How to Cut Vinyl LP Records?

[Evan Patton]

I have a project for which I'm considering using 10" square "tiles" made from LP records. My thought is to use my junk LPs and pick up more from Goodwill, et al (I only need about a dozen), machine them to size, then attach them to a substrate with mastic.

My question is what is the best way to cut them into 10" square tiles so they have clean edges? My first thought was to use my Festool track saw, but I'm concerned about it melting the vinyl and making a gooey stinky mess (not to mention ruining the blade). I've also considered using a paper cutter, but not sure how it would handle the relatively thick LPs.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[Cary Falk]

How avout a router and a trim bit. Make a 10" wood/mdf square for the pattern.

[Randy Rose]

It certainly won`t cost much to experiment with different methods.

I`m thinking table saw.

[George Werner]

Maybe one of these plexiglass cutters with a straight edge and then a couple quick swipes with a sanding pad?

cutter.jpg

[Tom Deutsch]

I would try plywood pattern, then score with a utility knife. Might be able to snap off clean from that point and sand the edges as desired.

[Myk Rian]

Some records were made with a metal disc core. Sweep them with a magnet or metal detector first.

[Evan Patton]

Good suggestions. I'll keep you posted on my experiments.

Thanks!

[Ole Anderson]

I would start with a BS.

[Myk Rian]

I would start with a BS.

With a fine tooth blade.

[peter gagliardi]

As I remember, vinyl records are brittle, so I would be tempted to try a wet tile saw.

[Britt Lifsey]

I realize this isn't design you are after, but could you use whole LPs then fill in between with broken pieces of random shape or bandsaw pieces to follow round shape.

[Peter Quinn]

When you cut vinyl siding best method I've found is to install the blade on a SCMS backwards, and make the cut. Sounds cookoo, works great. Blade in normal direction, the stuff shatters almost every time when the blade grabs it. Same method may work for records.

[Jerome Stanek]

I would cut a template and use a router.

[Evan Patton]

It certainly won`t cost much to experiment with different methods.

I`m thinking table saw.

The records are cheap. The Festool and Forrest blades aren't, although I doubt that I'd actually ruin one, but gunking them in is a definite possibility.

I'm going to give my track saw a shot this afternoon and I'll let you know how it turns out. The router idea could work and will probably leave the best edge, but burning/melting could be worse. The bandsaw doesn't leave a clean enough cut (I know, I can always clean it up, but I'd just as soon not have to), but would probably be the cleanest.

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

[Evan Patton]

As I remember, vinyl records are brittle, so I would be tempted to try a wet tile saw.

This is probably the best/cleanest way to do it. I don't have one, however, so I'm going to experiment with what I've got.