Description

A table for three. I value your thoughts.

Thanks, Ken Fritrz.
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Kftool- DIY Mk 1 Last 1
    this turntable utilizes 3 drive units, 3 distinctively different arm types, a 290 lb slate textured , epoxy / glass and ceramic fibere re-enforced/ lead composite casting. It is a pointed design weighing a total of 530 lbs that will rest on a Minus K , BM-1 vibration abatement unit. A tubular steel stand filled with a urethane - lead matrix will support the table, 3 electronic motor controllers, and 3 head amps. The photo shown is only a mock up using the mdf pattern that will be used to generate the fiberglass mold used to cast the final plinth.
    • Kftool-DIY MK 1 Last 1
    3 arm, pointed table
    • VPI HRX - 2 motor, flywheel drive unit
    Utilizing 2 ac synchronous pm motors, the connection to the 15 lb flywheel via rubber drive belts reduces the cogging normally delivered to a platter when it is driven by a rubber belt directly from a pm motor, ac or dc.
    • Dynavector Dynavector DV 507 MK II
    Bi Axial - High mass arm tone arm with interchangable head shells. I loved this arm the first time I saw it 20 years ago; it was $800 then- used. I feel the engineering in this arm was the reason I chose it for my project. Anyone out there feel the same?
    • Tri Plainer MK VII
    While I first saw this arm at the 2005 CES, I've read about it for years. The reviews from all the golden ears persuaded me to choose this arm.
    • Kuzma Air Line
    Air bearing, linear tracking tone arm. The quality of this arm was one of the 3 factors that caused me to build, rather than buy a table. After reading all I could find on the audio web sites regarding linear trackers, It seemed logical that injecting the air in the bearing rather than the arm tube , was the only way to go; it was the right decision for me.
    • Kftool- DIY Mk 1 Last 1
    Plinth, The center of sound that everything is mounted to, the anchor. This is part of the pattern that will be used to produce the mold that the final plinth will be cast from. The platter will be mounted to this section of the plinth.
    • kftool-DIY MK 1 Last 1
    This shows the 3 patterns for the pods supporting the 3 armboards and leveling points for the plinth
    • Kftool-DIY MK 1 Last 1
    This shows the bonding of the pods to the center platter support. A band clamp and pinch dogs, along with biscuit joints and polyurethane glue, insure an accurate pattern
    • Kftool-DIY MK 1 Last 1
    The pattern is almost finished. It will be used to cast the plinth that will weigh around 260 lbs. Only the slate texture needs to be applied to the appropriate surfaces and it is ready for the next step. After the mold is laminated off this pattern, it will be used for a trial horse for the arm boards, and other acoutrements to finish the table.
    • Kftool-DIY MK 1 Last 1
    The slate texture and mold release have been applied. The pattern is set up to produce an epoxy mold for the final casting of the plinth.
    • Kftool-DIY MK 1 Last 1
    Time to make the mold. Metal filled surface coat is sprayed over the pattern you saw in the previous shot.
    • Kftool-DIY MK 1 Last 1
    Surface coat done, fiberglass re-enforcement is next. It stinks , but it's strong.
    • Kftool-DIY MK 1 Last 1
    Re-enforcement of the mold. Fiberglass maintains the surface and dimensional integrity , but mdf supplies the bulk strength the mold needs to maintain the shape.

Comments 19

Showing all comments by albertporter.

View all comments

I chose to use 3- double motor - flywheel drive units to deliver power to a much lighter platter than yours. My thought was that when the system was up to speed, the spyder wire drive belts from the motor pods to the table would deliver noise free, constant power to the platter.

One of my best friends and member of my audio group recently purchased a Kuzma Stabi XL with Kuzma Air Line arm. It sits on the same stand as his Walker Proscenium, (which is identical to mine).

The Kuzma uses two motors and belts to drive the platter and the sound is extraordinary. I rate these two tables VERY close, regardless of differences in drive systems and design.

So, if your motors work, they work. I have no predisposed ideas as to one method being better than another, I just go by sound.

I realize you say what you mean. When one man does all the thinking, mistakes of omission are the result. I appreciate your constructive criticism.

I hope your not confusing my post with another, I have no criticism and would not have unless I had first hand experience. I'm just amazed at the hard work you've put in. I know how hard it is to create things from scratch. I've been a hands on guy since pre teen years when I worked on my bicycle and motorcycles to throw a paper route.

I have great respect for DIY people, they keep this business alive. All the great stuff that represents high end at CES is little guys that not so long ago had a dream that came true.

My Aesthetix pre and phono, Walker table, Purist cables, custom tube crossover and equipment stands are from guys that were DIY and began building stereo equipment they believed in. All I can say is "bless them,"

albertporter

700 pounds huh? At least you won't have to insure it, no one could pick it up to steal it.

A very serious effort on your part, congratulations on what appears to be an excellent job.

albertporter

I like it! I'll be looking for more photo's. I hope to hear this someday, maybe at an audio show.

Is the Kuzma is the best of the three arms, or have you listened enough to have an opinion?

albertporter