so armboard for lifter and rest is ready we'll pick up build from here, cut lifter/rest board to length, sanded oiled and fitted lifter. We drilled ,tapped and installed set screw for easy removal and height adj. For arm rest used another bicycle spoke
check that one off the list (it was a long list). For the counter weight I wanted to be able to add extra weight if it became necessary depending on cartridge installed lets say a Decca with some ballast added at headshell area, as well it had to have some azimuth adjustment and possibly fine
weight adjustment at least 1 gram +/-. so back to the scrap bin and the old office chair leg I cut up for footers. I turned it on the lathe, nothing fancy and counter bored for additional weight when necessary
This is with the fine adjustment weight added to see what my total would be, the silver circle piece is the extra weight to be used when needed
as seen in next picture on Iso/resin arm board
Most parts ready for assembly, I used an offcut from one of the carbide tipped scratch awls I purchased for bearing tip as counter weight support at end of tone arm, drilled counter weight high and drilled /tapped for same sized set screw as used for armrest so can utilize one allen wrench for both adjustments
Next up tonearm wire instal, RCA mounting bracket made from aluminum floor threshold bent ,drilled and beaten with hammer to get a radius to match (somewhat) the NSG pod it will be mounted on, solder cart clips and RCA's
Length of arm from centre of headshell slot to pivot is 295mm so that is what I'm using for P to S set up with 15mm overhang.Installing a Shelter 201 MM cart with DC of 15, has never been used bought about 5 years ago and was going to mount it on the Dual 1229Q, which went to my son when I picked up my first L75 so don't really know what to expect from it. Recommended VTF is 1.5-2gms so set up at 1.7gm.
Very pleased with azimuth adjustment, working as hoped. As well rolled some plasti-dip on bottom of pods, really helps with keeping pod firmly in place when making adjustments after setting up P to S distance
Well this is surely the Frankenstein of Bamboo tone arms I'm calling it "Frankie Bamboo" for future reference and I must say after listening to 5 LP's last evening it is a keeper.I have made it to be run dry as I am listening to it now, but it has the reservoir for damping fluid as well.
Thanks Chris for the push down this rabbit hole, another lengthy but rewarding and fun trip, Can't wait to try the Decca on it down the road.
