What is a good lathe to start on?

[rickmcvick]

Hello

Firstly I'm a beginner, obviously. I am a recording engineer but I wanted to start offering some unique services to clients. Cutting a 45 single I thought would be a cool thing. So I wanted to ask you all what a good mono 45 lathe would be to start out and learn on. Simple question, just looking for a good start.

Thanks!
Rick McVick

[soeffingodly]

I'm a big fan of the Presto K-8. I love mine. But it also has a 1C cutter head. And it cuts at 33 1/3 & 78.

[rickmcvick]

I'm a big fan of the Presto K-8. I love mine. But it also has a 1C cutter head. And it cuts at 33 1/3 & 78.

What do you mean C1 cutter head? If I remember reading the Presto K-8 only cuts in 33 1/3 and 78?

[piaptk]

The majority of mono lathes didn't come with 45, because magnetic tape (the lathe killer) came in around the same time as 45, and most companies stopped making lathes shortly thereafter.

If you want 45s, Rek-O-Kut made some 45 machines but they don't have easily accessible feedscrews to change the width between grooves. Presto 6Ns are the industry standard for mono lathes... not as cheap as a ROK or a k8, but much more versatile and heavier duty. I am about to start selling 33/45 motor capstans and idler wheels to replace the original 33/78 capstan.

I currently have a 6n (and several other lathes) for sale, and I cater specifically to newbies. All of my lathes are fully functional, and include a starter pack for embossing (best way to start cutting because the stakes are lower and cheaper than more expensive higher-fidelity sapphire/diamond cutting), and, probably most valuable, unlimited, friendly, tech support. I will get you up and running and give you somewhat of a shortcut through the very steep learning curve that comes with these machines.

I'm also going to be having another Lathe Cut Camp coming up in June-ish in Tucson, AZ if you wanna come to that.

[soeffingodly]

I'm a big fan of the Presto K-8. I love mine. But it also has a 1C cutter head. And it cuts at 33 1/3 & 78.

What do you mean C1 cutter head? If I remember reading the Presto K-8 only cuts in 33 1/3 and 78?

1C is the actual cutter head model. [Presto 1-C]. Yes it only cuts at 33 1/3 & 78.

I also picked up a 6N from piaptk and attended one of his camps. Had a blast and learned a ton. Loved Tucson. Great place.

My 6N has the original 45 adapter.

[soeffingodly]

Cutting some dNb on my Presto K-8:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCER4lrU6KE

[fredbissnette]

you dont need 45 cut all your audio at 33 slowed down to play back at 45

[punkrock]

Not a sound engineer or anything related, just a record collector and music lover. I started with a Vinyl Recorder seven years ago, still love it. I’ve cut over 1.000 records with it.