STYLI PROBLEM, DEFECTIVE LATHE OR WHAT?

[jornibudich]

Hello guys -
I have been using a Rek-o-kut Imperial II last couple of months and I am experiencing more problems than satisfaction :S). Dunno if is part of learning how to cut , something wrong with the lathe or WHAT!!!!
I cut my first five 7"'s and almost ten 12"s while learning with my first SHORT SHANK saphire and brand new apollos with no problems UNTIL the thread started to become thicker and wasn't going smoothly... I thought the styli was over used and a few weeks later I tried with steel needles and brand new dead stock audiodiscs... even worst ; Finally, I worked some bucks to get a few new blanks from apollo and a new saphire... by mistake I ordered a long shark instead of a short but I broke the base in order to make it small (perhaps too small I think). I cutted three 7 inches with great sound BUT NOW, I am having the same problem as before with the 12"... The thread gets puffy under the head and I am becoming frustrated but no... cannot give up!!!!! Any idea what could be going wrong? Me using the wrong "ingredients" ? The machine (hope NOT!) Any info will be highly appreciated!

[blight]

Get a good microscope (40x at least, better 80x) and look at your stylus under the scope - the edges and tip should be sharp - maybe you broke an edge or the tip off.

[canadiansynthetics]

I find I have to reset the angle of the needle very often, almost every cut. Also when you engage the needle there's a certain amount of 'touch' that helps get the thread running off smooth, I try to lay it on the record in one smooth motion, if you get too gentle with it this bunching up of the thread tends to happen. Your results sound about the same as mine in terms of how many good ones you can get at first. I'm still at that stage basically, but some seem to say they can cut dozens of discs with one needle... can't wait for that stage