Myth Busting

Are your blanks made of PVC?

Absolutely not. Using a diamond to cut PVC will destroy your diamond. Also, PVC is extremely hazardous due to the release of toxic fumes when using a laser CNC to cut sheets of PVC. You are, and always have, cut onto PETG, whether it's a clear PETG layer of 100 microns on a colored disc or a solid PETG disc. Spinner Town Blanks discs are made from solid PETG sheets, this means that you chip/swarf will match the disc's colour. We find it crucial to clarify this, as some suppliers may claim their discs are PVC to discourage DIY attempts and maintain a monopoly. However, after receiving inquiries about laser cutting PVC based on claims made by other suppliers, we prioritise providing accurate information for people's safety and well-being.

 

Do you require heat lamps when cutting PETG?

No, heat lamps are unnecessary. PETG will cut at room temperature without issue. In fact, using heat lamps can lead to static buildup due to excessive heat drying the air around the disc. PETG softens at around 85 degrees Celsius, rendering the use of heat lamps ineffective and unnecessary in all cases. Ensure that the working environment is comfortable and moderately warm, ideally around 25 degrees Celsius. Excessive warmth can also reduce humidity, which is crucial for preventing static-related problems. This guideline applies to all other lathe cutting discs as well. If a diamond can cut it, it's PETG, and these principles remain the same.

 

Do I need to spend money on anti-static liquid?

After developing our own formula and receiving very positive feedback, we believe this information should be freely accessible. Therefore, we will no longer sell the liquid but will instead provide a guide on our website on how to make it. The process is straightforward and cost-effective. There is absolutely no reason for you to buy this with a 500% mark up from certain suppliers.

Here’s the formula:
- 75% Isopropyl Alcohol
- 25% Distilled Water

If you search for ‘Vinyl Record Anti Static Liquid’, you’ll find all companies using the same ingredients. The key is in the mix. Most commercially available anti static liquids for records use a mix of 20% Isopropyl Alcohol and 80% Distilled Water. While this works, the extra water results in this slower evaporation and potential water marks, which are the streaks you might see on your discs, possibly along with other added ingredients.

A common myth is the use of anti static agents like detergent or fabric softener. While effective for materials like cotton, they do not benefit this application. Our goal is to eliminate static and achieve fast evaporation. Isopropyl Alcohol does both. The water merely extends the solution or reduces its potency in your workspace. Some suggest adding detergent to create a film on the disc, but based on our research and information from plastic manufacturers, this has no logical effect and could even coat the diamond stylus in this film.

Finally, Isopropyl Alcohol is a solvent, so if you use a strong mix, ensure your studio is well-ventilated. You can experiment with weaker mixes but we recommend not going below a 50/50 ratio. Also, for anyone wondering, Isopropyl and Isopropanol Alcohol is the same thing.

 

Do I need to spend money on diamond cleaner?

No. This is another area of lathe cutting day to day tools that is wildly overpriced and filled with myths is stylus cleaner. After checking the two main European suppliers prices, we worked out that it is a 3900% mark up on the price of the liquid, which we feel is totally unacceptable. This % is based on selling 25ml bottles (50ml bottles would make it a 1950% markup).

All you need is Ethyl Acetate.

One litre (1000ml) costs about £10 which is likely more than you’d need in a lifetime. A practical solution is to work cooperatively with other cutters, purchase together, and share the cleaner among yourselves.

 

Do lathe cuts sound worse than pressed records?

The quality of cuts depends on both the cutter and the cutting system used. While discs are essentially plastic, just like a pressed record, there's a widespread belief that lacquer masters offer the highest fidelity with the lowest noise floor. Whilst this is likely true, not all cuts are created equal. For instance, we've experienced superior audio quality from PETG discs cut with a Caruso head compared to the same audio released on pressed records. So, it's incorrect to assert that lathe cuts are inherently inferior to pressings. 

One thing to bare in mind, PETG is now used for pressings using injection moulding and called 'bio' or 'eco' vinyl. So if you hear that the sound of PETG is bad, it's just another myth.