[krustykat]

Somehow I cross-threaded my record clamp for my VPI classic and I'm now unable to screw the clamp on straight, no matter how I try.  So I guess I'm looking at getting a new record clamp.  The standard delrin record clamp is $100 and the upgraded stainless steel and delrin clamp is $150, both available from elusive disc.  Has anybody had experience with both of these clamps?  Is the upgraded version worth the extra $50?  Are there any other record clamps that work with the VPI that I should be considering as a replacement?  thanks in advance.

[simoon]

Aren't you still going to have a problem getting a new clamp to screw on straight?

The threads on the spindle are also cross threaded, right?

[krustykat]

The threads on the spindle are fine.  I think that the "delrin" material that the clamp is made of is what the  threads were also made of.  That may be a reason to go with the more expensive stainless steel version. 

[simoon]

Ahhh....

Got it.

I've only had experience with the steel version. I doubt there are any sonic differences.

[jimdgoulding]

Orsonic makes a good clamp.  It's heavy, pretty large circumference and clamps down on the spindle.
http://puremusicgroup.com/cart/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=210
$170.00US

[SteveFord]

You should be able to repair that clamp.
Do you own a tap and die set or know how to install a HeliCoil?
It's easy.
Sorry to keep modifying this post.

[orthobiz]

I have an HW19 Mk III that has been upgraded several times. Currently it has the heavy metal platter from the current Classic line and I also have the outer ring. I spoke with Mike about upgrading the record clamp. He told me there was no need to and the best way to use the clamp was to just tighten it enough till resistance was met. So based on that discussion, get the cheaper clamp.

Paul

[orthobiz]

Also, the Bren1 record weights look reasonable with respect to finish and price.

http://www.bren1recordclamp.com

The 2011 model on their homepage has less distortion, whatever that means!

Paul

[BobM]

I tried the Bren on my VPI unit and it was definitely moving things in the wrong direction. Stick with the VPI Delrin clamp. It works.

[FullRangeMan]

Somehow I cross-threaded my record clamp for my VPI classic and I'm now unable to screw the clamp on straight, no matter how I try.  So I guess I'm looking at getting a new record clamp.  The standard delrin record clamp is $100 and the upgraded stainless steel and delrin clamp is $150, both available from elusive disc.  Has anybody had experience with both of these clamps?  Is the upgraded version worth the extra $50?  Are there any other record clamps that work with the VPI that I should be considering as a replacement?  thanks in advance.

In my country some audiophiles ask a carpenter to made a real wood(soft wood) clamp, as real wood is light weight and work as filter to the plate motor.
Just a idea.

[Delta Wave]

You should be able to repair that clamp.
Do you own a tap and die set or know how to install a HeliCoil?
It's easy.
Sorry to keep modifying this post.

I second this, it would take about 5 minutes. 

[krustykat]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.  I decided against the DIY approach and I wanted a threaded clamp, so bought VPI's stainless steel/Delrin clamp.  Took about 2 days to arrive via UPS from E.D.  This one is a lot sturdier than the delrin only clamp and the threads are made out of steel, so I shouldn't have this problems again (hopefully).  The stainless steel/delrin clamp is also much heavier than the original delrin clamp.  Based on my initial impressions and as orthobiz suggested, any difference acoustically between the two clamps is minimal.

[pumpkinman]

Go to the hardware store and buy a Tap and run it down and clean up the threads. 1/4" x 20 TPI
$4.99 at Sears

The Clamp from Black Diamond Racing is a one-piece clamp made of carbon fiber construction and finished in a high gloss. The Clamp works particularly well with VPI tables and is a perfect compliment for any table with a 1/4”-20 thread size.

http://www.elusivedisc.com/search/BDRVPICLAMP.htm

Cheap enough ??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/760-gram-Heavy-duty-Record-turntable-stabilizer-Weight-Clamp-/330795970492?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d04f9efbc

[Wayner]

Go to the hardware store and buy a Tap and run it down and clean up the threads. 1/4" x 20 TPI
$4.99 at Sears



http://www.elusivedisc.com/search/BDRVPICLAMP.htm

Cheap enough ??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/760-gram-Heavy-duty-Record-turntable-stabilizer-Weight-Clamp-/330795970492?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d04f9efbc

+1 and it will work.......

Wayner

[krustykat]

Go to the hardware store and buy a Tap and run it down and clean up the threads. 1/4" x 20 TPI
$4.99 at Sears



http://www.elusivedisc.com/search/BDRVPICLAMP.htm

Cheap enough ??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/760-gram-Heavy-duty-Record-turntable-stabilizer-Weight-Clamp-/330795970492?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d04f9efbc

As recommended, I picked up a 1/4" 20TPI tap and it fixed the messed-up threads perfectly.  Thanks for the help everyone!

[pumpkinman]