What grit sandpaper are you using? I wouldn't go with anything coarser than 220 grit to start out with and then probably switch over to about a 400 grit or so. Block sand straight back and forth with the grain in long strokes and you should be seeing less rather than more scratches. You also do not want to push down on the sanding block with any more than a light, steady pressure. Let the sandpaper do the work, otherwise you could be gouging the wood if you press down with too much force.

Pete, are you going to the Pilgrimage in Indy this summer? Otherwise it would not be feasable for me to drive to Chicago with gas prices being what they are. Thanks for the offer.

The floor is solid concrete, so I presume that would not be a problem as far as bouncy goes. There are a few 160 s on ebay right now that I'm watching, but it looks like it may be more money than I'm looking to spend. There seems to be an overwhelming amount of Technics models out there and not very much info on the differences. I've been trying to do research with little luck. Most of them seem to be decent quality though.

I presume you have the earlier model? That wouldn't be bad at all. There is a shop up here in Saginaw that sells records and used TTs, but he's pricey and doesn't have very many quality TTs. It's a shame, I was in Detroit last night for a Tigers game (the less said about that game, the better) and I didn't see this before I left. I'll send you a PM.

You have to bear in mind that I am very ignorant on Thorens TT's. How does the TD-160 rate? From what I found it is a larger version of the TD-165 with some differently designed and beefier parts. I'm still not sure if a Thorens would be the way to go as they seem to be more maintenance intensive and I am using this in a partially finished basement, but I'm keeping my options open.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I didn't know that a used Thorens could be had in that price range. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled. I've noticed a lot of auctions where they seller says that it, "Worked the last time I hooked it up years ago." However, the seller doesn't know if it still plays now, just that the lights come on and that the platter spins. They also will not guarantee that is works now. There is a pretty nice Marantz on Craigslist for $150 in my home state

I'm looking for a used vintage Turntable for light use in my basement/bar system. It will not be used frequently and will play through my Forte II's and Sony receiver. I've been looking at Technics and Dennon, but I don't have any set brand in mind. I don't want to spend much more than $100. I will be attending the pilgrimage in Indy and would be willing to wait until then for in-person pick up, but shipping is also OK.

I've been perusing Ebay for cheap used turntables. I’m not looking to spend much more than $100 for a used model. It will see little use and will be hooked up to my secondary basement bar system playing through my Sony receiver and Forte II's. I've been looking at a couple different brands like Technics and Dennon, but I don't have anything particular in mind. Can anyone recommend any specific brands or models considering my price limits? Thanks.

Yes, these guys are right. Pretty much anything other than water-based/acrylic will yellow. It can be had at any Home Depot, Lowe's, hardware store or paint store. Even oil-based white paint will yellow unless exposed to the sunlight.

I'm glad to see we all agree that they sound better than the Khorns. Duck!!!