How to clean a sapphire?

Introduce yourself! Recommended for people who are just starting out, as opposed to experienced lathe cutters who are new members.

Moderators: piaptk, tragwag, Steve E., Aussie0zborn

Post Reply
User avatar
sunkingrecords
Posts: 88
Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:25 pm
Location: Argentina
Contact:

How to clean a sapphire?

Post: # 30757Unread post sunkingrecords
Fri Jul 18, 2014 8:43 am

Hello! this is my first post,

I'm a noob in this matter, just received my first cutting machine and I'm using a Transco diamond (sapphire, I believe) to cut on vinyl.
At one time, it was formed a lot of "chip" which got trapped at the cutting point. I removed it with my fingers, but there still remains some of what I believe is burned vinyl.

There is a picture of my point attached. I can post a picture of it when it was brand new, if necessary

My question, is there a method for cleaning this, maybe a drop of Isopropyl and a Q-tip? Or something like that?

Kind regards!

Miguel Canel

PD: yes, the picture looks like a little mad robot approaching :shock:
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
I choose not to run .-

User avatar
opcode66
Posts: 2700
Joined: Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:56 pm
Contact:

Re: How to clean a sapphire?

Post: # 30764Unread post opcode66
Fri Jul 18, 2014 4:50 pm

Most cutters use acetone and a fresh Q-Tip.

If the chip is burnt on and carbonized then there is no getting it off.
Cutting, Inventing & Innovating
Groove Graphics, VMS Halfnuts, MIDI Automation, Professional Stereo Feedback Cutterheads, and Pesto 1-D Cutterhead Clones
Cutterhead Repair: Recoiling, Cleaning, Cloning of Screws, Dampers & More
http://mantra.audio

User avatar
jjgolden
Posts: 342
Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2010 8:41 pm
Location: Ventura, Ca.
Contact:

Re: How to clean a sapphire?

Post: # 30765Unread post jjgolden
Fri Jul 18, 2014 6:56 pm

Yes, Isopropyl and q-tip.
Also, you can try "pith Wood" in place of the q-tip. I believe Apollo sells it. (Soft like model airplane balsa wood)
You put some isopropyl on it, hold it onto the tip for a few seconds, then you're done.....for now.

Not sure what cutting system you're using, but you may want to have cutter mounted and facing down and not upside down in your lap.
Be careful not to let the alcohol get into the head or other delicate parts of the head..(coils or plastic/rubber parts)


JJG

User avatar
sunkingrecords
Posts: 88
Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:25 pm
Location: Argentina
Contact:

Re: Hot to clean a sapphire?

Post: # 30770Unread post sunkingrecords
Sat Jul 19, 2014 3:19 pm

Hello, thanks for your help. I will try the suggested methods. This is a machine made by Angulo Records, in Argentina

Kind regards

Miguel
I choose not to run .-

User avatar
sunkingrecords
Posts: 88
Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:25 pm
Location: Argentina
Contact:

Re: Hot to clean a sapphire?

Post: # 30818Unread post sunkingrecords
Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:16 pm

I just realized I made a typo on the title, I meant to write "How to clean a sapphire". Maybe a moderator can change it? I will be easier for others searching for this same question.

Kind regards!

Miguel
I choose not to run .-

User avatar
Big Al
Posts: 37
Joined: Wed Feb 19, 2014 10:59 pm

Re: How to clean a sapphire?

Post: # 30878Unread post Big Al
Tue Jul 29, 2014 11:24 am

Hello Miguel

I checked out the Angulo Records website and saw the R-E-D Serie Pro 2.0 lathe.
It looks very impressive!

Is this the same as the one you have?

It would be great if you could post some information about your lathe, how it performs, what functions it has,
what you are cutting etc.. and some photos of it if possible, as I am sure a lot of people who visit this forum would be very interested to find out more!

Thanks!

User avatar
sunkingrecords
Posts: 88
Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:25 pm
Location: Argentina
Contact:

Re: Hot to clean a sapphire?

Post: # 30883Unread post sunkingrecords
Tue Jul 29, 2014 7:18 pm

Hi!

yes it is an impressive machine, my first cutter. As I dont have any experiencie with the subject Im still strugling to get clean grooves without noise.

I will post pictures and more information once Im sure about what it is that im doing, for sure.

It has a lot of automation which i still didnt got to test, as im going in manual mode to learn how to use it. It is fully handmade by Raul at Angulo records, a great guy. He makes the virgin vinyl blanks too.

Kind regards!
I choose not to run .-

User avatar
chenry57
Posts: 49
Joined: Fri Apr 05, 2013 11:54 am
Location: Nashville, TN
Contact:

Re: How to clean a sapphire?

Post: # 31217Unread post chenry57
Mon Sep 01, 2014 11:27 pm

Methelethyl ketone & pith wood will get rid of it. Just be sure not to huff too much of that

Post Reply