M NEXUS INSIGHT
// politics

What are lathe cut records

By Rachel Hickman

Lathe-cut records are made by cutting micro-grooves into a polycarbonate disc using a record lathe. How do they sound? The sound reproduction is not as accurate as a vinyl pressing and there is some surface noise, comparable to a flexi-disc or an old 78, if you remember those.

Are lathe cut vinyl good?

Lathe Cut Records Sound Quality The sound quality of stereo lathe cut records can be better than pressed vinyl. However, like pressed vinyl not every lathe cut is made the same. Experience is the key to manufacturing high quality vinyl recordings. There are some exceptional cuts being done on vintage mono machines.

What is a record cut?

In the recording industry, a cut-out refers to a deeply discounted or remaindered copy of an LP, 45 RPM single, cassette tape, compact disc, or other item.

Do lathe cut records degrade?

These records should last as long as pressed records, I’ve played certain lathe cuts around 100 times with no degradation. That being said, they are no less susceptible to collecting dust, scratches and dings. Treat your records well!

How does a record lathe work?

Simply put, a cutting machine is a record player whose pickup works in reverse. When playing a record, a voltage corresponding to the audio signal is generated in the cartridge. On the cutting lathe, the groove is cut into the lacquer by the cutter head’s stylus movements, which corresponds to the audio signal.

Is a lathe a tool?

A lathe is a machining tool that is used primarily for shaping metal or wood. It works by rotating the workpiece around a stationary cutting tool.

How do you cut vinyl records?

Use a utility knife or pair of heavy-duty scissors to cut the record. Set the vinyl on a flat heat-safe cutting surface. Hold the record still with an oven mitt or potholder so it doesn’t move around when you cut it. Follow along with your design with a sharp knife or pair of scissors.

Why are record corners cut?

The corners are cut on the cardboard jackets/sleeves to prevent them from being returned to a traditional retailer. Normally the corners are cut off when an item is discontinued and sold as a discount lot to a wholesaler or when an item has been returned and it shouldn’t be sold as new.

Do lathe cut records sound good?

The sound reproduction is not as accurate as a vinyl pressing and there is some surface noise, comparable to a flexi-disc or an old 78, if you remember those. Some lathe-cuts are prone to static build up; more so than vinyl. … A good wipe and a couple of plays will actually improve the sound quality of the record.

What does it mean to cut vinyl records?

Cutting: Recorded Sound onto the Lacquer Disc The recorded sound (however many tracks) will be etched into the disc as one continuous spiral groove – a physical representation of the frequency and amplitude. Once the cutting is complete, the tip is lifted up and the engineer inspects the disc for any flaws.

Article first time published on

What is a deletion cut?

Deletion is a music industry term referring to the removal of a record or records from a label’s official catalog, so that it is out of print, but usually at a record artist’s request.

How do you cut records at home?

To cut a record, users plug in a music source device such as a smartphone or iPod via the provided auxiliary audio cable and then place the cutting arm onto a blank disc, and the cutting begins. After around four minutes, a full side is ready for playback, and the unit can then be switched from recording to play mode.

Can you cut your own records?

The Phonocut is an analog vinyl lathe, the first consumer device capable of making custom records immediately, right there in your home (assuming you’re willing to pay $1,100 for the privilege). The device cuts 10-inch vinyl records, which can hold about 10 to 15 minutes of audio on each side.

How a master record is made?

First, a master recording is made, usually in a studio where engineers perfect the recorded sound. Then an object called a lacquer is placed on a record-cutting machine, and as it rotates, electric signals from the master recording travel to a cutting head, which holds a stylus, or needle.

Can you cut records with a Cricut?

Another great material that the Cricut machine can cut is vinyl. Vinyl is awesome for making signs, decals, stencils, graphics, etc. If you’re interested in trying out vinyl with your machine, here’s a great tutorial on how to cut vinyl with a Cricut.

Can vinyl records be laser cut?

The short answer: Sure you “can” process PVC and vinyls in a CO2 laser. You can also cut your toenails with a circular power saw.

Can a Cricut maker cut records?

The Cricut Maker offers more pressure than the other Cricut machines, but can generally cut materials no thicker than 2.5mm. … The machine seemed to be cutting the material, but after 24 passes, still hadn’t cut through the record.

What is a lathe history?

The lathe was very important to the Industrial Revolution. It is known as the mother of machine tools, as it was the first machine tool that led to the invention of other machine tools. The first fully documented, all-metal slide rest lathe was invented by Jacques de Vaucanson around 1751.

What are the tools used for cutting?

  • Hand Saws.
  • Miter Boxes.
  • Machetes.
  • Glass Cutters.
  • Bolt Cutters.
  • Planes.

What are the types of lathe?

  • Center lathe or engine lathe machine: …
  • Speed lathe machine: …
  • Capstan and turret lathe machine: …
  • Toolroom lathe machine: …
  • Bench lathe machine: …
  • Automatic lathe machine: …
  • Special lathe machine: …
  • CNC lathe machine:

How much is a vinyl press machine?

We’re just making old manual pressing machines with new parts,” RPA technical sales manger Dan Hemperly told Plastic News. Newbilt’s double system featuring two presses and an extruder, hydraulic power supply and a trimming machine costs $161,250 while a single-press system will set you back $100,000.

Why do some records have saw cuts?

discontinued items that hadn’t sold. They would deface and sell them to retailers for next to nothing. Since retailers weren’t paying full wholesale price for them, they could not return them to the labels for full credit…. thus the punch hole/saw mark/cut corners (a way for labels to know that they were cutouts).

What is the hole in a record called?

Play Hole – The hole in the center of a record that allows the record to fit over a turntable spindle. The hole and spindle keep the record properly centered on the platter so that it will play correctly.

Why are there holes in records?

A larger hole allowed the sudden rotational forces to be distributed over a greater distance (π x 1.5; about 4.712 inches), reducing wear and allowing the hole to stay rounder longer. This was especially important for the jukebox industry.

Why do albums go out of print?

Recordings go “out of print” when the company that is printing the recording decides that sales do not justify printing any additional copies and the company’s stockpile of prints have been exhausted.

What does a hole punch in a record mean?

They are cut-outs. Unsold copies of records were shipped back to the distributor, where they were “cut out” by drilling a hole or sawing a corner. This signified that the artist would recieve no royalties from this copy.

How do you punch a hole in a vinyl record?

Put hole punches in your paper, then put the paper on the record pieces that are cut and mark with your sharpie where you want the hole punch lines. Then put the front and back pieces back into the oven and then hole punch.

How do you make your own record label?

  1. 1) Pick a Name for the Label.
  2. 2) Decide on a Business Structure.
  3. 3) Find Your Music.
  4. 4) Artist Deals and Recording Contracts.
  5. 5) Figure out Distribution.
  6. 6) Promote your Music.
  7. 7) Collecting All of Your Royalties.

Can I make vinyl records at home?

Meaning, yes, you can finally make your own vinyl records at home. … You put a blank record on the turntable, plug the machine into any audio source you have using a minijack, press the start button and record your music straight to the blank, turning it into a brand new LP.

How long is a 5 inch record?

Heavyweight Custom 5-inch Picture Disc Vinyl Record + Sleeve. Recording time of up to 4 minutes.

Can you put a playlist on a vinyl?

Not only is it a treat to have the vinyl experience (and sound quality) for your own hand-picked playlist, making a custom record also allows you to design a memorable keepsake, whether for yourself or a loved one. Check out these eight retailers to make your own custom vinyl record.