Presto K8 Record Lathe problems:

[vintagelover985]

Hello, I have been attempting for the last few months to create a record using a Presto K 8 Record Lathe. However, my experiments have proven fruitless. The machine runs and will cut into the record, however, when I play back the record has an awful hiss to it and the music is barely audible. Could someone please help me understand what is going on with this? I would like to get these records working so I can make copies of all my 78's and put them in my Jukeboxs to preserve these wonderful disks. While reworking history!

[piaptk]

The hiss is because you are most likely using dead needles or using a wrong combination of needles and blanks.

The low volume is most likely because your 5c cutterhead has armature rubber that has gotten dried and crusty and is not allowing the armature free movement. And/or the amplifier isnt working.

I sell tech support sessions and can help you with it.

[piaptk]

If you havent already seen this, start here: https://www.lathetrolls.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=8328&start=20

[soeffingodly]

+1 on Mike's Tech Support

[vintagelover985]

The hiss is because you are most likely using dead needles or using a wrong combination of needles and blanks.

The low volume is most likely because your 5c cutterhead has armature rubber that has gotten dried and crusty and is not allowing the armature free movement. And/or the amplifier isnt working.

I sell tech support sessions and can help you with it.

What do you mean by dead needles? I got the tungsten needles fresh from a producer. Would you be able to help me repair the amplifier?

[piaptk]

The hiss is because you are most likely using dead needles or using a wrong combination of needles and blanks.

The low volume is most likely because your 5c cutterhead has armature rubber that has gotten dried and crusty and is not allowing the armature free movement. And/or the amplifier isnt working.

I sell tech support sessions and can help you with it.

What do you mean by dead needles? I got the tungsten needles fresh from a producer. Would you be able to help me repair the amplifier?

You get what you pay for with the tungstens. And unless you are sure you are using the correct type of discs, you will get even less.

I can restore the cutter head for you, but I don't do tube amplifiers. I personally use modern power amps.

[vintagelover985]

The hiss is because you are most likely using dead needles or using a wrong combination of needles and blanks.

The low volume is most likely because your 5c cutterhead has armature rubber that has gotten dried and crusty and is not allowing the armature free movement. And/or the amplifier isnt working.

I sell tech support sessions and can help you with it.

What do you mean by dead needles? I got the tungsten needles fresh from a producer. Would you be able to help me repair the amplifier?

You get what you pay for with the tungstens. And unless you are sure you are using the correct type of discs, you will get even less.

I can restore the cutter head for you, but I don't do tube amplifiers. I personally use modern power amps.

Okay. The amp I believe is working I can double check. How would I send the head to you? Also what kind of needle should I be using?

[soeffingodly]

What do you mean by dead needles? I got the tungsten needles fresh from a producer. Would you be able to help me repair the amplifier?

You get what you pay for with the tungstens. And unless you are sure you are using the correct type of discs, you will get even less.

I can restore the cutter head for you, but I don't do tube amplifiers. I personally use modern power amps.

Okay. The amp I believe is working I can double check. How would I send the head to you? Also what kind of needle should I be using?

I'd have Mike rebuild the head and then cop a few of his sapphire embossing stylus. They work fantastic and make great quality cuts. I suggest emailing him directly.