Question regarding cutting angle

[missedout]

Hi I am new here and have been doing my best to research the wiki and forums before posting a question. This is something I've found limited results on and wanted to ask the advice of some experienced cutters. My question:

What is the ideal cutting angle for your needle/stylus to cut into? I've read a few different angles such as between 25 and 27 degrees. Is this the standard angle that you cut at? In most videos I've seen it would appear that many are cutting at a level surface so a 0 degree angle?

If it matters I am using a Rek O Kut M12 and plan on posting pictures/videos either in this thread or another soon.

I'm attaching two images as diagrams to showcase my question. Which angle should I be cutting at?

https://ibb.co/TrWVr5K

https://ibb.co/m0kghV6

Secondary question, what lubricant is best for preparing the discs? I've heard of using Turtle wax spray. Has anyone had luck with this? Does it have to be anti-static?

Thanks for your time.
-missedout

[Fela Borbone]

Hello,
Are you cutting (really cutting, producing swarf) or embossing (impressing against the blank without producing swarf)?
For the first, a vertical stylus is the start point, maybe a few degrees off, if it works better for you.
For the second, it depends of what stylus are you using. For me the triangular stylus backwards is what works best, and I use it uprigth. cone points may be tilted or not...what are you using as stylus?
Lubricant, from wax to vegetable oil, but you have to clean it afterwards! antiestatic I dont need for embossing. Lighter fluid for claning the adhesive from protecting foil.
Trick- I solve a pea of vaseline in the lighter fluid, so it clean and lubricates at once, for embossing.
Don forget go heat the blank in the winter!
Best, Fela.

[missedout]

Hello,
Are you cutting (really cutting, producing swarf) or embossing (impressing against the blank without producing swarf)?
For the first, a vertical stylus is the start point, maybe a few degrees off, if it works better for you.
For the second, it depends of what stylus are you using. For me the triangular stylus backwards is what works best, and I use it uprigth. cone points may be tilted or not...what are you using as stylus?
Lubricant, from wax to vegetable oil, but you have to clean it afterwards! antiestatic I dont need for embossing. Lighter fluid for claning the adhesive from protecting foil.
Trick- I solve a pea of vaseline in the lighter fluid, so it clean and lubricates at once, for embossing.
Don forget go heat the blank in the winter!
Best, Fela.

Hey Fela! Thanks for your reply.

As for what stylus I am using, I am using what came with my machine (purchased from an estate sale). On the Ebay listing it said it would come with both a cone and a triangle stylus. Upon opening the package I only was presented with a Cone stylus.

I did however recently purchase these Tungsten stylus off of Ebay (these also appear to be cone): https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tungsten-vinyl-cutting-stylus-presto-rek-o-kut-record-lathe-RCA-Wilcox-Gay/283222021547

As for cutting vs. embossing, I am new so I'm under the impression that I will be embossing first. Still waiting on some blank discs to practice on. It would appear that the way the lathe is set up my armature naturally leans back (possibly due to a longer than necessary needle/stylus?) creating some angle. I want to confirm and see how close to 27 degrees it is.

I will post pictures and a video update once I start testing and hopefully get some feedback on whether or not my angle is ideal and if I am embossing or cutting. Thanks for your answers. They really helped!

[Fela Borbone]

Hi,
I think you may have to tilt thd cutter head.
Anyway, changing the angle wont damage this stylus, so you can experiment!.
If you try cutting (instead of embossing) in the future, just follow manufavturer's advice.
Wellcome and have fun!