IanMac Bearing

[Natara]

I bought my 1210 with a Mike New Bearing already installed are there any members who can explain the differences between it and the Ian Mac bearing.

[Audio Al]

All I can say is the Mike New bearing was made 100% not a adapted standard bearing

I understand the Ian Mac bearing has a new base made with std top end

[Ianmac]

Nat,
The mike new bearing was a totally new bearing manufactured from scratch.

My bearing was designed to do 3 things and was finally configured with the help of many on the forum.
1 make it affordable
2 make it last with minimal maintenace
3 make it improve the electronic signal performance of the deck.

I had a target price of £150, less than half the cost of most alternatives. It was cost effective to use a new techie bearing and mod the design weaknesses of the original. It was only available to forum members. ( I am a retired engineer- not a dealer)
It is completely oil filled so all the bearing contact surfaces have a film of oil. It is topped up if needed without removing the bearing from the techie. (It does not have a standard top end.)
I have measured, and others on the forum independantly, an improvement of 6 to 8db in the electronically measured noise coming from the bearing, thats half the level of that from a standard bearing. This results in an improved electronic audio signal with more detail and better bass.

I made them for two years then stopped due to illness. When I recovered I wanted to make more bearings for those I had previously promised but was stopped dead in my tracks due to Technics no longer supplying new bearings
There is a growing interest in using a good used Techie bearing as the donor and this is where we are now. The advantage of all bearing surfaces having a film of oil on them may prove to be benefitial.
Hope this helps
Ian

[Natara]

Thanks Ian for taking the time to explain.

[CageyH]

How many people do you have on the list for the next production run?

[Ianmac]

4 expressions of interest at the moment but here in the UK Coronavirus is occupying minds and Hi fi may not be at the top of priority lists.

I have 10 kits of parts for bearing upgrades, 95% complete, another day will see them finished and hopefully the component from USA will be here this week.
I have bought two bearings from forum members and will mod them as soon as I can. Machining the donor bearing and setting the shaft height is not a quick job and must not be rushed.
The original New bearing I had is spoken for.
One reworked bearing is finished and available.
Ian

[CageyH]

Ok, Cool.
I still maintain an interest in this, but I am happy to give up “my slot” if someone else comes along who needs a modified bearing.
It will be the end of the month before I can post my used bearing to you though.

The Corona virus is getting quite restrictive over here.

[Natara]

I've just discovered that I actually have one of your bearings Ian I contacted the previous owner and he confirmed this. So my next question is what is the best oil for the bearing and how do I go about topping it up?

Again I'd be very grateful for any help.

[Ianmac]

A good quality SAE5 oil.------- not multigrade oil.
The previous owner should have given you the instruction sheet !
I have copies on my PC so will send you a PM and we can exchange via email

[Natara]

Thanks Ian that will be a great help.