. I'm sure part of what's holding it is suction in the cup. I truly hope it's not "pressed" into the metal.

Yes, the ball does rotate, but not freely as you might expect. I would definititely say it is designed to rotate about the one contact point and not spin all over the place. So lubrication, and plenty of it is definitely the name of the game. It probably should float in oil and not have just slick grease around the chamber.

Enjoy,
Bob

I looked at the bottom of my MK III bearing and the ball looks pressed into the metal. No periphery ring holding it in and no way (that I can see) of prying it out without damaging something. Is there a trick to getting it out?

Also, the original steel ball looks smaller than the 1/4" Silicon Nitrides that I ordered. I doubt that they are the same size. Or is the MK III just a very different animal from the above?

Bob

I got a strong magnet and took a closer look at my MK III bearing. It loooks like the little ball at the bottom does not rotate at all. There is a little wear mark on the point and it doesn't move at all.

I've posted a question to Mike at VPI and will report back here when I get something back from him. But basically right now it doesn't look like my ball is removable - otherwise my wife would probably hide them in her bedside drawer - but that's another story :-)

Enjoy,
Bob

Well Mike replied. The full test of his message is as follows:

"I don't know why anyone would want to change the ball other than to replace it when worn but that's what makes this business so much fun. The ball is pressed in place on your table, it may or may not be removable, only we could determine that."

So anyone know of an old MK IV platter for sale? I've been considering trading up for quite some time and just never pulled the plug. It may be time now.

Enjoy,
Bob