VPI Industries HW-17 Manual

HW-17
Record Cleaning Machine
Setup and Instruction Manual
VPI Industries, Inc., 77 Cliffwood Ave. #3B, Cliffwood, NJ 07721
http://www.vpiindustries.com

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Important: Read Before Proceeding!
Save all packing materials. The HW-17 should only be moved or shipped in its
original packaging to reduce the risk of damage in transit.
When handling the Vacuum Pickup Tube, do not touch the velvet surfaces. Skin
oil will contaminate the velvet and affect the performance of the HW-17.
To reduce noise from the HW-17, place it on a firm, stable surface.
Safety Instructions
Follow the instructions below to reduce risk
of electrical hazard.
1. Do not operate the HW-17 near an open flame, burning cigarette, pipe, cigar, etc.
2. To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet of the HW-17.
3. If the power cord provided with the HW-17 does not reach an outlet, use a heavy-duty,
grounded extension cord.
4. To avoid electrical shock, always plug the HW-17 into a grounded outlet.
5. Do not expose the HW-17 to rain or excessive moisture.
Follow the instructions below to avoid damage
to the HW-17.
1. Do not leave the HW-17 unit running unattended.
2. Use the HW-17 in a well-ventilated area.
3. Place the HW-17 on a firm surface to allow proper ventilation to occur.
4. Keep the white hose clamp shut when cleaning records.
5. Clean all fluid spills in the cabinet immediately. Failure to do so could cause the machine to
loose it’s finish.
6. Do not tip or move the HW-17 if there is fluid in the catch basin or fluid reservoir. This could
cause fluid to leak.
7. Unlike VPI Record Cleaning Machine Fluid, some third-party cleaning fluids are flammable.
Damage to the HW-17 caused by third-party cleaning fluids will void the warranty.
8. To avoid unnecessary wear on the vacuum motor, do not turn on the VACUUM switch unless
the TABLE switch is already on.
9. Do not turn on the VACUUM switch unless the Vacuum Pickup Tube is in place. Without the
tube to restrict air intake, any liquid in the catch basin could be drawn into the motor. This will
damage the motor. Damage of this type is not covered by the warranty.

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Introduction
This newest version of the 25 year old HW-17 Record Cleaning Machine is a precision engineered
product that microscopically cleans vinyl analog records. The cooling fan allows the HW-17 to
withstand heavy, continuous use. It is made from aluminum to aid in cooling and preventing any
moisture damage from affecting the machine
A special adapter and Vacuum Pickup Tube are available for cleaning seven-inch 45 RPM records
and ten-inch 78 RPM records.
NOTE: Older 78 RPM shellac records can be cleaned using a
special cleaning fluid available from VPI. The cleaning fluid
provided with the HW-17 should not be used on shellac records.
Your new HW-17 Record Cleaning Machine has been carefully designed and manufactured. To
ensure years of trouble-free performance, please read and follow the instructions in this manual.
In This Package
The HW-17 unit.
Power cord.
Bottle of VPI Record Cleaning Machine Fluid.
This manual.
3/32 inch Allen wrench.
Technical Specifications
Fuses
10 amps, 22 by 5 millimeters (115 volt unit).
6.3 amps, 22 by 5 millimeters (230 volt unit).
Vacuum Motor
Maximum amps:
o5.7 (115 volt unit).
o3.3 (230 volt unit).
CFM:
o95.0 (115 volt unit).
o99.0 (230 volt unit).
Turntable Motor
RPM:
o18 (115 volt unit).
o16 (230 volt unit).

