Walker Vortex Vacuum Wand for VPI


Hello all,
From a thread over on the Asylum, I noted Walker has introduced an Arm Wand for VPI RCMs.
After reading it's description at Elusive Disc, I can't help but think that this Delrin Wand, with no protective strips, coming in contact with the vinyl, no matter how one adjusts the Wand Tower, will be "kind" to the vinyl?

The other item included with the Wand, is two little O-rings, placed on Spindle, said to keep the record from touching the Mat. Wouldn't a rubber washer serve the same purpose?

Perhaps too new to hear other's opinions? I like the idea of never needing to worry about velvet strips going bad, less chance of cross-contamination, etc, but just cannot seem to get past the idea of the Delrin contacting Vinyl? Mark
markd51

Showing 6 responses by sonofjim

Never saw this one coming but it looks interesting. Do you guys already using this utilize these o-rings then? As already mentioned, I'm trying to imagine scrubbing a suspended, flexible disc effectively.
I am interested in this as an option. I'm guessing that using steam, as some of us are these days, on the suspended disc is more likely to lead to warping. (Just a guess but it seems to make sense) Would this work just as well on the standard cork mats we typically switch out for dirty versus clean sides?
I agree with Emailists. The more I think about this the more I wonder about it's saftey. I definitely am not ruling it out but I need hear more success stories before I take the plunge. So far, I can't find this thing on Walker's own website. Has anyone else found information on it there?
I've decided for now that I'm not going to trust this thing either. For one thing, I'm not sure how much advantage it offers and Intuitively it sounds risky. Based on the lack of buzz on the subject I'm wondering if others have decided the same.
I agree that this whole thing seems a little suspect. I imagine there's more to the discontinuation of this than just production costs. I can't say that I know that there's any risk of LP damage because I haven't used it. Based on the disatisfaction I've heard voiced by some and the success I know to result from the current wands, I would guess that interest was low. Now the remaining stock is on sale? Fishy. Changing to a new cork mat for cleaned sides and switching armwands works so well I just was never tempted to try this thing beyond the initial excitement. If Harry thought this was a good idea I'm sure he would have done it long ago. When VPI markets such a device I'll take a second look.
Rushton,
I'm glad you're happy with the wand. I was simply making an observation that, almost at the same time I decided to take a wait and see approach to this thing it was discontinued. As you can see from my post on 11/24 I was then already noticing a lack of buzz on the subject. I realize my opinion is not based on direct experience but the impressions I get from feedback and online developments. I guess I just assume everyone will want to jump on board when something lives up to the hype. Again, I'm glad you're happy with it and nothing I said was intended to be disrespectful or insulting to you or Walker Audio.