The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

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

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.

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.

Interesting! Something to consider!
Bob

Time for a new stylus I think.

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.
My go-to Edison Disc player styli are in nice shape!
Bob

The way I look at, you don't have anything to lose by trying...

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

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.