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Operating the HW-17
Unpacking the Box
The HW-17 is packed very carefully to avoid damage during shipping. It is important that you save
the packing materials and box to use for shipping or moving the HW-17.
1. Remove the cardboard.
2. Reach into the box and remove the power cord and bottle of VPI Record Cleaning Machine
Fluid. Set aside.
3. Lift one side of the HW-17 cabinet and slide off the foam end cap do the same with the other
end.
4. Lift one side of the HW-17 cabinet, slide off the plastic bag, then do the same with the other
side of the cabinet.
5. Remove the HW-17 from the box, using caution with the attached hose.
Setting Up the HW-17
When using the HW-17 for the first time, we recommend that you use a dirty, dispensable record.
1. Place the HW-17 on a firm, stable surface, making sure the drain hose is not caught under the
unit and the clamp on the hose is closed.
2. Make sure the TABLE switch is in the middle (off) position and the VACUUM switch is in the
down (off) position.
3. Connect the power cord to the back of the unit and plug it into a grounded outlet that provides
the necessary voltage.
4. Open the cover.
5. Turn on the TABLE switch. There will be noise from the high torque, 100:1 gear motor.
6. Turn on the VACUUM switch. There will be noise from the 19,000-RPM fan.
7. Turn off the VACUUM switch, then turn off the TABLE switch.
Using the HW-17
Record cleaning must always be done in the following order.
1. If the Vacuum Pickup Tube is pointing toward the spindle, rotate it until it is clear of the
turntable and pointing toward the back of the HW-17.
2. If the Applicator Head is pointing toward the spindle, lift it and rotate it until it is parallel to the
back of the cabinet.
3. Remove the fluid reservoir stopper in the front left of the cabinet. Pour in 4 ounces of VPI
Record Cleaning Machine Fluid. The fluid reservoir can hold 8 ounces of fluid.
If you have used the HW-17 before, empty the catch basin before adding more fluid. See
Draining the HW-17 Catch Basin on page 6 for instructions.

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4. Remove the clamp, place the record on the turntable, and replace the clamp. Tighten the
clamp enough to hold the record firmly, but not so much that the edge of the record curves
upward (dishes).
NOTE: The record clamp should turn smoothly on the spindle
and should not be forced. If it does not tighten smoothly,
unscrew it and replace it. Forcing the record clamp could
damage it.
5. Move the TABLE switch into the up position so the turntable is rotating in the clockwise
direction.
6. Lift the Applicator Head and rotate it so it points toward the spindle.
NOTE: The Applicator Head assembly has a stop that positions
the brush over the record and pointing toward the spindle. If the
brush does not lock in this position, the brush may need to be
realigned. Follow the directions in Changing the Applicator Brush
on page 8.
When the turntable is rotating in the clockwise or anticlockwise direction, the Applicator Head
will point about an inch beyond the spindle. This is done to keep fluid off the record label.
7. Press the PUMP button briefly. Do not hold it in for more than a moment or too much fluid will
be dispensed. If you are using the HW-17 for the first time, you may need to press the button a
second or third time. The correct amount of fluid will completely cover the record’s grooved
area without spilling over the edge of the record, or onto the record label. As you gain
experience, it will become almost automatic to press the button the correct length of time.
8. After the turntable has completed three clockwise revolutions, move the TABLE switch down
two clicks to the REVERSE position and allow the turntable to complete three anticlockwise
revolutions.
NOTE: Cleaning a record in the reverse direction is normally
done only the first time it is cleaned. The next time that record is
cleaned, only the forward direction is needed.
9. Lift the Applicator Head and rotate it to its rest position, parallel to the back of the HW-17
cabinet.
10. Move the TABLE switch up two clicks to the forward position.
11. Rotate the Vacuum Pickup Tube anticlockwise over the record so that it is pointing almost
toward the record spindle.
12. Move the VACUUM switch to the up position. The Vacuum Pickup Tube will lower and lock into
position pointing toward the spindle.

