[jrebman]

I sold my VPI HW-19 Mk. II and Technics EPA-100 arm to a guy in Italy and as I picked the table up locally, I didn't have to unpack it.  I did get an original box from VPI, but not the original packing materials, but instead a variety of cardboard and foam pieces that they thought would be appropriate.

I asked them several times in email for specific instructions about how to pack the table -- whether there was anything I should specifically do or not do regarding stabilizing the plinth, leaving or removing te platter, arm, etc., and what to do with the dust cover.

Today I tried calling only to be reminded that they only work tuesday through thursday in the office, and I need to get this sent out this weekend.

P.S. -- I do have another oversize, heavy duty, double layer box for the outer box and plenty of additional padding, and I do know how to pack audio gear, but my specific question is what do I need to know about packing this turntable in it's factory box?

Thanks for any help,

Jim

[TheChairGuy]

Gentleman Jim -

My VPI HW-19 Mk. III was shipped 2/3 of the country (St. Louis to CA) in the original box, but without original packing materials (as I think you have there).

The springs come out and go in a small box (I think USPS Priority Box mailer it was).  The rest was layered and secured with generous amounts of bubble wrap and tape thoughout. The extremely heavy platter bouncing around in the box is what typically does a turntable in on a long journey - take great care to secure that thoroughly and the rest will probably lend itself to common sense (the tonearm of course has delicate bearings that need protection on it's long journey to the new owner)

John

[jrebman]

Thanks, John.

Yes, I guess common sense should just be my guide here.  The factory box is plenty big for all kinds of extra padding and smaller boxes for the arm, etc., and the base and dust cover will be in plastic bags to prevent them from being scuffed up.  Plus, this outer box is bullet proof, so I'm sure it will be fine.

Thanks,

Jim

[Wayner]

John has a great point about the platter. You can take the metal spindle off of the platter, too. That will help the packing and shipping, too.

Wayner

[jrebman]

Thanks, but the one thing I did learn is that once seated, you cannot remove the platter from the spindle on this table.

What I could do is take the arm off and wrap the entire plinth in stretchwrap and that should keep the platter from budging at all.

-- Jim

[Wayner]

Who told you that?

[jrebman]

A google search.

I'll give it a try, but if it requires a bearing press, I'm not going there.  The table is immaculate and I don't want any scratches or the platter to split.

-- Jim

[Wayner]

The only reason I ask is that I have an HW-19jr. A very light tap with a rubber mallet onto the spindle (from the top side), while holding onto the acrylic will pop the shaft out from the bottom. Make sure it falls on something soft, like your bed or something big like that so you do not damage the shaft. The shaft and the platter have a tapered surface. To re-install the shaft to the platter, put the shaft into the platter from the bottom, then use the threaded record clamp to draw it up an seat in the taper. Unless the VPI you have is built different from mine you should have no problem.

Wayner

[bacobits1]

I remember when I sold mine. I purchased a VPI box for $60 it had the packing instructions on the flaps. It came with a lot of 2" and 3" foam and cardboard. Everything has to come apart, base, plinth, platter, etc. It is all placed in layers with the  heavy plinth (stainless and acrylic) heavy on the bottom first. Dust Cover last in the box if I recall , pack that upside down opening facing up in the box fill with bubble wrap.
Now, if you don't have packing I would wrap everything in layers in large bubble wrap placing the pieces in the middle of the box so there is room all around the outside. Do not use packing peanuts of any kind. BUy a couple rolls of the right stuff.

And good luck!

Den

[jrebman]

Den,

Thanks -- I'll have my wife to look and see if there are any instructions.  I'm blind so I just figured that the pieces of paper were invoices and such.  They did include several pieces of foam and cardboard, so sounds like it's the same setup you got.  I do have plenty of extra large bubble wrap onhand too.

I hate foam peanuts .

Thanks,

Jim

[bacobits1]

Jim, I remember that spindle being very tight in my platter too. I did rap it a few times with a rubber mallet but it was a no go as it did not come out. I didn't try some WD40 but that is an option. After 3 good hits I gave up on popping it out. I didn't want to damage anything. Besides your wife would have to do it? I just shipped it carefully with the small ball bearing attached to the shaft with tape and paper towel and cleaned the bearing out of any oil and shipped it dry. Long shaft of the bearing still in the platter facing UP somehow in the carton. It can be a piain to fit it all in there somewhat correctly.

Going to Italy I hope they don't have to open the carton for inspection.
Shipping the VPI in particular is very important to have that carton and packing material.
Oh, how I hate shipping audio stuff anymore.
I have been lucky shipping lately quite a few items because of the original shipping cartons and the packing foam.


Again, good luck.

Den




 

[jrebman]

Den,

You don't still happen to have those instructions, do you?  I opened the box and searched through everything and no instructions anywhere.  There are a few foam pieces that I have no idea about how to use them or where, etc.

I wrote to VPI, but my guess is that if I do hear back from them it will be a while and will have no real useful information.

(I will not miss dealing with that company ).

-- Jim

[bacobits1]

Jim, No, sorry. They were printed on one of the upper flaps on the carton they supplied.
Just a layered exploded diagram.

That heavy plinth goes on the bottom of the box first on top of foam, the next item is the wood base or surround. I don't remember the packing materials between them.
Of course all the small stuff, springs, motor cover, bearing (if removed) etc. is packed separate in the carton towards the top.

I just posted this question on the A Asylum/Vinyl

The replies I got were to call VPI for instructions.

Den

[jrebman]

Den and all,

Viola!  Everything is finally packed correctly and ultra securely.  A friend will help me wrestle the box into the outer box and finish the job, but the table and all its myriad parts are packed in the VPI factory box.  Really had to take every last bit except the motor, off the thing to get it to fit.

Thanks again for all your help.

-- Jim

[TheChairGuy]

Way to go, Gentleman Jim! 

John

[JimJ]

I shipped my HW-19jr. to a guy in Canada, even in original packaging Fedex still managed to mangle it

Insurance is a wonderful thing.

[jrebman]

Just an update:  The VPI arrived safe and sound in Italy and the new owner got everything assembled and playing and loved it.  He ended up putting the Technics arm on a Thorens table he had, and put a JMW 9 he had, on the VPI.

Thanks again for everybody's help and suggestions.

-- Jim

[hifitommy]

glad you found out how to pack the tt.  i got the box and had to call them.  i would have waited as long as it would take.  mine arrived in illinois ok, i packed the arm and armboard (mounted) in another box on VPIs recommendation. 

i was happy and so was the recipient.