Styli

[jtb]

Hey fellow vinyl cutters,

recently completed a 12" pressed-style blank (bit warped) cut with no problems, Immediately after that switched to cutting a standard 7" (flat blank) but experienced significant distortion. Upon inspection discovered a small but noticeable dent on the cutting stylus.

I'm trying to pinpoint the possible cause. My primary suspects are:

- Warped Blanks: most 12" blanks I have are warped...
- Harder Particles/Contamination: Is it likely that harder particles embedded in the blank could have caused this?

Some additional context:

This Souri's stylus had approximately 30-40 hours of cutting time.
I consistently use conservative volume levels and cutting weight.
I've also noticed one side of the stylus appears "chewed," probably from the lead-out grooves, but if get this worn-out looking styli from only ~30hrs, why is it marketed to last 250?

Has anyone experienced similar stylus damage? Any insights into potential causes or preventative measures would be greatly appreciated. I'm keen to avoid/reduce this in the future.


Thanks in advance for your help!

[PMST]

I think you answered the question yourself, warped blanks are one of the biggest diamond killers. During cutting warped discs micro damage can happen to the diamond and likely just the lock groove on the end of the 12” finished it off.

If a blank is warped just put it aside and use a different one. It’s way cheaper to bin a blank than a diamond.

[Bladud Flies]

Hello jtb

- Warped Blanks: most 12" blanks I have are warped…

I would question why this is the case. If they are being stored correctly, and you’re following the guidelines for temperature (ambient) and where/how you heat the blanks, then you shouldn’t be getting ‘mostly warped blanks’. We have used thousands of pressed 12” blanks since My Shank released them in July last year - I’d say less than 1% came out of the box warped, and most of these could be corrected and used.

recently completed a 12" pressed-style blank (bit warped) cut with no problems, Immediately after that switched to cutting a standard 7" (flat blank)

If you didn’t calibrate your system specifically to use the pressed blanks, then I would start there. If you are not aware of these guidelines then feel free to PM me, happy to help.

There is a new Fb group that has been created where your question(s) would receive helpful and knowledgable responses. PM me if you want a link.

All the best with it!

[jtb]

hey @bladud files ive sent a PM, please let me now and thanks for your input!

[Bladud Flies]

Hi jtb -- I don't have a PM from you?

[msartori]

In the beginning, I also had the stylus break after just 20 records.
With the right setup (weight and head angle), you can fix everything.
At the moment, I'm at 180 records with no significant background noise.
Ask Steven… he helped me a lot and solved many of the issues I had with my T560.

If I may, I’d recommend getting a vacuum platter.

Marco

[jtb]

Hey bladud files, just sent PM!

Hi msartori thanks for your input, however the vacuum platter is too expensive, it costs almost or more than what I paid for the whole system. This styli had around 100 records cut when this happened, it's the blanks that are different, this happened right after cutting a pressed blank. Ive asked Steven but got no reply, will ask again!
What counterweight and dashpot weight you're using with these? What room/disc temperature?

[Bladud Flies]

jtb

I've sent a reply.

This styli had around 100 records cut when this happened, it's the blanks that are different, this happened right after cutting a pressed blank

You'd need to have recalibrated your system before starting on the pressed.

Cheers,
Michael