Dangers in opening a 240V vinyl turntable?

[bleak]

Hi all, first post

Just wondering if there's any particular things I should watch out for when opening a direct drive turntable for repair?

I have a 240v Gemini SA 600 turntable that I am thinking of opening as it is not rotating but otherwise seems to be operational. Of course it has all the standard, scary-sounding warnings on its case.

Note: I am very very novice with electronics.

Thanks o/

[james_s]

As long as you unplug it first there is not really any risk to yourself. There could be a risk to the turntable if you do not know what you're doing though. In most cases there is no visual indication of a fault.

[shakalnokturn]

I've repaired a few of those atrocities in the past, usually the motor driver IIRC.
The only direct drives I've seen used by DJ's that were of decent design were Technics, all the others are a waste of money IMHO.

Edit: First check platter bearings /grease haven't stiffened.

[tggzzz]

Just wondering if there's any particular things I should watch out for when opening a direct drive turntable for repair?

Make sure there is no chance of mechanically damaging the tone arm.

[andy3055]

For good measure, remove the head shell with the cartridge and the stylus before you start on it. Those are the most delicate in the whole unit. Removing the shell is just too easy to even write about!

[james_s]

It is on some, but many turntables do not have a removable headshell. I just remove the stylus when I work on mine.

[JohnG]

The most serious danger is that you will amass a giant collection of vinyl and that this could fall over and maim or injure someone.

Cheers,
John