How best to eliminate LP warps
I own about 2500 LPs, and I like to think they're flat. Furthermore, I espoused the view that warped LPs ought to be discarded. But lately I have found 2 or 3 of my LPs that do have warps but sound too good and are too precious for the music recorded on them to throw away. So I am in the market for ideas on how to remove warps. I am aware that there was a device on the market that looked like a large waffle maker, to be used for warp removal. I think Furutech made it, but I never see it advertised these days. I am also aware of the DIY method of placing an LP between two glass plates and heating the ensemble. The question there would be how hot and for how long? Any suggestions are welcome, especially opinions on the efficacy of the Furutech. Thanks. Please no comments on vacuum hold down; I think it's a great idea but none of my five turntables has that feature.
@lewm OK, well it works for me,, both sides, to a degree.... Like I said,, it does NOT eliminate the warp, however it does allow you to play the record, rather than trashing it it also reduces the amount of vertical movement of the tonearm. Try it. Also, if you find it is only reducing the warp on one side, then try the clamp without the washer for other side, as other side may be bowed up at label. The washer is good or better for when one side is dished rather than bowed. |
I tried a friend's Vinyl Flat, but could not make it work for me. Too impatient, I think. What did work is something very like a vacuum hold-down, a 'reflex clamp', which consists of a small flat dome under the label and a clamp that exerts force from the spindle. Actually I used the dome and a 2-3 kg weight, which is no problem for my air bearing TT. This solution is discussed on DIYAUDIO, the DIY Linear Tonearm thread, Niffy's posts on page 143. Works well for me, and even improves the sound of flat records! |
