Making your own Blanks ?

[AxlKnf]

Hi everyone !

First of all, this is my first post here, and I am a total newbie. So maybe my question is a bit stupid, be gentle with me.

I just wanted to know, is it possible de create your own blanks using PVC ? Do you need heavy machinery or can it be done in a "DIY" way ? has anyone tried this yet?

Thank you guys !

Axel

[Estrada]

Hi Axel, it is definitely possible. I've only ever cut records using blanks I have made myself.

Most people use polycarbonate or PETG, both of which are typically available as a clear sheet. PETG seems to be most preferred for cutting with a diamond stylus, while polycarbonate is the preferred material for embossing, although currently I'm cutting onto polycarbonate discs. PVC is also available in sheet form but I think this is more difficult to work with.

I've been making black blanks recently by laminating 2x 1mm sheets of polycarbonate together. Before sticking them together I paint one side with a water based acrylic paint. It seems to work pretty well, I've only done black so far but any colour imaginable should be possible. This is what they look like

8E373030-87F9-41D5-AC82-6BFC2E024BF3_1_105_c.jpeg

[AxlKnf]

Wow it looks great ! Thanks for you answer. Can you find those sheets in your local hardware store (like home Depot), or directly on a website ?

I think i'll give it a try in a few weeks, and send some pictures here. Thank you !

[Estrada]

Hi, I get mine from a plastics wholesaler. Polycarbonate and PETG are fairly common, I'm not in the USA but home depot appear to have it on their website. The next step will be working out what to use to cut them out. I'm using a Dremel tool with a circle cutting attachment. It works but is possibly a bit small for the job. A small router might be better, even better if it is cordless.

Also make sure you use the correct drill size for the centre hole. This should be 9/32" / 7.26mm. I used a 7.5mm drill bit on by first ever batch and that was enough to cause playback issues due to the record not being properly centred while cutting. Ended up with a warbling effect in the audio.

It does look like black polycarbonate is available which would be a lot less work. I'm in New Zealand and no-one stocks it here. The cost of shipping would make it unaffordable for me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203389769096

Are you cutting with a diamond stylus? or embossing?

[AxlKnf]

I will use a Diamond stylus, so PETG or PVC will do the job ? I'm not in the USA too (europe), there's a guy in my area who deals with PETG and PVC, but i don't know If he's selling sheets of it. Have to get in touch with him.

Thanks a lot for the drill size !

Did you stick them together to get a 2mm thickness ? Or is that because you can't use the other side of the sheet ?

[spinnertownblanks]

If using a diamond stylus you should get PETG, it’s readily available pretty much anywhere in transparent 1mm

[Estrada]

Did you stick them together to get a 2mm thickness ? Or is that because you can't use the other side of the sheet ?

The only reason I'm laminating them is to make coloured/black blanks. If you are happy with transparent blanks then there is no need to laminate. The sheets have a good finish on both sides and each side has a plastic coating which you want to keep on until you are ready to cut/emboss. I prefer 1.5-2mm thickness, especially if you are doing larger size discs.

PETG is probably best for diamond cutting. It is softer so it is less hard on your diamond. The only thing I find more difficult with PETG is picking up the swarf. It seems to be more prone to static than polycarbonate so the vacuum has a lot more trouble picking it up, especially at the outside of a 12" disc. I've been using polycarbonate for 12" discs but I have the luxury of being able to make and sharpen my own diamonds, and they do seem to wear out faster on polycarbonate.

Good luck

[AxlKnf]

If using a diamond stylus you should get PETG, it’s readily available pretty much anywhere in transparent 1mm

Is 1mm enough ? I've seen people using 2mm, or 1.5mm at least... is it gonna affect the sound quality ? Or the overall quality in the long term ?

Thanks for your answer

[spinnertownblanks]

Use 1.5mm or 2mm if you are happy with transparent blanks.

If you want to make colour blanks you will need 1mm blanks to glue together

[AxlKnf]

Use 1.5mm or 2mm if you are happy with transparent blanks.

If you want to make colour blanks you will need 1mm blanks to glue together

Alright, so you're painting one side and you glue them together on the painted side ?

[spinnertownblanks]

We aren’t doing that, we sell actual colour PETG. You mentioned make DIY ones yourself, so just letting you know how

[spinnertownblanks]

But yes, if you want to make them yourself, paint the discs and glue the painted sides together, and ideally press through a cold laminator to make sure all air bubbles leave