Scoured the web for answers but I'm just not getting the concrete info that I'm looking for.
The long 'n short of it is, I'm attempting to bring some parts over from my HW-19 MKIV with non-inverted bearing and 11.5" TNT metal/delrin platter.
-Looking to replace the Aries 3 all-acrylic platter with the TNT platter, if possible. I believe it comes with a 12" platter and inverted bearing that would make possibly make it impossible to use my 11.5" TNT platter. Maybe not?
-Mounting a non VPI arm. Is that a separate arm/collar piece to be drilled?
-Is this even an "upgrade" or more of a latteral move?
Thanks everyone.
-Mike
I am also confused. mitochondrial dna sequencing
No problem moving a TNT platter to an Aries 3 but with a few caveats.
The Aries 3's inverted bearing is secured to the plinth via a threaded retaining nut to create a compression fitting. The HW19's oil bath bearing is secured to the plinth by 3 bolts screwed into the plinth. To transfer the TNT/HW19 bearing to the A3 you will need to feel comfortable drilling 3 holes into the A3 plinth. As an alternative, you can try and find a later production oil bath bearing with a compression fitting similar to the A3 inverted bearing (See TNT mk5).
The HW19 traditionally has a 1" diameter bearing plinth hole. The A3, I recall, has a 1.25" (easily measured) bearing plinth hole. If you choose to use the hw19 bearing, you will need to use a bushing spacer which VPI sells (or use to sell) to take up the 0.25" difference. You can also run tape around the shaft's diameter to make up the difference. The spacer or the tape trick is used merely to center the bearing in the hole. If your A3 has a 1" plinth hole, please ignore the above.
You will need to change the pulley on the A3 as it is designed to be used with a 12" platter. You cannot use the hw19 pulley as it is designed for a 600 rpm motor whereas the A3 uses a 300 rpm motor.
Another option is to find a used Classic/Prime platter.
Hey Mike, can you post some pictures of what you have? Might make it easier to diagnose and spot certain things with it.