Audio Asylum Thread Printer

Get a view of an entire thread on one page

Vintage Asylum

Empire 698 suggestion for metal cleaning

76.226.170.102

I just acquired an Empire 698 (don't ask me why. I recently purchased a Dual 1229-Q and Elac 45 at garage sales, and gave them to two good friends who could use them. This table that I came across was so good looking, that I just bought it for the heck of it).

I have three questions.

1) What is a safe cleaning solution to clean/polish the gold tinted metal surfaces (i.e., surrounding metal base, platter, arm)?

2) The rubber mat seems to be warped. It bulges up slightly about half the way out from the center to the outer diameter, all the way around. Is this normal?

3) Does anyone have the manuals for this unit?

Thank you in advance.

Charlie8521

Follow Ups:

RE: Empire 698 suggestion for metal cleaning - The Real Dick Hertz 12:27:32 06/03/09 (1)
Test a small area with the cleaner first. You may also have a lacquer coating on the surfaces and that could be removed with abrasive cleaners. I'd start with something mild like dish detergent diluted in a small dish and applied with a soft rag. If that doesn't do it maybe step up to 409 or Simple Green. (Where's Billy Mays when you really need him?) As for the mat, try putting it out in the sun for a couple of hours, then rest a heavy flat piece of wood on it and leave it for a day or so. You might also check to see if the metal strobe disc is what's warped. Maybe you could find a manual on Vinyl Engine.
- If you use Simple Green... - DaveInVA 14:00:19 06/05/09 (0)
  dilute it first as full strength it can take off the lettering....
  Otherwise it works great diluted on many of the various vintage chassis and panels I've tried it on...
  Oh, and has been mentioned by someone else the 698 DOES have a lacquer coating that you have to be careful of.
  Dave
  
  Edits: 06/05/09
gingerly applied, I would think Brasso (cream) would be OK - mhardy6647 12:15:44 06/03/09 (3)
Does Vinyl Engine have the manual?
all the best,
mrh
- http://www.vinylengine.com (Open in New Window)
- RE: gingerly applied, I would think Brasso (cream) would be OK - Charlie8521 12:26:33 06/03/09 (2)
  mhardy,
  
  Thank you for the input on the Brasso Cream.
  
  I've used Brasso Metal Clean solution before on the brass tuning slides of my trumpet, and it did a wonderful job in cleaning up the metal. However, it later oxidized in the worst way - turned the metal black.
  
  I did find the Vinyle Engine site, but they don't have the 698. Only 598.
  
  Charlie8521
  - Brasso will do that because there's acid in it to speed up the deoxidizing process. - The Real Dick Hertz 14:13:26 06/03/09 (1)
    Try something like Flitz that has jeweler's rouge in it instead.
    - RE: Brasso will do that because there's acid in it to speed up the deoxidizing process. - Charlie8521 10:27:37 06/05/09 (0)
      Thank you for the input.
      
      After washing some of the parts in a light detergent I went to use a Blitz silver polishing cloth intended for silver trumpets, but a warning label advised not to use on lacquered metal - which the 698 appeared to be. So I went with Blitz Gloss Care cloth from the music store. Seemed to work very well. Attached is a pic.
      
      Now the task of setting up the arm.
      
      Not sure if I'll ever use the table, but it sure is nice just to look at.
      
      On a side note, thank you MedicMike for a copy of the manual.
      
      Charlie8521

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.