Vinyl LP Butterfly by pudtiny
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After a lot of web searching I could not find satisfactory instruction on cutting vinyl records for art. They are various suggestion scroll saw, band saw. dremel etc. but these l felt all left a rough or melted edge. I tried contacting Paul Villinski (http://www.paulvillinski.com) as he produces some great art but after several weeks he never replied. I finally found the solution and this instructable shows it.
 
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Step 1: Tools for Cutting

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The tool I discovered that works is call a hot knife normally used for cutting foam and leather according to the packet. It was a happy accident that lead to this discovery, I have been wanting to try pyrography for a while so picked up this kit http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-Woodburning-and-Hobbyists-Kit/dp/B000X8I86C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1347454707&sr=8-2  and included was a hot knife so I gave it a go. It is by no means a fast processes but it does cut the vinyl leaving a smooth edge. I found you could either cut  with several light passes or one slow deep pass. An alternative with works for big pieces was to cut part way through and then snap along the line. You do need to be aware that there is a chemical smell given off when cutting but this was no were near as bad as I expected and working in a well ventilated area seemed to dissipate it quickly. The kit also had other burning tips which could be used to add texture and detail to the design.
poignancy says: Oct 23, 2012. 11:10 AM
Hot knife is a great idea! In case you're still interested in Paul Villinski's technique, here's a youtube link that explains some of it (basically band saw, scroll saw, dremel sander):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieSn5Kpr6cs
pudtiny (author) says: Oct 23, 2012. 11:37 PM
Thanks it does still interest me and I don't know how I missed finding that!

karalalala says: Sep 16, 2012. 9:34 PM
Ahhhh neat! My sister has one of these to draw on leather, I should tell her she can cut up my Dad's Genesis records and decorate the living room with Phil Collins butterflies !
pudtiny (author) says: Sep 16, 2012. 11:34 PM
Reading that has made my Monday start well :)
Retro Correct says: Sep 15, 2012. 7:29 PM
Great idea! i didn't know vinyl could be cut that easily; that said I will never be able to bring myself to it ( tracks are the only thing I like cut into vinyl).
pudtiny (author) says: Sep 16, 2012. 9:23 AM
The records used in this instructable were not contributing to the world of music anything worth listening too
M3G says: Sep 13, 2012. 8:11 PM
Great idea!
pudtiny (author) says: Sep 13, 2012. 10:40 AM
Thanks, I'm sure you can think of something great to make
scoochmaroo says: Sep 13, 2012. 9:16 AM
Fun project! This is definitely a new reuse idea to me!
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