Desktop Record Lathe Project

A few months back, I started making a vinyl recorder/record lathe. I started making this as a hobby, and I set myself a deadline to have it done before the birth of my first daughter. I wasn't able to get this done in time, and now I'm much to busy to wrap this up. Below you can find a thorough list of what I've done, the process I followed, and what is left to be done. I've spent about $675 in parts, and that is what I am asking. To start doing test cuts, you will likely need to spend another couple hundred dollars.

Basically, I'm selling this as a head start on a really fun DIY project for audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts.

So, here's a a summary of what you're getting into:

I came across a gentleman on Youtube who made a video demonstrating his DIY machine. He also linked to all of the materials that he used, the CAD files for components that needed to be 3D printed, and he even included a PDF of the directions to follow for assembling the contraption.  I posted the link to his video, so you can check it out (here it is again: ).

So far, I have followed all of his directions, and the lathe is just awaiting some finishing touches before it can start doing test cuts. My work includes: the aluminum frame, assembly of all 3D printed parts, mounting all components to the linear rail, running a test of the linear rail using a stepper motor and driver. For the sake of transparency, here is the cost of each of the components I have assembled and put together:

• frame: $135
• linear rail: $150
• stepper motor: $10
• Airpot: $80
• Z-axis adjuster: $80
• 3D Printed Parts: $200
• Audio Exciters: $20
• Total: $675

Here is what still needs to be done/tested:

• finish wiring the cutter head to connect to audio source
• purchase a cutting stylus (you can find them for about $100)
• purchase blank discs to actually practice cutting on (I can throw in a couple of blanks for you!)
• purchase and set up a stepper motor driver

I am including the stepper motor that I set up. I am not including a stepper motor driver and drive belts, because I was using those components from another project. Stepper motor drivers are cheap and easy to set up.