I enjoy bringing readers quirky equipment and accessories, so join me as we look at a Moth RCM vacuum record cleaner I’ve just revived.

Firstly, a big thank you to Francis, who kindly donated his dead Moth RCM record cleaner. Francis has followed my work for a while and knew how much I enjoyed saving things like this, so when his Moth RCM record cleaner died, he decided to donate it, in the hope that it could be resurrected and enjoyed again by someone else. I am pleased to say that I have indeed resurrected her!

Moth RCM record cleaner
This is the Moth RCM, as she arrived, non-functional and needing a little TLC. Nice build by Francis, but the red switches could use securing screws and the drain tap fittings are very loose.

Francis built this unit himself some years ago, used it, and loved how it cleaned his records. That was until it went bang and stopped working, at which point he put it to one side and bought something else to replace it. He decided then to make contact, and we arranged a time for him to kindly deliver it to the workshop. We also had a long chat about vinyl, end-game turntables, and other topics. Thanks again, Francis!

Background

There are various record cleaning methods, and some are actually useful! Record cleaning is a mildly controversial topic, not because of any inherent complexity; the science is straightforward, but it is often poorly understood and applied. That’s a discussion for another time, but I use dry methods to maintain my clean records, and a couple of wet cleaning methods for records that need it, including an ultrasonic bath, using cleaning fluids that I make.

Before ultrasonic cleaning and various other methods, though, the vacuum-style cleaners were king. The Moth RCM is a classic, if rather noisy, manual machine and packs real record-cleaning punch. The advantage over other non-vacuum wet cleaners is that the suction pulls away cleaning fluid and dirt at the same time, leaving records sparkling clean when used correctly.

The Moth RCM, sold as either a complete finished product or as a kit like you see here, was one of, if not THE most popular, affordable record cleaner available. It’s no Keith Monks cleaner, but when last sold by Decibel Hi-Fi, the ready-made Moth RCM record cleaner cost a cool $1,795 AUD. I believe you can/could still purchase these from the UK, for £595, plus VAT, shipping and other taxes, of course.

image
The ready-made version of the Moth RCM

Using a Moth RCM is simple, and the instructions can be found here. You clamp a record to the platter, turn the machine on, apply cleaning fluid to the top side with the brush, then flip the record over, vacuum the wet side whilst applying fluid to the second dry side, and repeat. Easy. Noisy!

When using a Moth RCM, I suggest a separate room and earplugs or noise-cancelling earbuds because these are LOUD. I am a drummer, ride motorcycles and like loud, heavy music, and I’m saying hearing protection should be used around one of these things. Think of using a loud vacuum cleaner with an unfiltered motor right next to your face!

That aside, the suction and cleaning power of a good example is impressive and this repaired Moth RCM really ‘sucks’! You can read more about the Moth RCM in this review and this review.

Repair

This was more of a mild overhaul, given that the unit is old and was built from a kit. She had a blown fuse and the wiring needed a bit of TLC, as did some of the hardware, switches, drain tap and motor. She only needed a couple of hours, some screws, shims etc though, and she was running nicely once again.

The issues here were:

  • Blown fuse
  • Loose fittings and fixtures
  • Stripped screw holes
  • Loose internal wiring
  • Loose motor
  • Poor vacuum
Moth RCM record cleaner
My first job here was to replace the dead fuse and then access the insides via the bottom panel. Removing this panel after all this time required a trick or two, and that was despite the several stripped screw holes. I was able to repair these. I need to straighten up this collection tank also.
Moth RCM record cleaner
Much better. In the left cavity, we have the switches, the turntable motor and the rear of the vacuum motor. The centre section holds the motor in position. The right-side cavity is where the vacuum is, and the collection tank and plumbing.
Moth RCM record cleaner
This loose drain junction and fitting are one of many places that vacuum leaks allow air in, reducing the vacuum present at the record interface. Note the heavy wooden construction, this thing has some serious heft.
Moth RCM record cleaner
I checked and tightened the wiring, all of which was very loose, and I think responsible for the issues with this Moth RCM. I also checked the two capacitors, as these can fail, but they were fine. Put it this way – after sorting out the wiring and replacing the fuse, she sprang back to life, so I’m calling that a win!
Moth RCM record cleaner
A few cable ties help to keep things organised.
Moth RCM record cleaner
This panel was pushed into place and not retained, so four new screws now retain what is a panel switching mains voltages. It needs to be secure from a safety perspective, and because it was one of many potential vacuum leaks.
Moth RCM record cleaner
Careful application of the right tools allowed me to completely tighten this loose drain fitting/junction, restoring an annoying functional issue, and further improving the sealing and, therefore, vacuum.
Moth RCM record cleaner
The vacuum motor was also loose, creating additional air leakage and noise. I shimmed it with some pieces of my business card so that the front face sits flush against the wooden panel. Yes, I could have sealed around this as it seemed Francis had tried previously, but shimming the motor and fixing other vacuum leaks made a significant improvement. This is a nice Italian motor, by the way.
Moth RCM record cleaner
A light cleaning of the acrylic lid, and we are now done.
Moth RCM record cleaner
And here she is, working again and probably better than she has for a while.

Results

I’m pleased to report that this Moth RCM record cleaner, lovingly built and used by Francis for many years, is now running nicely again. I briefly tested it before sorting out the various vacuum leaks, and the ‘suction power’, to coin an amusing term, feels like twice what it was before.

I can recommend these Moth RCM record cleaning machines as good, honest cleaners, slightly crude, yes, but solid and possessing good record cleaning power. There are, of course, various new vacuum record cleaner options available, should you wish to try one.

I now must decide what to do with this Moth RCM. I was considering keeping her in the workshop for a while until the right customer decides that they would like her. I may even keep her as an alternative to my other wet cleaning methods, just to keep things interesting. We shall see!

Moth RCM record cleaner
It’s always satisfying fixing something, especially something that was or is loved, even a simple thing like this Moth RCM.
Moth RCM record cleaner
Francis was even kind enough to include a few extra pairs of felt vacuum pads for the cleaner, the brush and the original can of silver paint he used. What a legend!
Moth RCM record cleaner

As always, thanks for visiting. I appreciate people stopping by, taking a moment to read and perhaps liking, commenting and sharing these articles. If you have one of these, let me know your thoughts in the comments. Does the noise bother you?!

If you’d like me to look at your Moth RCM, you can get in touch via our contact form. I am very busy with service and repair work at the moment, but stay tuned, there will be more soon.


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