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13. After the record has completed two revolutions, move the VACUUM switch down to the off
position. When the Vacuum Pickup Tube lifts off the record rotate it until it points toward the
back of the unit.
Two revolutions are usually sufficient to remove all of the cleaning fluid and leave the record
completely dry. If some fluid remains on the record, turn on the VACUUM switch for two more
revolutions.
The drying speed depends on your location due to differences in line voltage.
NOTE: Excessive vacuuming will lead to a build-up of static
electricity, which will attract more dirt to the newly cleaned
record.
14. Turn the TABLE switch down one click to the off position.
NOTE: To avoid damaging the HW-17 and your records, always
turn off the VACUUM switch before turning off the TABLE
switch.
15. Unscrew the record clamp, carefully remove the record, and repeat the procedure on the
other side of the record.
Care and Maintenance of the HW-17
Draining the HW-17 Catch Basin
The catch basin for used record cleaning fluid can hold 20 ounces of fluid. The used cleaning fluid
should be emptied from the HW-17 after every 6 records (or 12 record sides) are cleaned. The
catch basin and fluid reservoir should be emptied before moving or shipping the HW-17.
1. To drain the used fluid, place a small container at the end of the hose. Release the clamp on
the hose and tip the HW-17 back approximately 10 degrees.
2. Return the HW-17 to its original position and close the clamp on the hose. Dispose of the used
fluid.
Draining the HW-17 Fluid Reservoir
The fluid reservoir and catch basin should be emptied before moving or shipping the HW-17.
1. Gently pull the hose off the Applicator Head. The fitting may come out of the Applicator Head
and remain in the end of the hose, or the hose may come free and leave the fitting in the
Applicator Head. Either scenario is normal. Put the end of the hose over the left side of the
cabinet.
2. Place a 1” block of wood or other suitable object under the front of the HW-17.
3. Place the end of the hose in your cleaning fluid container and press the PUMP button until the
reservoir is empty.
4. Reattach the hose to the Applicator Head.

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Cleaning the HW-17
The cork mat is permanently bonded to the turntable. To clean it, move the TABLE switch up to
start the turntable moving forward and rotate the Vacuum Pickup Tube until it is pointing at the
spindle. Move the VACUUM switch up to the on position and vacuum the mat for one revolution.
After vacuuming the mat, clean the velvet surfaces of the Vacuum Pickup Tube following the
instructions below.
NOTE: The cork mat can be dry vacuumed, but a record should
never be dry vacuumed.
Clean the inside of the cabinet with a slightly damp sponge. To remove any debris from around the
turntable, use a vacuum cleaner with a dusting brush.
Clean the cover with a damp cloth or commercial plastic cleaner.
Cleaning the Vacuum Pickup Tube
After every record cleaning session, clean the Vacuum Pickup Tube with a clean, lint-free, slightly
damp sponge.
If the velvet surface that makes contact with the rim of the record is wearing out, the Vacuum
Pickup Tube should be replaced before it begins to damage your records.
Cleaning the Applicator Brush
The brush should be cleaned after every 50 records (100 sides). When the brush is dry, rub a clean
pencil shaft (not the point or eraser) along the ends of the bristles to remove debris.
Replacing the Vacuum Pickup Tube
If the velvet covering is worn or damaged, it must be replaced to avoid damaging your records. VPI
recommends that you replace the Vacuum Pickup Tube after every 200 records (or 400 sides).
Contact VPI to order a new Vacuum Pickup Tube.
1. To remove the old Vacuum Pickup Tube assembly, lift it straight up. Leave the spring in place.
2. Slightly twist the clear tube to remove it from the rest of the assembly.
3. Insert the new clear tube into the assembly with the velvet surfaces facing down and with the
end of the slot slightly to the back of the HW-17.
4. Make sure that the space between the two velvet surfaces faces slightly backward. If the space
faces directly down, the vacuuming will not work properly. Rotate the tube until it is in the
correct position.
5. Put the Vacuum Pickup Tube assembly back in place.
6. Clean a record following the procedures in Using the HW-17 on page 4. If the end of the
Vacuum Pickup Tube closest to the record spindle does not touch the record, remove the
assembly from the unit. Hold the black housing firmly and gently push down on the end of the
Vacuum Pickup Tube to put it into proper alignment.

