Cleaning the Arm Tube and other Arm Handling Precautions

[shoot6x7]

It's a well known Linn warning that you must remove the arm from the table if you want to change the cartridge as the bearings could be damaged.

What other precautions do I need to take ?

For instance, I want to clean some finger prints off my arm, can I use a cloth and gently clean the arm tube ?

What kind of handling would damage the bearings ?

Thanks,
Ron

[John G]

Here you go:

http://photos.imageevent.com/sidandcoke/...ctions.pdf

[Linnism]

Hi 6x7,
To clean any Linn arm (and almost any gimbal type arm), gather up a soft and completely clean brush (an artist brush is good), some kitchen towel or soft cloth, about twenty minutes of stress free time, and some "Pledge" (I'll refer to Pledge but "Mr Sheen" is almost the same thing).

[ Some arms need different treatment. EG the Naim Aro, which can be ruined quite easily during cleaning. ]

Fit stylus guard if available, but remember that if you somehow prang the guard during cleaning it might come off, and take the stylus with it.

To avoid upsetting the suspension, or hitting the platter against the top-plate, remove the outer platter prior to cleaning the arm.

! Treat the outer platter like an egg (fine balance + soft, non-resilient alloy = need for paranoia)

! When removing and refitting the outer platter, take care not to strike the motor pulley.

Cleaning:
Use the brush to remove dust from hard to reach areas.
Avoid use of compressed air, as this could force micro dust and moisture into areas that won't thank you for it.

Apply the Pledge to the k.towel or cloth rather than spraying near the turntable, arm, or cartridge (Pledge and Mr. Sheen contain silicone, which has benefits, but you don't want this getting onto any electrical connections. Try not inhale it in either.)

If dirt is stubborn, dab Pledge onto the area and allow to stand for a few minutes. If you leave it too long, simply apply more of the Pledge to loosen the original application.

DO NOT apply hard pressure either to the arm or to the arm-board (including indirect pressure). If necessary, use repeat applications of Pledge; let the Pledge do most of the work. What is a safe amount of pressure? Imagine you're polishing a very ripe tomato.

Lastly, DO NOT squirt WD40 or anything else at, or into, the bearings.

Good luck!