The Secret Society of Lathe Trolls

I have the same Presto 6D but I do not have a base or turntable for it. What should I be looking for that will fit it properly? Not sure I follow. You have the overhead but not the turntable or just not the platter? You could order the 6D with or without a portable case originally. Mine came in a c...

Yes, it's a 6D table with a "Model A" recorder overhead. I finally figured it out this evening because of the base for the overhead. The base has a mount hole for a microscope as you can see in the picture below. When I first saw pictures of it for sale, I was completely baffled but knew it was a wo...

I recently picked up a 6D that I've been cleaning up. I'm now working on the overhead, cleaning off all the old lubrication etc. What do folks use for lubrication at the center cog and then for the overhead rail? This machine came with an overhead that is a cross between what you would see on a 6D a...

You said the platter runs true, does it have any flat spots or indentations on it? Also, did it come with the 78rpm adapter or possibly the 45rpm adapter (45 adapter is tougher to find and usually included with K10 models). Also, you should be able to run the motor without turning on the amp. When n...

I was wondering about the geometry as well. The space/adapter appears to be close to the same depth as the rear of a 5c head but the use of the drivers puts the stylus father out from the mount than with a mono head.

Yes, it's a 5c. I went out and pulled the cover off of mine. Here's the inside of mine. I have a small square of rubber on the bottom between the cover and the head, not sure what is inside because I didn't want to take the head apart. My dampening material is stuff but pliable. I looked through my ...

Which head is this, a 5c?

Try searching "stylus heating". I know it's been discussed how to measure the resistance to attain proper heating, but couldn't find it with a quick search.

Alan Graves recipe for stylus heating to add it to a Presto -

In relation to YouTube and use of copyrighted material, you attest to a statement to YouTube that you own all the material in the video being uploaded or that it meets Fair Use standards. The RIAA and MPAA troll YouTube and flag videos that they feel are violating the Fair Use clause. I once had a v...

Primarily it's based on what you want to achieve. You can impress and cut plastics, but to cut plastics you should use a diamond stylus. I've read that a few here have had success with cutting Laserdiscs with a ruby stylus and heating the blank. Cutting is primarily using a ruby or sapphire stylus w...

A couple things that jump out at me are the cutting stylus and your angle. If you are impressing (embossing) your stylus should be backwards. You have it inserted in the standard position for cutting. Also, your angle looks like it's set for cutting, a little hard to tell. Cutting with a K8 is usual...

No, the lathe overhead works off of the turntable which requires a high torque to turn the overhead because of the extra weight and the down force of the cutter head while cutting. You'd need the turntable and an amp for the cutter head to cut in the above picture/scenario. Here's a picture of the s...

Ah, you would definitely be better off with a 50Hz native machine than converting a 60Hz machine based on the little bit I've read here on what goes into such a conversion. Good luck!

Are you located in the U.S.? If so, I'd recommend holding out for a Presto. There's been a rash of K8s on eBay recently, one selling BIN for $450. There's another one up for auction now. Looks like it includes the capstan sleeve to run both 33 and 78 (default is 33). So, you could get a machine in t...

Picked up this cutter head over the weekend. It had a broken stylus in the head so I hope that isn't part of the problem. So, when I move the stylus holder it only has two positions, sort of like an on/off switch instead of being fluid. I believe the issue is there was material placing pressure on t...

Can you post a picture? Maybe that will garner some more suggestions. Is there a threaded hole in the top to screw into the pulley to separate it from the motor shaft?

Saw this over on Slickdeals, thought others who heat blanks for impressing might want to try it out. 4 out of 5 stars at Amazon, biggest complaint is poor accuracy. Amazon has a liberal return policy so if you don't like it you can always send it back for a refund. SlickDeals link that describes the...

Like this but with a 500ohm tap.

Presto motor control patents for K-8 etc and 6n etc. https://www.google.com/patents/US2262731?dq=M+M+Gruber&hl=en&sa=X&ei=e0vxU5DYPIuOyASI2YDwAg&ved=0CFsQ6AEwCQ Two speed control for Presto 75a etc. https://www.google.com/patents/US2254066?dq=%22M.+M.+Gruber%22+sound&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DU_xU-CAL8ybyASJ4I...

Probably since that person's user name is chrisaterika > chris at erika.