thesnodger Posted May 30, 2013 Posted May 30, 2013 (edited) 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, 2013 by thesnodger
lovetube Posted May 30, 2013 Posted May 30, 2013 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
Sir Triode Posted May 30, 2013 Posted May 30, 2013 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.
thesnodger Posted May 30, 2013 Author Posted May 30, 2013 (edited) 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, 2013 by thesnodger
thesnodger Posted May 30, 2013 Author Posted May 30, 2013 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.
Guest guru Posted May 30, 2013 Posted May 30, 2013 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.
thesnodger Posted May 30, 2013 Author Posted May 30, 2013 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!
Krispy Audio Posted May 30, 2013 Posted May 30, 2013 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.
thesnodger Posted May 30, 2013 Author Posted May 30, 2013 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!
Sir Triode Posted May 30, 2013 Posted May 30, 2013 (edited) 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, 2013 by triode12
Guest guru Posted May 30, 2013 Posted May 30, 2013 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.
frankn Posted May 31, 2013 Posted May 31, 2013 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.
thesnodger Posted June 3, 2013 Author Posted June 3, 2013 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 toolsIf you'd been in SA you could have borrowed them. Thanks Frankn - not had any offers yet!!
frankn Posted June 11, 2013 Posted June 11, 2013 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 1
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