Flattening record warp

[diarav]

Hi,
I recently salvaged my Dad's turntable (about 30 years old). Just cleaned the rubber pulleys, replaced some rubber bushes for the motor.

I have some old vinyl records ( LP - 33 1/3 RPM) that are seriously warped ( so much that they come in the way of the tone arm).

Is there a DIY method that can restore the record back to its shape (not really that flat - but close enough). I read on some website where it was mentioned to put the record between two glass plates and place it in the hot oven at 150 deg.

I understand this is risky but any other method/suggestion that might have worked for anyone will help.

[SY]

The oven/glass thing has worked for me about zero times. Sadly, dewarping a record is like descrambling an egg.

[diarav]

Originally posted by SY
The oven/glass thing has worked for me about zero times.

Oh ! does that mean this method could not straighten the record
(or)
has it resulted in some damage to the record (hope not..)

Originally posted by SY
Sadly, dewarping a record is like descrambling an egg.

Hmm.. Yes I understand it is a little difficult, but I was wondering if anything can change shape due to heat and pressure, could it not be restored the same way?

[graeme uk]

ive never managed to flatted a warped record, but then ive only tried to flatten ripples, not one thats warped across the whole record.

Ive ruined records trying, but only cos i kept trying.

[SY]

In some cases, it made it worse, others it just redistributed the warp. In a few cases, the record became unplayably noisy.

[ashok]

Some warp can be removed but a very badly warped one might be impossible to remove fully. Be careful with your stylus. A bad warp could damage the cantilever. However like SY says it might get much noisier or even unplayable. Pick the album you do not care for and try flattening it first. All surfaces must be 'super clean' .

Try using the HOT Indian sun instead of the oven ! At least it will not melt the vinyl !

[dnsey]

I suspect that the main problem is that parts of the disc will be stretched in much the same way as a dented car panel, for example. Any attempt to shrink them back is asking a little too much, I'm afraid

[sreten]

Hi,

Don't like the sound of the oven. Try an airing cupboard.

Use some large heavy weights and give it time - days not hours.

sreten.

[sreten]

Hi, just add use some foam for initial load spreading, /sreten.

[Gordy]

Originally posted by ashok
... Try using the HOT Indian

Great, all I need is a hot Indian!


...

De-warping requires even pressure over a long period. I tried by a) cleaning, b) leaving in the sleeve, c) lay on an even, flat surface, d) apply a weight evenly over the whole record [I used several very thick hardcover books], e) leave for a long time.

I left them for months. It got rid of of most of the warp.

However if it is so warped that it hits the underside of the arm then you may be out of luck.