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7. Replace the assembly and resume cleaning to make sure the Vacuum Pickup Tube contacts the
record fully.
NOTE: Do not change the setting of the black collar on the
Vacuum Pickup Tube. It has been set for proper spring tension
and lift height.
Changing the Applicator Brush
The Applicator Brush will wear over time. If you frequently use the HW-17, VPI recommends that
you replace the brush on a yearly basis to ensure that the bristle tips reach all the way down into
the grooves. Contact VPI to order a new Applicator Brush.
1. If the Applicator Head is pointing toward the spindle, lift it and rotate it until it is parallel to the
back of the cabinet.
2. Gently pull the hose off the Applicator Head. The fitting may come out of the Applicator Head
and remain in the end of the hose, or the hose may come free and leave the fitting in the
Applicator Head. Either scenario is normal.
3. While holding the Applicator Head in place, use the 3/32” Allen wrench provided with the
HW-17 to loosen the set screw farthest to the left. Do not remove the screw.
4. Grasping the head as close to the support rod end as possible, lift the head straight up off the
support rod. It may be necessary to hold the black ring down with one hand while twisting the
head gently back and forth while pulling up.
5. With the 3/32” Allen wrench, loosen the other two set screws on the side of the head. Do not
remove the screws.
6. Remove the brush from its slot. If necessary, use a small screwdriver to gently pry the brush
out. Be careful not to crack the plastic head when doing this.
7. Fit the new brush into the slot in the underside of the Applicator Head. If necessary, use a
small screwdriver to push the metal base into place. Be careful not to crack the plastic head
when doing this. Using the Allen wrench, tighten the two set screws. Be careful not to over
tighten the screws, which could crack the Applicator Head.
8. Put the Applicator Head, with the brush pointing downward, back on the support rod. The top
of the support rod should be about 1/16” below the surface of the Applicator Head. Align the
head so that it is pointing toward the spindle.
9. Tighten the set screw farthest to the left. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, which could
crack the Applicator Head.
10. Revolve the turntable in a clockwise direction. The Applicator Head should move about 1”
beyond the spindle. This is done to keep fluid off the record label. If necessary to achieve this
offset, readjust the Applicator Head on the support rod.
11. Reattach the hose to the Applicator Head.

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Replacing the Cork Mat
If the cork mat on the turntable becomes damaged or stained, it should be replaced before it
damages your records. Contact VPI to order a replacement mat.
1. Use a hair dryer to heat the mat until the adhesive begins to soften. Working slowly, peel the
mat from the turntable, starting at an outer edge.
2. Peel the backing from the new mat. Carefully place the mat on the turntable. Apply pressure
from the center working outwards, firmly pressing out any air bubbles.
Tips for Using the HW-17
The HW-17 is not a dry-cleaning machine. To avoid scratching a record and creating a build-up
of static electricity, do not run the unit without liquid on the record.
When cleaning heavily soiled records, turn the TABLE switch on and hold a damp sponge
against the record for several seconds, then clean the record following the instructions. This
will extend the life of the Vacuum Pickup Tube.
Drying time will vary based on line voltage conditions.
Troubleshooting
Problem: A record gets scratched during cleaning.
The velvet covering on the Vacuum Pickup Tube may be worn out, damaged, or has picked up
debris. To remove debris, see Cleaning the Vacuum Pickup Tube on page 7. To install a new
Vacuum Pickup Tube, see Replacing the Vacuum Pickup Tube on page 7.
Problem: The Applicator Head drips fluid.
This may occur if too much fluid has been dispensed. Wipe up the spillage and dispense less fluid
in subsequent cleanings. The correct amount of fluid will completely cover the record’s grooved
area without spilling over the edge of the record, or onto the record label.
Problem: Fluid remains after vacuuming.
If fluid is not removed from the entire surface of the record, the Vacuum Pickup Tube may not be
making contact over the entire length of the tube. For information on aligning the tube, see
Replacing the Vacuum Pickup Tube on page 7.
Problem: Fluid leaks from beneath the HW-17.
The HW-17 vacuum exhausts beneath the machine. Fluid will leak or be expelled only if the HW-17
was tipped or roughly moved with cleaning fluid in the reservoir or catch basin, or if the vacuum
was operated without the Vacuum Pickup Tube in place. If this has happened, the HW-17 should
be returned to VPI for inspection and possible motor replacement. This repair is not covered by
the HW-17 warranty.

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Problem: The record does not revolve with the turntable.
If the Vacuum Pickup Tube is set too high, it will lift the edge of the record off the turntable. The
turntable will revolve, but the record will not. To correct this, remove the Vacuum Pickup Tube
assembly and adjust the position of the ring. Use the 3/32” Allen wrench provided with the HW-17
to loosen the set screw in the ring that rests on the spring. Move the ring upward (toward the
tube) very slightly and tighten the set screw. Be careful not to over tighten and crack the assembly.
The tube should not be so high as to lift the record, but not so low as to pull excessively on the
record and inhibit vacuuming.