I'm looking for someone who is interested in a DIY project and would like a bit of a head start with buying and assembling the components. All in, I've spent about $675 on parts and that is what I would like to get back. I figure that someone will likely spend a few hundred more dollars to finish the prototype, depending on what gear you already have.
I'll try to be as detailed as possible about what I've done so far, but please message me with any questions and interest in the project. I've posted the machine on Reverb, and I'd prefer to handle any transactions through that site so that everything is transparent and easy. Here is the link to the listing: https://reverb.com/item/59959511-desktop-record-lathe-project
Here's what I've been doing:
I've been following the lead of this Youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9dJRgjcsHA&t=5s). The gentleman posted the entire parts list, written directions to follow, and CAD files for the parts that he got 3D printed for the cutter head, brackets, mounts, counterweights, etc.
So far, I've...
- assembled the frame,
- assembled all 3D printed components,
- mounted the linear rail and stepper motor,
- mounted the transducers to inside the cutting head,
- wired the transducers to a port on top of the head, and
- mounted all components (3D printed parts, dashpot, z-axis adjuster, counter weights, etc) to the carriage that connects to the linear rail.
As far as I can tell the next steps are: finish wiring the cutting head so that it can interface with an audio source, get the frame aligned with a turntable, insert a stylus, and do some test cuts. Obviously, that's an over simplification of the process, but those are the general next steps I would have been taking.
Like I said, happy to talk more about this project and where you'd need to jump in. It's been a lot of fun, and I hope that it can help someone who is interested and has the time to see it to the finish line.
