DC, As I mentioned, McMaster-Carr handles rubber, and foam rubber in about 12 different types. Can be gotten in adhesive backed, or non-adhesive backed. And the sizes are so diverse, one can find anything one wants.
I suspect VPI used a "lowly" Neoprene Foam Rubber Gasket, and this what it appeared to be on my own 16.5 RCM.
After all, the RCM isn't the space shuttle, so no need probably for ultra high temp, or flame resistant foams, or other ultra space age qualities needed.
Neoprene Foam Gasket will probably offer the best of all worlds, being resistant to any chemicals encountered with record cleaning, and the temps as well. The only thing I am not sure about, would be the Shore Hardness of the foam rubber, but they do have a scale, with descriptions.
As to how wide, long, and thick, a simple ruler will tell you that basically. I would suspect a 4" wide strip 24"-36" long would be in essence a lifetime supply. You would then have ample to custom cut the gasket with scissors-X-Acto Knife, peel the backing, and apply.
While your at it, buy yourself a 12"x12" sheet of 1/16", or 3/32" Neoprene Sheet from them, rip the cruddy Cork Mat off, and be done with the cork forever, like I have done.
If you have 2-3 RCMs to do, no prob, they can sell you a cut sheet 12"x36, which will be enough for 3 machines. The neoprene will last a lifetime, is easier to clean, keep clean, and identify dust-dirt.
The Cork Mat IMO was a poor choice.
I went with non-adhesive backed finally, as the first time I bought, and tried it, I went with an adhesive backed neoprene sheet from them, it was a little lumpy. It wasn't bad, and would've worked fine, but I am a fussy bugger, and wound up gluing the neoprene to the custom acrylic platter with Contact Cement.
The details of Mat installation are covered in full on AIVS's website, under "RCM Museun".
Keep us posted how this all turns out! Best of luck, Mark
I suspect VPI used a "lowly" Neoprene Foam Rubber Gasket, and this what it appeared to be on my own 16.5 RCM.
After all, the RCM isn't the space shuttle, so no need probably for ultra high temp, or flame resistant foams, or other ultra space age qualities needed.
Neoprene Foam Gasket will probably offer the best of all worlds, being resistant to any chemicals encountered with record cleaning, and the temps as well. The only thing I am not sure about, would be the Shore Hardness of the foam rubber, but they do have a scale, with descriptions.
As to how wide, long, and thick, a simple ruler will tell you that basically. I would suspect a 4" wide strip 24"-36" long would be in essence a lifetime supply. You would then have ample to custom cut the gasket with scissors-X-Acto Knife, peel the backing, and apply.
While your at it, buy yourself a 12"x12" sheet of 1/16", or 3/32" Neoprene Sheet from them, rip the cruddy Cork Mat off, and be done with the cork forever, like I have done.
If you have 2-3 RCMs to do, no prob, they can sell you a cut sheet 12"x36, which will be enough for 3 machines. The neoprene will last a lifetime, is easier to clean, keep clean, and identify dust-dirt.
The Cork Mat IMO was a poor choice.
I went with non-adhesive backed finally, as the first time I bought, and tried it, I went with an adhesive backed neoprene sheet from them, it was a little lumpy. It wasn't bad, and would've worked fine, but I am a fussy bugger, and wound up gluing the neoprene to the custom acrylic platter with Contact Cement.
The details of Mat installation are covered in full on AIVS's website, under "RCM Museun".
Keep us posted how this all turns out! Best of luck, Mark