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Vinyl Record Cutouts

Vinyl Record Cutouts
Vinyl records are wonderful, but only few of us still use them when actually listening to music. I'm sure that anyone reading this has seen clocks, bowls, and bookends made from old LPs, but I wanted to do something that wasn't constrained to a circle. The "proper" way of doing this would be purchasing hot wire cutter, and there is much to be said about using the right tool for the right job. But there is also something to be said for using what you have on hand if it'll get the job done. I chose the latter, and used a dremel tool.
 
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Step 1Supplies

Supplies
-Vinyl record to cut
-Ruler
Safety Goggles
-Dremel tool 
-Small grinding attachment
-Wire wheel attachment
-Sand paper (or sponge)

Not puictured: Image editor (ie: Photoshop, pencil)

SAFETY NOTE: We're going to be using a Dremel tool at higher speeds, and small bits of vinyl will fly everywhere. I thought my normal glasses would be fine for this task, but the high speed debris hitting my eye proved me wrong. Play it safe and use something with full coverage.
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9 comments
Feb 9, 2012. 6:04 AMRaitis says:
I've just cut one vinyl I had with dremel and diamond cylinder grinding/engraving piece. It's a pain to get edges even with high speed tools and complex figures...
Jan 20, 2012. 3:04 AMarticice says:
"only few of us still use them when actually listening to music"

You're so wrong here ;)
Jan 29, 2012. 9:20 PM-A-N-D-Y- says:
There are still people using floppy discs too! :p

To be honest it's not long before CD's become obsolete...
Nov 20, 2011. 7:02 PMlumpee says:
I'm thinking this would be a good project for a variable speed scroll saw at low speed.I used mine on plastic at high speed once and when I'd finished the cut,it was all welded back together.To make my saw run slower I wired it to an old sewing machine foot control to give me variable speeds. Very cool project.
Jul 15, 2011. 10:12 AMmi0j says:
You monster! That beautiful vinyl, you...you killed it!
Aug 14, 2011. 9:14 PMTardisaholic says:
It looks like there's a scratch above the shine on the left side. Maybe it didn't play.
Jul 15, 2011. 11:15 AMTheJehosephat says:
I think I cried a bit
Jun 6, 2011. 10:01 PMBarginsTech says:
Very cool! You could probably add a back drop to it in a contrasting color and make it into a clock! :] Great instructable
May 12, 2011. 7:19 PMsplazem says:
Those look cool.

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Author:SunBear