The Secret Society of Lathe Trolls

flashbk13 · Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 31 Location: Ontario, Cal.

Hi All,
I just bought a nice Presto 6N Lathe, but with no lid. Is anyone here (or know someone that is) parting out a 6N or another Presto model that uses the same lid? Need not be perfect cosmetically, but sound construction and has all of its clips/ hinges that mate with the ones on the lower cabinet. Also, this has the original tone arm with no needle. What type does it use? It has a set screw, so does it just use the old style victrola steel nails? Those would be ok for 78's, but I can't imagine using those on 33's. Thank you, Rick.

emorritt · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 55 Location: Louisiana

Hey Rick,

Yes the cartridge was originally designed for "nail" type styluses, usually Actone (or equiv.) transcription styluses. These supposedly had more refined points than a plain old steel needle, but with the weight of the arm, etc. it still did damage to the acetate. You can still get the curved setscrew type styluses that were made of osmium with a large tip for the 78 size groove, but again with the weight it'll still tear up lacquer.

There is a screw underneath the arm which can be adjusted to control and somewhat conteract the weight of the arm/pickup assembly - I've tried to adjust it on my 6N but it really doesn't do much. If you set it too high - the pickup skates across the record. Too low, and again you're back at the damage point. I think the theory was to make some sort of micro-adjustment that would rest the stylus in the groove and track properly, but at the same time not put a lot of pressure on the disc. Like I said, I've tried but it's nearly impossible.

Best bet is to not play your freshly cut discs with that arm at all. Use a modern turntable with a lightweight pickup. I have several semi-pro and portable lathes of many brands and I never use the pickup on the old machine to playback lacquers. One play and you can see graying in the grooves.

Hope this helps.

flashbk13 · Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 31 Location: Ontario, Cal.

Thank you emorritt for the tips. I'll just use another tt for playback. now if I could only find a lid for this 6N. Merry Christmas, Rick.

JayDC · Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 11:28 pm Post subject:

I have thelid, and can measure it for you if you'd like to make one. only thing is, it was not design to house the unit with the lathe attached.. You can only use it if your going to pack up and store the unit..