Homemade Wax Cylinder Project: Request Input

[Chuck]

The recording tests are now available to be heard
at my website http://www.richardslaboratories.com

Click on "recording tests".

And, just so nobody thinks I am attempting to hijack
this thread, this same thing will also have a new thread
of its own under "Tips and Tricks"

Chuck

[edisonphonoworks]

If you follow the formula on http://www.richardslaboratories.com/index.php You can't go wrong, it is the best published information on the subject of making brown wax. I must add it is a better wax than any that was available in the 1890's by the way. The slow process of making the hydrated alumina, make, filter, letting it settle overnight, and filter again is a must. The three step process of making the initial wax, cooling overnight, heating up to anneal and cool twice, and then pouring the wax, is a must for excellent blanks. Pre heating the mold for an hour a must, and letting the compound slow cool in air. Any kind of attempt to speed the process up in any way will mar the attempt to make excellent blanks. I also must say the amounts and way, Chuck Richards has worked on is also used at my place as well. I make recordings, and blanks as a hobby, and make and sell what I want, which will be mostly direct recordings by local artists, recorded with original professional recording equipment. I don't take orders anymore, and will not be selling many blanks, just finished recordings. It makes the cylinder thing all the more enjoyable, to do what I want. If you want blanks, do as Chuck suggest, and make your own. Make the mold (he has good instructions on the website) make the wax, shape and shave, record and enjoy!