How To Lubricate A Technics Turntable?

The turntable is the heart of any DJ system, and it’s also one of the most important pieces of equipment in your collection. 

You probably already own a turntable, whether you play vinyl records or listen to CDs. But if not, you should seriously consider buying one. 

The reason for this is simple – there are many different types of turntables available on the market today, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

So which type of turntable do you need? Well, we can help with that too! In this article, we will be looking at how to lubricate a Technics turntable. We will start by explaining what a turntable actually is, before moving onto how to lubricate it properly. Then we will look at some of the best ways to lubricate a Technics turntable, including using WD-40, oil, and grease.

Finally, we will finish off by giving you our top tips for lubricating a Technics turntable to ensure that it runs smoothly for years to come.

What Is A Turntable?

A turntable is essentially a device used to play records. It consists of two parts – the platter (also known as the ‘deck’) and the tonearm (or stylus). The platter is where the music is played from, while the tonearm is responsible for playing the music back.

The tonearm is attached to the platter via a bearing assembly, which allows the tonearm to move freely across the surface of the platter without causing damage. This means that the tonearm can easily pick up the vibrations caused by the needle hitting the record groove.

These vibrations cause the needle to vibrate, creating an audible sound when the needle hits the record groove. This is why the tonearm is called the “needle”.

Technics Turntable How To Lubricate A Turntable

Now that you know what a turntable is, let us explain how to lubricate a turntable. There are three main methods of lubrication that you can use to keep your turntable running smoothly. These include using WD-40, oils, and greases. Each method works differently, so we will now look at them in more detail.

WD-40 Method

This is probably the simplest way to lubricate a turn deck. Simply spray WD-40 all over the platter and tonearm bearings, and allow it to dry naturally. Once the WD-40 has dried, simply turn the turntable on and enjoy listening to your favorite songs. However, this method does not work well for long term lubrication purposes.

Oil Method

Oil is another popular method of lubricating a turntable. Alternatively, you can apply it directly to the shaft or directly to the platter and tonearm bearings.

Either way, once the oil has been applied, you must wait until it has completely dried before turning the turntable on. This is because oil is very slippery, and if you turn the turntable too early, then it could slip out of place.

Grease Method

Finally, you can use grease instead of oil. Grease is much thicker than oil, and therefore it takes longer to dry. 

It is also difficult to apply grease to your turntable, but you can buy specialized grease that makes it easier. Grease is only recommended if you are trying to prolong your turntable’s life.

Steps To Lubricate A Technics Turntable

To lubricate a Technics Turntable, follow these steps:

1. Turn the turntable off.
2. Remove the cartridge from the turntable.
3. Spray WD-40 all over both sides of the platter and toner arm bearings.
4. Allow the WD-40 to dry naturally.
5. Place the cartridge back into the turntable.

Top Tips For Lubricating A Technics Turntables to Ensure That It Runs Smoothly For Years To Come

Once you have lubricated your turntable, make sure that you follow these top tips to ensure that it continues to run smoothly for years to come:

1. Keep Your Platter Clean

The first thing that you should do after lubricating your turntable is clean the platter. Make sure that you wipe away any excess oil or grease, and then give it a good cleaning with a soft cloth. This ensures that dust particles aren’t able to build up on the platter, which would otherwise reduce the quality of the sound.

2. Use An Anti-Vibration Mat

If you live in a noisy area, then you may wish to consider getting yourself an anti-vibration mat. 

In addition to being available in many shapes and sizes, these mats are designed to absorb unwanted vibrations. They are particularly useful if you have a big turntable.

3. Check The Tonearm Bearings

Make sure that you check the tonearm bearings regularly. If you notice any signs of wear, then you need to replace them immediately. In addition, you should also check the cartridge every time you change the record.

4. Change The Record Regularly

If you listen to vinyl records often, then you should be changing the record frequently. This means that you should always be looking for new ones, and you should never leave your records lying around.

5. Avoid Using Too Much Force When Turning The Platter

When you turn the platter, you should avoid applying too much force. This is because excessive force can damage the platter, and it can even cause the platter to break. Instead, you should gently turn the platter using one hand, while holding onto the armrests with the other.

6. Maintain Proper Temperatures

You should maintain proper temperatures when storing your turntable. If you store your turntable at low temperatures, then it will take longer to warm up, and it will also take longer to cool down. Therefore, you should keep your turntable somewhere between 20°C and 30°C.

7. Store It Safely

You should store your turntable safely. This means that you shouldn’t put it anywhere where there is a risk of fire, and you should also not expose it to direct sunlight.

8. Protect It From Dust And Dirt

Dust and dirt can easily accumulate on your turntable, so you should try to protect it from both of these things. You can buy a cover for your turntable, or you can simply wrap it in plastic.

11. Always Have A Spare Cartridge

You should always have a spare cartridge ready whenever you play your record. This way, you won’t lose any music, and you will be able to continue playing without interruption.

12. Keep Your Record Clean

You should make sure that your record is kept clean. This means that you don’t allow dust and dirt to get into the grooves of the record.

13. Replace The Armrest Every Few Years

The arm rest should be replaced every few years. This is because the arm rests tend to become worn out over time, and they can start to crack.

14. Use An Anti-Vibration Mat

An anti-vibration pad is something that you should use if you live in a noisy environment. These pads are designed to absorb unwanted vibration, and they are available for most types of turntables.

18. Be Careful With The Power Supply

If you want to connect your turntable to an amplifier, then you should be careful with how you do this. When connecting your turntable to a power supply, you should avoid using too many cables. This is because the cables can interfere with each other, and they can cause interference.

Conclusion

Follow these tips for caring for your Technics turntable and you will be able to extend its lifespan