rebuilding a crystal cutting head

Post: # 201Unread post **jessefreelance** Fri Dec 30, 2005 2:40 am

how is this done?????????????

Analogisit · Post: # 202Unread post **Analogisit** Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:11 pm

A crystal cutting head is essentially a rectangular Rochelle salt crystal that's clamped at one end. As the ac voltage (the audio signal) is applied, the crystal twists, which is translated into movement of the cutting needle. The Rochelle salt absorbs moisture and crumbles over time, so rebuilding it usually involves replacing the crystal (maybe with modern piezoelectric elements) and replacing the soft rubber that supports the needle chuck. After experimenting with an old Astatic head and piezoelectric strips, I gave up and had Gib at West-Tech rebuild one for me a while ago.

Post: # 17778Unread post **spikemtz** Tue Jan 24, 2012 6:55 am

Yes, I realize how old this post is, but might this video be of any use for such a task?
http://youtu.be/aOJuCYgmPPE

Post: # 17779Unread post **spikemtz** Tue Jan 24, 2012 6:59 am

Also, would somebody link me to pictures of disassembled crystal cutting heads? I might try to make one!

Post: # 17780Unread post **emorritt** Tue Jan 24, 2012 8:03 am

The video shows a simple piezo mic/speaker element that you can purchase at Radio Shack. This would be useless for cutting records. I think you can purchase what you need from this website: http://www.piezo.com/

Not sure of the size/thickness of the elements used in the Astatic X series cutters though.

Post: # 17795Unread post **spikemtz** Wed Jan 25, 2012 4:22 am

Shoot... I was in a hurry and linked to the wrong video! Here we go: http://youtu.be/K3G2QM5a-9U!

Post: # 17797Unread post **fraggle** Wed Jan 25, 2012 5:01 am

that guy is funny lol