Project:Vinyl production
| Making Vinyl Records | |
|---|---|
| Created | 23/04/2012 |
| Members | Mungo |
| Project Status | Concept proposed |
| QR code | |
Any help is welcomed, though I can’t personally start work on this until around the 22nd of June. If we can make a relatively compact machine, it can be left in a corner for anyone to use.
Project Aim
The aim is to build a cutting machine that can etch a black acetate plate producing a playable record. If successful, a pressing facility that can press hot vinyl acetate against a stamper can perhaps be attempted (this should be feasible). The latter would require techniques such as electroplating and would allow 'mass' production of records that can be used by indie labels or bands (obviously bootlegging is a no-no). Recording sound through vibration is relatively easy, the challenge is making it sound half-decent.
Possibilities include:
- Pressing/cutting into a range of materials including wax, glue, blood, flexi disc and chocolate (example).
- Producing records of novel sizes (e.g. mini 3” record with ~1min play time), shapes, colours, etc. (some inspiration)
- Laying down your own music on wax for a fraction of the usual cost
- Learning the ins and outs of mastering music for vinyl and the limitations of the format
Materials
Cutter:
- reading the guardian article, it strikes me that old HDD platters dipped in acetate might make good discs --Artag 18:50, 23 April 2012 (UTC)
3. Copper wire and iron core for electro magnet
4. An amplifier
5. An old turntable motor and platter
Presser:
1. Ag spray
2. PVC pellets
3. Some form of pressure (weights)
Useful Resources
- A fantastic, in-depth page on how vinyl is cut, along with a little history of the manufacturing process
- the pressing side of it seems quick tricky, however it may be possible with a few adjustments at the expense of quality--Mungo 21:49, 27 April 2012 (UTC)
- A brief history of records
- A much better history from Wikipedia
- A short Guardian article on How to make a vinyl record.
- A €3,200 make-your-own-vinyl machine (We can do this for much less).