Hi,

 

I bought a used SME V recently that didn't come with the tools or mounting/alignment templates. Not a big problem (I think), I can print off one of the many templates from vinylengine.com.

 

However, I just wanted to check with somebody that actually owns one of these if all the tools supplied are regular garden variety allen key, torx, etc?

The reason I ask is because SME's pricing (read 'gouging') for replacements is just ridiculous. I'm looking at about $180 for what looks like an allen key, a torx screwdriver, a couple of paper templates.

 

If anybody could post close up pics that would be great. If they are proprietary tools I'm probably just going to have to bite the bullet.

 

However, if anybody could loan me their tools for a week that would be even better!! Thanks in advance.

Edited May 30, 201312 yr by thesnodger

Hi,

 

I bought a used SME V recently that didn't come with the tools or mounting/alignment templates. Not a big problem (I think), I can print off one of the many templates from vinylengine.com.

 

However, I just wanted to check with somebody that actually owns one of these if all the tools supplied are regular garden variety allen key, torx, etc?

The reason I ask is because SME's pricing (read 'gouging') for replacements is just ridiculous. I'm looking at about $180 for what looks like an allen key, a torx screwdriver, a couple of paper templates.

 

If anybody could post close up pics that would be great. If they are proprietary tools I'm probably just going to have to bit the bullet.

 

However, if anybody could loan me their tools for a week that would be even better!! Thanks in advance.

 

Hi.

mounting the SME arm is relatively easy as it have the sliding base where you can use it for locating the correct mounting distance , so even if you drill 1 or 2mm off , you still be ok as far as alignment go .

i think Keith ( vinyl eye ) used one on his SME table so he might be of some help if you needed.

good luck and Enjoy the fine arm.

Lovetube

Yes - most of if not all the tools (apart from the templates) is of the "garden variety" which you can buy from the likes of Bunnings.

Yes - most of if not all the tools (apart from the templates) is of the "garden variety" which you can buy from the likes of Bunnings.

That's what I suspected!

 

Do you happen to know if the mouting template is paper or is it made from stainless-steel or something? They want like $36 for it!!!

 

I figured if I could just get hold of them to scan them, as long as I print them to scale everything would be good.

Edited May 30, 201312 yr by thesnodger

Hi.

mounting the SME arm is relatively easy as it have the sliding base where you can use it for locating the correct mounting distance , so even if you drill 1 or 2mm off , you still be ok as far as alignment go .

i think Keith ( vinyl eye ) used one on his SME table so he might be of some help if you needed.

good luck and Enjoy the fine arm.

Lovetube

Thanks for the advice. I don't think I need the mouting template at all for my TT (it has a specifically cut armboard). I was thinking it would be good to have if I do sell it.

At the moment I have a Clearaudio Universal and the SME V. I don't need both, but I think I'd rather keep the SME - but I havent been able to mount it yet.

The template is machined alloy and some of the tools are proprietary to setting up the arm such as the overhang tool and the vta adjustment tool.

The template is machined alloy and some of the tools are proprietary to setting up the arm such as the overhang tool and the vta adjustment tool.

Ok, well that at least explains the asking price. So the VTA screw is proprietary?

 

A close up pic would be awesome if somebody can do it!

The template is an acrylic or thin plastic isn't it? Mine was on my SME V, maybe they changed? But yep you'd need the other tools Guru lists as they're specific to the arm. I reckon if you hold out there'll be someone here who can loan them to you. I would if I still had them. 

The template is an acrylic or thin plastic isn't it? Mine was on my SME V, maybe they changed? But yep you'd need the other tools Guru lists as they're specific to the arm. I reckon if you hold out there'll be someone here who can loan them to you. I would if I still had them. 

Here's hoping Cameron!

That's what I suspected!

 

Do you happen to know if the mouting template is paper or is it made from stainless-steel or something? They want like $36 for it!!!

 

I figured if I could just get hold of them to scan them, as long as I print them to scale everything would be good.

 

The template is made of plastic - you can make one up yourself if you have the paper template and some thin plastic or cardboard.

 

If the VTA tool is proprietary - just buy that as the rest are like ball end allen keys.

Edited May 30, 201312 yr by triode12

If you have been supplied a ready cut out arm board then you will only need the overhang template for the arm . The mounting template is for machining of a new arm board and hence it is alloy and was probably only supplied to dealers.

The vta adjustment tool is a very thin (1.5mm or 2mm???) Allen key -diddly thing but is ok. I'm away for 10days but if no-one has helped in the meantime Ill post some pics of tools

If you'd been in SA you could have borrowed them.

The vta adjustment tool is a very thin (1.5mm or 2mm???) Allen key -diddly thing but is ok. I'm away for 10days but if no-one has helped in the meantime Ill post some pics of tools

If you'd been in SA you could have borrowed them.

Thanks Frankn - not had any offers yet!!

I agree the SME costs and shipping are very high

The vertical arm rest "tool" is a 0.89mm hex key

The HTA tool is very similar to a T10 torx key- I haven't tried using a T10 to adjust my arm though - you could purchase one and see if it fits - would be cheap to check

The VTA tool is a threaded rod with a handle - The thread count appears to be 2/mm and the rod diameter ~=2mm.

The alignment protractor is cardboard - I've scanned it for you - but to use it correctly you need the (separate) collar.  I would use a 3rd party protractor for more accuracy. (I used the MintLP Tractor but they are individually made for unique arm & cartridge combos)

You mentioned VinylEngine - you can find the mounting/setup info from there

So, overall you could purchase the torx and allen key in Bunnings/online

I recommend purchase of the VTA key from SME

If you want the scan, please PM your email address

Cheers   Frank