The Secret Society of Lathe Trolls

Scheckywhite · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 16

Hi guys im looking to buy an entry level lathe/disc cutter for a beginner. i'm looking for something that would cut at 45rpm. My main source of input would be from CD & Tape Masters. I'm guessing something like a Presto K-8/K-10?
I'm looking to spend about $300ish.
Cheers
Sean

Jesus H Chrysler · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 36 Location: Charleston, SC

k-8s and k-10s are 2 speed cutters, 33 and 78. if you want a 45 rpm cutter you'd be looking for something a little later than these. I think k-11's cut 3 speeds, but I haven't ever seen one.

cuttercollector · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 247 Location: San Jose, CA

Yes, K-11s are 3 speed. Some Rek-O-Kut units can do 45 with an idler wheel change. The last of the little Wilcox Gay Recordettes were 3 speed.
I am not aware of any others. It is important for a newby to note that none of the above are professional machines, and none are stereo. That's a whole 'nother league in terms of cost etc.
So for example if you want to cut records for a juke box and you don't care if they are mono and not quite as loud as commercial 45s, you might get by with the last generation Presto or Rek-O-Kut portable machines.
Part of the issue is that most of these machines were designed late in the era when 78s (which are not microgroove) were standard. 33 was included on some models for longer record time at lower quality for speach. Also they threw on the other speeds for playback compatability with the then brand new, novel Lp 33s and 45 singles as a record player - not so much to record them. This was the mid to late 50s. By the 60s Lps and 45s had taken over the consumer record market and most people recorded on reel to reel tape machines at home or schools. Except for the pro studio mastering machines, disc recording (as an amature activity) died.