The Secret Society of Lathe Trolls

Some of our number get a mention here:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/feb/25/vinyl-carver-lathe-cutters-home-cutting-records-craze

is the supplier in the UK, EU or elsewhere?

Get a Technics SP-10 MKII for the turntable. 1200's just don't have the torque. Well, I use a 1200-GR with my VR (it has a similar 'footprint' to the mk2) and the torque is perfectly fine, I've had no wow/flutter issues at the outer edge of 12" cuts which was somewhat of an issue with the 1200 mk2 ...

PMST wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 10, 2020 11:57 am

Also worth looking into a UPS if you have bad surges, at least that way your set up has some kind of barrier from the mains. My APC seems to work great and I run the full lathe and mastering studio from it.

Interesting: which APC unit do you use?

I have the same setup and hat the same effect -not very pleasant if all is prepared and you are ready to start cutting... Go for something like this: https://de.elv.com/elv-230v-einschaltstrombegrenzer-esb-54-2-105772 Thanks! I didn't know about the existence of an "inrush current limiter". So, do ...

I'd say there is something wrong for sure, i run my room from a 16a ring with no problems at all, a 300w amp should not trip a 16a fuse.... I'm no electrician so someone with more experience will be able to advise properly but sure i'd say something else is wrong with either the amp, or the fuse it...

I'm getting the MCB tripping off at my rented studio occasionally, when I switch on my cutting amp at the start of the day (NJA760 - supplied as standard with the T560). The MCB on the consumer unit is rated B16 ... and I'm not sure that this is the correct rating needed, given that there'll be a cu...

handcut wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 10, 2020 11:32 am

I think between us we can/should compile a VR Service Manual!

Yes!

@jonoaustin ... did you resolve this? I think I might have a similar problem, getting groove patterns like this, then ending up with a swarf spill. No music being cut, just the cutting head moving over the blank: I've swapped diamonds, lubricated the screw, applied De-oxit to the groove controller ...

@jonoaustin ... did you resolve this? I think I might have a similar problem, getting groove patterns like this, then ending up with a swarf spill. No music being cut, just the cutting head moving over the blank: http://www.doitthissen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_E59152-e1598287736485.jpg htt...

Message sent

Sorry, I should have been more precise. I'm referring to upgrading to the Technics 1200GR .. https://www.technics.com/uk/products/grand-class/direct-drive-turntable-system-sl-1200gr.html

For anyone thinking of minimising 12” outer edge potential wow/flutter issues and associated anxiety, then I can recommend swapping the standard Mk2 deck in the configuration for a GR (which has around 50% more torque than the Mk2) Like others here, I’ve sometimes found it a challenge to maintain op...

I run a VR T560 with a Technics SL-1200 mk2 turntable at present, and I'm now looking for a good condition/restored Technics SP-15 turntable to use with the lathe. Preferably UK (I'm based in Sheffield), but would consider shipping from Europe. Thanks in advance for any leads!

Ey Up Nick South Yorkshire here: http://www.doitthissen.com - cutting records on my VR (and having the occasional release in pressed vinyl) for my record label ... and cutting short runs for bands/artists in the South Yorkshire area for self-release. Get in touch via the website if you fancy coming ...

... or maybe it's an issue like that described here ...https://www.lathetrolls.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8248&hilit=motor+problem+souri%2A

Have been cutting merrily away since August last year, no mechanical issues (150 cutting hours). Today the lathe motor suddenly refuses to work for more than about five seconds after having been switched on (starts at good/correct speed, then slows down to a stop). Can move freely using the winding ...

... so is there anything different I should be doing compared to cutting on a black blank?

T560 here, cutting at standard stylus pressure, black blank temperature 42 degC (Souri cutting stylus & blanks)

Update: I inspected the cutting stylus under the microscope - seemed OK ... but swapped it out for a brand new one anyway, and re-calibrated ... and my swarf problem disappeared

Agreed - could I do to anything else to reduce the risk of swarf spillout - or is this just an occasional occupational hazard?