A record lathe is used to cut single or double plates for records. It connects to audio equipment and is operated by a skilled technician. Vinyl records are made through a stamping process. The cutting head must be in top condition to avoid mistakes. Companies may offer tours of the process.
A record lathe is equipment that a technician can use to cut a record, a single cut for a customer who wants a single record, or a double plate for a record company for use in mass production. The record lathe connects to audio equipment to drag a cutting tool across the surface of the record and translate the sound into a groove. When the record is placed on a turntable, the stylus reads the groove and reproduces the sound.
You can assemble a record lathe for a shop or home studio with a few basic tools, or order a commercially manufactured version. A professional lathe is usually required for producing high quality records and the ability to do voiceovers. The cost can vary, and the equipment is only as good as the operator; a skilled operator can clean up and clarify music tracks to improve quality and make a great record. Conversely, an inexperienced operator can turn a good lead into a bad one by operating the lathe incorrectly.
Record lathes are used with lacquer and acetate plates, not vinyl records. Vinyl records are produced in a stamping process that begins with making a double plate. The double plate becomes the template for a mold and records are made by injecting heated vinyl into the mold. It will spread out and conform to the grooves. A technician can check the disc for defects and then package it for sale and delivery.
The cutting head on a record-breaking lathe needs to be in top condition, and you need to replace it periodically or repair worn components. Problems with the cutting head will result in problems with the discs made on that lathe. Before a technician starts doing a voiceover, he or she will usually carefully inspect all of the equipment to make sure it is in good working order. The plates are expensive and the technicians want to avoid mistakes that force them to reject the plates.
In companies where discs are made, you can sometimes see the disc lathe in action. Some companies offer tours to members of the public or clients and will allow them to watch the process. Actually cutting a disc doesn’t take that long, but the setup process does require careful attention to detail to reduce the chance of mistakes. Delivery of a customer order can take several days, especially in a busy facility.
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