Q. My present record cleaner is extremely loud when the vacuum is running. Since the Loricraft is so quiet is it developing the same suction as the one I have?
A. No. The machines that use a vacuum “wand” attempt to clean a record globally in two revolutions of the disk. The Loricraft cleans locally as the vacuum arm moves across the record. The other machines must develop about 27 pounds per square inch vacuum to distribute across the entire “slot” area of the wand. These machines use a wet/dry VAC type vacuum pump that is extremely noisy. The Loricraft uses an expensive European industrial vacuum pump that can run constantly, indefinitely.
Q. The manual for my record cleaner warns that the vacuum pump is for intermittent use only. An optional fan kit can be added for $100 for longer operation. Also the turntable gets extremely hot if I forget to turn it the motor off after using the machine.
A. See the answer to the question above. The turntable in your cleaner is a high torque type and can overheat if left on overnight.
Q. Why do the other machines manuals suggest that more than two revolutions of the turntable during cleaning is not desirable?
A. The machines that use a cleaning wand have two strips of a velvet material on the sides of the vacuum slot. This material will develop an electrical static charge against the dried vinyl that will attract more dust and airborne particles to the record you just cleaned. Also, contamination from the debris of the record you cleaned may be transferred to the next record you clean. Manufacturers of these machines recommend cleaning the wand “lips”with a toothbrush after every few uses, and replacing the entire wand after cleaning 400 record sides. The replacement cost may run between $50-100. The Loricraft does not use this system and only fresh, clean media contacts each record.
Q. Your advertising touts that the Loricraft cleans better than other brands. How does it do that?
A. For one reason, all records are not perfectly flat. A slightly warped record will be “cupped” on one side, with a “clamshell” on the other. Machines that use a wand rely on the record being flat and can miss the low spots on a slightly distorted record. Also all modern records have a raised lip on the outside edge of the record and a raised area under the disk label. This is to prevent scratching of the grooves when records are played on a record changer and stacked. The Loricraft vacuum arm rides up the lip and cleans the starting cut of the record effectively. Wand type machines cannot reach this area of the grooves.
Q. I see from your photos that the Loricraft has a tiny thread coming out of the vacuum arm. Does this thread go into the grooves for cleaning each groove?
A. This is a common misconception. The thread it too big (7 mils) to go deeply into the grooves (2 mils.) Its purpose it to allow the vacuum nozzle to be in very close proximity to the record without the nozzle actually touching the record. The thread acts like a ski to allow the nozzle to glide across the record with no damage. A fresh piece of thread (about 1/4 inch) is used for each new cleaning. A spool of thread (50 meters in length) should last for several thousand cleanings.
Q. My present record cleaning machine makes a "grumbling" sound as the turntable moves. My friend has a Loricarft and the turntable is totally silent. Why is this?
A. Many record cleaning machines use a set of plastic gears (including very expensive machines) to couple the motor to the turntable. The Loricraft has a heavy rubber drive belt from the motor to the turntable which is very quiet.
Q. Does the thread contribute to static charge buildup on the record?
A. No. The thread is a special nylon material. It is not cotton.
Q. What kind of record cleaning fluid should I use with the Loricraft?
A. Any of the popular cleaning solutions that are used with other wet cleaners will work well on the Loricraft. SMART also offers three different formulas for different needs and applications. A sample of the SMART Microgroove cleaning solution is included in the shipment of each new machine.
Q. Will the Loricraft clean records that are slightly rippled?
A. Yes, the vacuum arm will ride over the irregular surfaces of a damaged record. We do however, recommend temporarily increasing the weight of the vacuum arm for these problem records. The normal pressure of the arm should be set between 2.5 grams and 2.8 grams.
Q. I have noticed that even when I clean my records I can still hear are still pops and clicks.
A. No record cleaner will repair physical scratches that can cause this noise during playback. A scratched record is permanently damaged. Also, playing dirty records before they are cleaned can contribute to the destruction of a record. A needle produces terrific pressure on the groove walls which results in instantaneous heat and scratching of the modulation pattern. Grit and dirt can be burnished into the groove walls and cannot be removed by cleaning the record. It is best to clean a record when you first obtain the record, definitely before playing it the first time. It is quite possible that a record cleaned on the Loricraft will be cleaner than when it was in the record pressing plant. Click here for a tutorial on proper record cleaning.
Q. Other cleaning machine manufacturers recommend rinsing the disk after cleaning with a solution. Is this necessary with the Loricraft?
A. A rinse with distilled water (not tap water that contains many impurities) will not hurt, but may help. Although this is not necessary with the Loricraft you may find that really "filthy" records will benefit from multiple cleanings and perhaps a final rinse.
Q. Can I order a 240 VAC Loricraft cleaner instead of the standard voltage?
A. SMART stocks the 120 VAC versions for use in North America and a few other countries. We have supplied 240VAC 50 Hz. models for Europe, Asia, and other countries, and also100 VAC models for use in Japan. These are special order models and can usually be supplied in a few weeks. The price for the 230-240VAC models used in Europe is US$2045. The differences are that the vacuum pump, turntable motor, and arm drive motor must be the proper voltage for use in each country.
Q. I know of another record cleaning machine (also made in the U.K.) that is almost three times the price of the Loricraft. Does it do a better job?
A. Both the Loricraft and the Keith Monks record cleaners were developed from the invention of Percy Wilson in 1968. Both machines are made in England and use the same, identical method of cleaning a record. The Loricraft slogan “Nothing cleans more thoroughly than the Loricraft” is backed by a 30 day money back guarantee.
Q. If my Loricraft cleaner breaks do I have to send it back to England for repair?
A. No. SMART Devices is a factory authorized repair facility for North America. You pay only the freight charges to Atlanta, Georgia. Your machine will be repaired with prepaid shipping back to you during the 5 year limited warranty period.
Q. The Loricraft has been around for several years. Why is it not sold by my local Stereo store?
A. Most sales for record cleaning machines are in the $500 and below category and are (somewhat) mass marketed. Only serious record collectors and archivists are interested in a more effective, precision cleaner. By offering an extended 5-year warranty and regional repair, the Loricraft has become a major contender in high-end record cleaning machines. The Loricraft is the best value when considering price vs. cleaning power.
Q. I niticed that you are now offering a PRC4 and PRC5 in addition to the PRC3. What is the differences between the models?
A. The PRC4 and PRC5 are supplied in the English Ash furnitire finish. Both have a heavy-duty "double headed" vacuum pump for almost 4 times the suction power of the PRC3. These models are directed to the professional that uses the machine constantly in their work. The PRC5 is the only machine that will clean 20" records.
These questions were gleaned from email and phone-in customers.