Diamond paste to smooth an Edison Diamond Disc stylus?

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barnettrp21122
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Diamond paste to smooth an Edison Diamond Disc stylus?

Post by barnettrp21122 »

Hello all:
I've read somewhere (probably on this forum, though I can't find it)about using diamond paste on a trashed diamond disc to smooth/polish the diamond tip on an Edison stylus.
I have a stylus that looks good and plays well, but scores the run-out surface ever so slightly.
I've noticed different grits of pastes available, measured in microns, and wonder if anyone's had any luck trying this. Thanks!
Bob
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52089
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Re: Diamond paste to smooth an Edison Diamond Disc stylus?

Post by 52089 »

The only place I've ever read about this was in a discussion bout the long play stylus. According to Frow(?), these were created from the regular diamonds by polishing the way you described. I don't know of any discussion of anyone attempting to polish a regular diamond stylus to restore its shape.

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Curt A
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Re: Diamond paste to smooth an Edison Diamond Disc stylus?

Post by Curt A »

I posted about a friend of mine who used a Dremel type diamond coated disc from Harbor Freight to re-point an Edison stylus, using it by hand not in a Dremel... It wasn't diamond paste and it worked well. I would assume that a diamond coated knife sharpener would accomplish the same thing if you can't find the discs.
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barnettrp21122
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Re: Diamond paste to smooth an Edison Diamond Disc stylus?

Post by barnettrp21122 »

Interesting! Something to consider!
Bob
"Comparison is the thief of joy" Theodore Roosevelt

His Master's Voice Automatic 1A Exponential Gramophone Demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi70G1Rzqpo

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Re: Diamond paste to smooth an Edison Diamond Disc stylus?

Post by JerryVan »

Time for a new stylus I think.

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barnettrp21122
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Re: Diamond paste to smooth an Edison Diamond Disc stylus?

Post by barnettrp21122 »

JerryVan wrote:Time for a new stylus I think.
True, that's always the best option! This is an extra reproducer, one of several of mine with similar issues. :D
My go-to Edison Disc player styli are in nice shape!
Bob
"Comparison is the thief of joy" Theodore Roosevelt

His Master's Voice Automatic 1A Exponential Gramophone Demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi70G1Rzqpo

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Curt A
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Re: Diamond paste to smooth an Edison Diamond Disc stylus?

Post by Curt A »

The way I look at, you don't have anything to lose by trying...
"The phonograph† is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.

"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife

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barnettrp21122
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Re: Diamond paste to smooth an Edison Diamond Disc stylus?

Post by barnettrp21122 »

Curt A wrote:The way I look at, you don't have anything to lose by trying...
I agree. I've ordered an assortment of small tubes of different grades of paste, varying from fine to final polishing grit. I don't expect much, but I'll post results once I give it a try!
Bob
"Comparison is the thief of joy" Theodore Roosevelt

His Master's Voice Automatic 1A Exponential Gramophone Demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi70G1Rzqpo

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Re: Diamond paste to smooth an Edison Diamond Disc stylus?

Post by donniej »

In the tile section of any big box home improvement store you'll find diamond hole saws, saw blades, grout knife and maybe even files. I'd try the smoothest one I could find, keep it wet and work under magnification. I do a bit of work with lab glass this way and there's a good chance it will work for you.
The Dremel bits are a good idea too. IIRC, you can even order diamond sand paper. With all of these, it would be a good idea to use them wet.

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