Lets make a list of ESSENTIAL GEAR needed to cut records

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nomad
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Jul 22, 2016 6:39 pm

Lets make a list of ESSENTIAL GEAR needed to cut records

Post: # 45705Unread post nomad
Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:25 pm

HI!

I am having a hard time finding a compact essential list of equipment and tools needed to start cutting records.

Let's help make that real!

The list should include every thing needed to cut records on your own. I'm not talking about awesome quality records, I'm not talking about top of the line gear. I'm talking about starting from the ground up. What do you need to have a primitive, raw, beginners setup?

Please - enlighten me.

I'll edit and add things to this list as posts come in.

Record Player
Lathe
Amp
Cutting Stylus (does it have to be diamond?)
Microscope
Regulated Power Supply
Mixer
Monitors
Blank Records

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Flexinoodle
Posts: 25
Joined: Fri Aug 19, 2016 11:34 am

Re: Lets make a list of ESSENTIAL GEAR needed to cut records

Post: # 45713Unread post Flexinoodle
Mon Jan 23, 2017 1:05 pm

You can buy cheap metal stylus off ebay, they aren't great i am told, but it doesn't have to be diamond.
You don't actually need a mixer, if you are thinking about the Preamp for the turntable, you can use any RIAA preamp.

You are going to want (Not need) a vacuum (This is the incorrect terminology apparently)
I am thinking a selection of brushes for brushing off the cut material (Probably a specific brush is great, but unfortunately it seems we will have to work that out ourselves)
Gloves (Probably those blue medical type, again no idea, but they are pretty durable and dust free)
Some kind of needle scale (No idea what it is called, but the drug dealers digital ones go quite cheap on ebay)
I have read micrometer mentioned on a bunch of posts, however i have no idea what it is used for
A deionizer is suggested by a bunch of people for removing static on vinyl before cutting
A centerweight for the cutter if it does not have one

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rsimms3
Posts: 427
Joined: Thu Mar 14, 2013 10:01 am

Re: Lets make a list of ESSENTIAL GEAR needed to cut records

Post: # 45715Unread post rsimms3
Mon Jan 23, 2017 1:18 pm

The most essential piece of gear is knowledge. I found this book to be a good primer -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/142247908531

Although not updated in a while, the Wiki has some great information as well -

http://lathetrolls.pbworks.com/w/page/22959575/The%20Secret%20Society%20of%20Lathe%20Trolls


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piaptk
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Re: Lets make a list of ESSENTIAL GEAR needed to cut records

Post: # 45734Unread post piaptk
Mon Jan 23, 2017 10:12 pm

What you need depends on what you want to do: hifi diamond cuts vs mid-fi embossing. You can get away with a lot less if you want to emboss.
I Buy/Sell/Restore Vintage Machines/Parts and Provide Phone/In Person Tech Support
www.MichaelDixonVinylArt.com
www.LatheCutCamp.com
www.RecordLatheParts.com
www.MobileVinylRecorders.com
www.LatheCuts.com


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fredbissnette
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Re: Lets make a list of ESSENTIAL GEAR needed to cut records

Post: # 45861Unread post fredbissnette
Sun Jan 29, 2017 10:46 pm

i make records here's a list of what i have

amplifier 100 watts per channel
up to date computer with daw software for processing audio
lathe(i built mine)
i use a tungsten needle i bought on ebay specifically for embossing poly-carbonate
turntable to turn blanks(modified sl 1200 or sp 10 or oem high torque deck)
band-saw with circle jig for cutting lexan to blank sizes for cutting
drill with 9/32 bit for center hole
source for lexan poly-carbonate
various paper punches for labels and center holes for labels
wax for discs
lamp for heating blanks
playback turntable/amp/speakers/needle
paper sleeves for finished records or plastic sleeves(i use ziplock to keep out dust)
tape for anchoring blanks to platter
tools for fixing things when they break(and they do)
interface for ripping audio to computer
cdrs for doing test cuts(same material as lexan and cheaper)
i bought a domain name and bizcards and rubberstamp

this is just what i have invested in so far
Instagram @styluspressurerecords

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