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Un-WARP your records

Today was very sunny and hot...as I was peeling off my clothes I got to thinking...hey, it's so damn HOT...why not try an experiment!!

Items used for this experiment:

- picture frame
- round 1/4 inch glass table top (the heavier the better)
- suntan lotion
- cold beer

After baking in the sun for three hours the warps were GONE!! The record was completely FLAT!!

Do this with a cheap record first, don't attempt this with your prized ones. I didn't get the chance to spin the record because I wanted to let the vinyl cool down first. I will post my findings and let you know if the experiment was a success.
dogpile
14 responses Add your response
dogpile OP
118 posts
 

I attemped a second warped record. This time I timed it for 1/2 hour sessions.

Things to consider:

- severity of the warp
- thickness of the record
- sun intensity

These points will determine how long to leave it out for. Also, after baking DO NOT handle the record. Bring the whole platform inside to cool down before handling it.

btw. the second baking was very successful as well and baking did not alter the sound one tiny bit.

WHOOPIE!!!
Post removed 
brrgrr
163 posts
 
Now you got me to thinking!!!
I have an old heated press I bought to flatten dough balls for pizza...it doesn't get too hot as it would kill the yeast, but it MIGHT work on records!!
Results will be posted shortly, as soon as I get me some beer!!

LOL
dogpile OP
118 posts
 

Brrgrr

That might work but do remember, vinyl does have a memory so a slow heating/baking process should be performed.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
didn't y'all see that recent thread re: this exact same subject regarding flattening warped records with a hot T-shirt press... The originator went into great detail about his various techniques. Another poster chimed in stating that the sun & glass method is practically an ancient ritual; lots of good info. on that thread.

Once again proves the old adage "nothing new under the sun"
azjake's avatar
azjake
285 posts
 

hey ole buddy!
so one hot day in canada and it's "beer experiments" huh...make sure the groove is still there and your not the one warped!!
1/2" glass with a acrilic backer makes for an even heat distribution and start at around 20 minutes...but then again, i'm in phoenix!!
best regards,
azjake
pauly
1,012 posts
 
When flattening a warped record you usually end up with a flat but somewhat oval record.

Warped record can be clamped down (some harder than others) and played. Oval LP's cannot ...
dogpile OP
118 posts
 

Hey Arizona!! Still enjoying the Cowboy Junkies? I'd much prefer the dry heat you got down there. Nice to hear from ya...take care!!

HY
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I don't care for this method. I get sand in my ass every time I do it.
azjake's avatar
azjake
285 posts
 

gunbei,
i believe the "peel my clothes off" part was strictly optional!! that may help with the sand...
best regards,
az jake
rkl1942
4 posts
 
I own a transcriptor skeleton. Sounded quite good many years ago, considerably better than my td 124 but not as good as my linn. I just unboxed it after 20 years and set it up using the later sme and shure v15. During the storage period the belt stretched so I cannot play. I contacted transcriptor in England but could not figure how to pay in British pounds. I emailed again and have still not heard back. Check the sight "transcriptor" for more info. Good Luck
Bob
willster
66 posts
 
The trick is to control the heat. I purchased two pieces of plate glass 13" on a side so it is slightly larger than the LP. I preheat my convection oven on it's lowest setting (200 degrees). Place the record between the glass pieces and place in oven. Watch closely and rotate position at least once to insure even heating. Result - flat record.
maclogan
49 posts
 
The warm oven technique works best for me. Make sure the oven has been warmed up to around 50 degrees (C) and held there for 30 minutes before placing the record/plate glass sandwich in the oven. Leave for about 1-2 hours. Then switch the oven off without opening it (extremely slow cooling to ambient temperature is the key). Leave for about 2-3 hours and you get a flat, round record.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
I have a few warped recoreds, but I nebver had much luck flattening them using various methods. Then, I got a Sony PS-X800 TT with "Biotracer" (servo controlled) linear tracking arm and, low and behold, even the warped records played fine. The message here is not that you need to get that particular Sony TT, but rather that the arm you use has a lot to do with ability to play warped records.
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