[rcag_ils]

The diameter of my Empire 598 is a bit larger than others turntables. Whenever the records don't fit in, I just use a small pocket knife to anlarge the hole on the record a bit. Sometimes the hole get too big due to unstable hand. So is there any other solution for this? Also, why were the spindle made bigger on older tables?

[Wayner]

The RIAA standard for clearance holes is .286 diameter, +.001, -.002 which puts the range at .284 to .287 diameter. My Empire 598 mkII measures .285. It is exactly where it should be. Therefore, the LPs that you are enlarging the hole on, do not meet the standard.

Wayner 

[rcag_ils]

But the LPs that I had to enlarge the holes on fit ALL the other turntables just fine. Did the standard ever change?

For example, the HK T-60 has a smaller diameter spindle, I can tell that visually.

[Wayner]

There is no standard on the spindle diameter. Manufacturers can make it what ever they want, interference fit or loose as a goose. (Turntable manufacturers are not members of the RIAA).

Wayner 

[Ericus Rex]

A conical bur like this...

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=2210204&PMT4NO=0

...would be much better than using your pocket knife.  I've seen the same issue with some tables.  It's very annoying.

[Wayner]

Are you having that much trouble with LPs you play on your Empire? Once in a great while, a record will be snug, but not very often with mine. I suspect vinyl flashing on the inside of the hole, that I have occasionally seen, that I take out with a small X-acto knife.

Wayner

[lazydays]

my suggestion is to go to Wholesale Tool's website and order a 7mm hand reamer. This will give you a much rounder hole that will also be the correct size. I might also add that when I made the new spindle for my Opera turntable I made it .281, and still find a few LP's that are a snug fit! I don't think it's an oversized spindle that's the problem, but undersized holes in them
gary

[rcag_ils]

Are you having that much trouble with LPs you play on your Empire? Once in a great while, a record will be snug, but not very often with mine. I suspect vinyl flashing on the inside of the hole, that I have occasionally seen, that I take out with a small X-acto knife.

Snug fit would have been OK, but I am talking about the ones that will NOT fit over the Empire spindle at all.

And it's more than just vinyl flashing, because I could tell. Most earlier like from the 60's to early 70's LPs would fit just fine. Most later ones won't fit. NOS later one for sure won't fit, sometimes I just knew it when I pulled the LPs out.

[Wayner]

I like Gary's idea if your having that much trouble. I'd like a .285 diameter reemer, rather then a .281 cause your spindle is going to be the same diameter as mine, .284. .285 is within the RIAA specifications.

Wayner

[Wayner]

Maybe you have stumbled onto a new product idea. Spindleholecleanerouter,,,,,,or some other, better name. (A new naming contest?).

 aa

[orthobiz]

Maybe you have stumbled onto a new product idea. Spindleholecleanerouter,,,,,,or some other, better name. (A new naming contest?).

 aa

And include a green pen to color the newly exposed vinyl and a hole-degausser in case the metal file threw off the magnetic alignment!

Paul

[rcag_ils]

I suspect turntable spindle diameter got changed at one time during the massive Japanese turntable invasion of the 70's. Or the record pressing plants changed their spec. to make the center hole smaller to accomodate the new turntable spec.

[Wayner]

Well, I don't think so. I have the link to the RIAA standards and it's still the same.

Wayner

[Ericus Rex]

How about the Brand New "Ream-You-A-New-One!"  And if you order in the next ten minutes....

[Berndt]

I use the handle of my last stylus brush, I spin it in tight LP holes and get the clearance I want.
I have also used a pencil in the lp hole to enlarge the id.
I think a reamer is overkill.
Bill

[Wayner]

Bill, do you have a micrometer? If so, can you measure your spindle diameter?

Wayner

[rcag_ils]

extreme care needs to be taken, I've already reamed a few records with too big of a hole, they still play on the "smaller diameter spindle", but a bit too big from my original intend.

[Berndt]

will bring home a micrometer tommorrow.
bill

[Berndt]

measured 2 empire spindles, 208 498.
.2832"~.284"
7.193mm~7.213mm
As fine of a non-nominal size as I could imagine.
7mm=.27559" FWIW
I'd like to ask the engineer what he was trying to do with this dimensioning errand.
Regards,Bill