The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am new to this hobby. I got interested in it because my grandfather, from what I have been told, used to make needles as a hobby years and years ago. He died before I could talk to him about it and learn what he did and how he did it. I have no drawings, plans or the like from him, but I do have quite a few various needles that he made. straight ones, bent ones, crimped ones etc. Some of the boxes and bags that they are in have some lettering on them that means nothing to me. Examples are (M-60 #20, M125 #1, #30 5000, 3130X 5000). Can any one point me in a direction as to where I can start getting info on the mechanics, physics, geometry and materials used in needle making? I can try to post pics of some of the needles later if that would help.
Thanks a bunch

I hope this doesn't come across in a bad way, but "new" to which hobby?

Curt A wrote:I hope this doesn't come across in a bad way, but "new" to which hobby?

I think we can assume that it isn't sewing! Or knitting

..... But needles must be properly made. If the needle is made from wrong material or has burrs it can damage the records. The properly made steel needle will wear and conform to the record groove after the first few grooves. The shellac record is specially made to work with properly made steel needles. A sewing needle or pin will damage your records.

Never play thick Edison records with a steel needle it will damage them.

Henry,
I would assume that we are talking phono needles also, except for the "straight ones, bent ones, crimped ones etc." part. I know that there are straight and bent phonograph needles, but what are crimped ones? Also, what threw me is that I thought this was a phonograph forum and not a needle making hobby forum... OK, I will concede that there is probably someone out there who is making phonograph needles by hand, but who and why? They seem cheap enough and the work to make them doesn't seem worth it... especially for a single time use.

Curt A wrote:Henry,
Also, what threw me is that I thought this was a phonograph forum and not a needle making hobby forum... OK, I will concede that there is probably someone out there who is making phonograph needles by hand, but who and why? They seem cheap enough and the work to make them doesn't seem worth it... especially for a single time use.

We've discussed needles on several threads, and a while ago there was a fascinating thread about making tungston (TungsTone) needles. I was under the impression this is a board where we could discuss all aspects of phonographs and related equipment.

In case you didn't get my point: I wasn't sure that the post wasn't a joke...
Reverendpen: please reply and explain what you know about making needles... it sounds fascinating.

My post is no joke. I am simply trying to get info on how one would manufacture needles, possibly as a hobby. As I said in the first post my Grandfather used to make needles as a hobby. He died before I could ask him how he did it. The only info I have is word of mouth from my mom and dad and a hundred+ various needles supposedly made by him. There were some notes I saw hand written by him that showed some basic geometry of needles but not enough to go on.

When I said I was new to this hobby I meant the hobby of using and repairing victrola machines 78 rpm players. After more research the needle I described as crimped is more like a "siren" style needle made of a black material with a silver point. I will try to upload some pics soon.

Specific questions would be: type of steel used, coatings (I see some use nickel plating to stop rust), what geometry is used to get maximum interface with the grooves, how would one the make needles in large qty. turning each on a lathe seems way to labor intensive, using a press and die to stamp them seems the best but there would probably need to be some individual smoothing or tweeking of each needle, again labor intensive.

I am guessing there has to be some basic info out there.

Reverendpen,

I can understand because of the family connection that getting this sort of information may be of interest to you. However, making your own steel needles is probably not worth the effort. They have to be made very, very well in order not to damage records when using them and good new ones can be bought in bulk at very low cost. I expect to make them in bulk and make them well, you'd likely need expensive specialized machinery. (Perhaps others here can say more about that as I have not personally seen them made.)

Be that as it may, welcome to the Forum and to the hobby. The hobby can be fun, rewarding, and very addictive.

Clay

Reverendpen.
Please post some pictures. I am very intrigued.
I'd love to see some examples that were made by your Grandfather. It's such a specialized field, not many people alive who can do it.
Pictures please.