Has anyone modified a Presto K10?

[Soniphone Records]

Is it possible to modify a Presto K10 to handle a diamond stylus? I assume machine was built for mono is it possible to modify a mono cutting machine to stereo? Has anyone seen a custom or modified Presto?

I see an ebay listing for $600 for a Presto K10 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Presto-Portable-Lathe-Recording-Record-Player-Model-K10-Working-/331819091117?hash=item4d41f584ad:g:Qh4AAOSwGOxW~cvR

I would be be willing to purchase the guts of a lathe and spend a couple grand modifying it to cut small batch stereo vinyl.

[mratx]

It doesn't actually need any modifications to handle a diamond stylus (I assume you want to cut plastic), but if you are looking to mount a stereo head and cut a reasonable amount of time per side, a K10 is not what you want. You'd need at least one of the basic overhead style lathes, like a presto 6N or a Rek-O-Kut Challenger (or just the overhead to mount to a higher torque turntable.) It's not that difficult to mount a stereo head to those styles, and you can also swap out the feedscrews for a higher recording time per side if needed. You'd have to acquire a stereo head (a number of members are working at producing them, not sure that any are available yet other than the Caruso), but once that's accomplished you'd just have to modify/craft a mount, which some of the machinist members of the site could likely do for you if you wanted.

Mark

[Soniphone Records]

Thanks Mark! You guys here are the best!

[rsimms3]

One thing anyone should consider when purchasing a K10 is whether or not it has all of the worm gears. The K8 has a single, permanent worm gear in a single LPI - 112. The K10 has 4 worm gears, a set of inside out recording in 112 and 224 LPI and a set of outside in recording in 112 and 224 LPI. So, if you have all four, you could get more recording time with the 224 worm but then you are restricted to that particular LPI which might limit how much volume you can cut at. Also you lose the ability for other LPI, say 160 or 180, in addition to being able cut lead in/out grooves along with between song bands like with the models mratx mentioned. To check for the worm gears, you have to pull the platter off the unit and look under it. There should be 1 gear installed at the base of the platter and three others attached to the plinth. You also need to check their condition, they were made out of a brittle plastic so they could be easily damaged if not properly handled.

Good luck!