T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

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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David34
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Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2013 6:12 pm

T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

Post: # 47135Unread post David34
Sun Jun 18, 2017 12:07 am

I use the mono microscope, then add the new diamond and check that it is square in the shank, then push down a bit to secure with Souri tool.

It never seems like it can be consistent?

Are there any additional tools to use to make this job a bit easier? as you all know the cutting diamond is so small.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

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David34
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Re: T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

Post: # 47136Unread post David34
Sun Jun 18, 2017 12:15 am

ps: I was shown by Souri in training session, but was a little vague due to travelling all night.. Forgive me!!

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TheCrates
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Re: T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

Post: # 47138Unread post TheCrates
Sun Jun 18, 2017 7:15 am

Good question which i asked me a lot of times too, because this one is very importand for a good cutting result.

Also even the diamond is aligned properly under the microscope, doesnt mean that it will be good after the cutting head is installed.
The swingarm can be crooked or bend and you dont have any repetition accuracy anyway.

So i think the best result will be if the diamond and headaligned is verified when installed?!

I use some tools like a template, "precision spirit level", in the end cutting a silent groove watching it under a 200x Microscope

But i guess it can be done a lot easier.

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David34
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Re: T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

Post: # 47139Unread post David34
Mon Jun 19, 2017 3:44 am

Surely there can be a tool to use?

My eyes are ok, but to get it 100% correct requires a tool.. Anyone on here use any other method?

Half tempted to work on this if anyone is interested or has any tips??

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David34
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Re: T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

Post: # 47140Unread post David34
Mon Jun 19, 2017 3:58 am

IDEAS:

Stick a micro spirit level on the front of the cutterhead to get the vertical level. . Allow for the extra weight of the level.

As for getting the diamond in the shank straight, my gosh - the only idea would be to have some lines setup to use as a guide for the microscope????
Line up the cutterhead as straight in a 90 degree angle as possible, then use the template lines as a guide???

Anyone have any other suggestions ?

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fecharret
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Joined: Mon Jan 30, 2017 4:20 pm

Re: T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

Post: # 47240Unread post fecharret
Wed Jun 28, 2017 5:58 pm

Which kind of microscope you guys are using to align the diamond in the right orientation?
If you guys can post links would be great. Thanks a lot in advanced.

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KNOP
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Re: T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

Post: # 47244Unread post KNOP
Thu Jun 29, 2017 4:18 am

I use this model for aligning stylii:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Byomic-BYO-ST3-Stereo-Microscope/dp/B00I6DHWZO

Really happy with the purchase, I use it for groove checking and fine solder work as well.

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tragwag
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Re: T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

Post: # 47252Unread post tragwag
Thu Jun 29, 2017 5:29 pm

I use the scope that came with the lathe for stylus alignment, and an eyepiece I already had. 20x total on that setup.
For groove inspection I use the spencer scope on my 6N, 80x wide frame, total for that.
making lathe cuts on a Presto 6N, HIFI stereo cuts on vinylrecorder
at Audio Geography Studios, Providence, RI USA
http://www.audiogeography.com

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David34
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Re: T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

Post: # 47390Unread post David34
Fri Jul 21, 2017 4:57 am

Looks like i may have to buy a stereo microscope then!

Mono is just not "cutting" it. (Pun intended)

If you guys can totally vouch for it, and it helps then who am I to argue?

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2bitcomputer
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Re: T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

Post: # 47404Unread post 2bitcomputer
Sat Jul 22, 2017 12:59 pm

I use a stereo microscope too:
As you are looking down at the flat front facet of the diamond you can close one eye at a time and see the side facet for that eye-side. If the diamond is aligned correctly the amount of the left and right facet you can see with your left and right eye will be the same.
You can also look at it with both eyes open but the side facets will appear 'ghosty' because you are only seeing them through one eye.
Damn, I don't think I explained that very well, but it does work... :)

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David34
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Re: T560 - What's your method to align a new VR diamond?

Post: # 47495Unread post David34
Tue Aug 01, 2017 7:08 am

Thanks I will try that suggestion once I buy a microscope (stereo one)

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