Cutting 33 1/3 RPM

This is where record cutters raise questions about cutting, and trade wisdom and experiment results. We love Scully, Neumann, Presto, & Rek-O-Kut lathes and Wilcox-Gay Recordios (among others). We are excited by the various modern pro and semi-pro systems, too, in production and development. We use strange, extinct disc-based dictation machines. And other stuff, too.

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mischmerz
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Cutting 33 1/3 RPM

Post: # 42490Unread post mischmerz
Sun May 15, 2016 11:14 pm

Ladies And Gents:

I had a hard time getting an acceptable 33 1/3 rpm cut on my Rek-O-Kut / Grampian. It was rumbling, the highs were pretty much absent and I was almost willing to give up on the idea of being able to cut 33 1/3. But than again - I don't give up easily. So I took everything apart - thoroughly cleaned the rubber, the capstan, lubed and oiled the turntable, disassembled cleaned, adjusted and lubed the overhead. A first test cut showed much improvement - but not enough for me. So - after about 1 1/2 years of avoiding a heated stylus, I actually added the wiring and electronics to be able get it hot. You guys should have told me in no uncertain terms that cutting without heat is like driving a Porsche in second gear only. Though I applied only 300mA it made all the difference. The background noise is virtually eliminated (there is a still a slight rumble, but barely noticeable) the brights are much, much better. As a matter of act I can hear the whining of the anti-static fan in the background on the record, if I crank the volume way up. Mind you - its still "only" Grampian quality - but I am a happy camper anyway.

Though I let y'all know.
cutheat.jpg
PS: The suction head end is purposely plugged into the feeder tube right of the head. Makes it easier to clean and to adjust. The heater supply wires are attached in a way so that I am able to remove them. Yeah - I know. Could have made it prettier - but I've got only thumbs on my hand when it comes to hardware.

Michaela
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aa.n.s
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Re: Cutting 33 1/3 RPM

Post: # 43039Unread post aa.n.s
Sun Jun 19, 2016 4:42 pm

cutting without heat is like driving a Porsche in second gear only. Though I applied only 300mA it made all the difference. The background noise is virtually eliminated (there is a still a slight rumble, but barely noticeable) the brights are much, much better.


Hello, what kind of electronic, wire etc you use for heating. How mutch degree c° it heats ?
Regards
Aaron

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crowesBR
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Re: Cutting 33 1/3 RPM

Post: # 43070Unread post crowesBR
Wed Jun 22, 2016 1:18 pm

Would love to know that too.

The same wiring and electronics will work on a Presto 1C?

How did you build? What electronics parts did you use?

Thanks
Anderson

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mischmerz
Posts: 273
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:23 pm
Location: Houston. Tx
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Re: Cutting 33 1/3 RPM

Post: # 43071Unread post mischmerz
Wed Jun 22, 2016 4:10 pm

aa.n.s wrote:cutting without heat is like driving a Porsche in second gear only. Though I applied only 300mA it made all the difference. The background noise is virtually eliminated (there is a still a slight rumble, but barely noticeable) the brights are much, much better.


Hello, what kind of electronic, wire etc you use for heating. How mutch degree c° it heats ?
Regards
Aaron
Aaron - I am using a regulated power supply to provide approx. 3 Volts with 250mA to a MyShank or Transco stylus.

m.

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