How to straighten Shellac Records

Whoever collects 78 rpm records knows the problem: Granddad stored them in his nice, toasty attic and after 40 years, they are wonky as a potato crisp.
And whilst a gramophone couldn't care less, a warped record can often irritate automatic turntables.
This video attempts do demonstrate, how YOU can straighten out your collection - using nothing but a hairdryer.
Enjoy!

[@AstraWerke]

Forgot to mention: Sometimes, the center holes will want to shrink after the straightening process. Should they not want to go onto your record player, just spin them on a horizontally held, fine round file until they do - that's how I do it.

[@AverageJoe2020]

I lost it at 'scaring them straight', your humour is wonderful. Take care fella.

[@rordorica]

Sometimes I use the hair dryer, but most of the time I put them between a sandwich of glass and put under sunlight. Your method is very good using the stove as base!

[@AstraWerke]

Sunlight - also a great idea, especially since the discs are black! I might try that next time I have some warped records - why do it yourself when you can have a giant ball of burning hydrogen do it for you, right?

[@theantiquescollector2199]

I do that too :)

[@johnbourke723]

Adrian...what a wonderful entertaining you tube clip......i just am amazed at your enthusiasm for the old technology....some where in my storage i have an oak chest full of old 78s......if i could get hem to you ...you can have them....

[@Engineerd3d]

You never kill or buy beer. You simply rent it.

[@AverageJoe2020]

Or be a 'host' for it on it's journey,

[@TrPrecisionMachining]

very good video..thanks for your time

[@Stevenstevio]

you earned my sub with the light thingy,

[@AstraWerke]

Thank you xD

[@chrisjarvis4449]

the most important thing is to let the beer do its work

[@sarahhoward9081]

Keeping them flat instead of on edge keeps them from warping. Also sleeves keep them from getting scratched. I've been collecting for 20 years, which is 2/3s of my life.

[@OlavARod]

Please don’t store them flat... they will not warp when being stored on the edge, if you don’t store them really hot. But, they will eventually warp when being stored flat, and the records in the bottom of the stack may crack from all the pressure.

[@dealingwiththedarkestsideo5392]

4 this great video. Is it possible 2 do it without heat? Just by placing them between two glasses with some weight?

[@AstraWerke]

Shellac is very brittle when cold. Trying to just force them flat would probably break them.

[@bikercowboy1]

Ah, "Allotria" , welches Orchester? welche Marke ( Brunswick? Telefunken? ???? ) ? Und Danke für diesen Tip des "gerade biegens".

[@AstraWerke]

Ist eine Electrola-Platte der Goldenen Sieben :)

[@donaldlampert331]

All good to know, thanks....... maybe I can save some of my damaged records!

[@AstraWerke]

Almost every shellac record can be fixed. I've seen records with 90 degree bends made flat and playable. Records shattered into dozens of pieces superglued together played as if they didn't have a scratch. All a case of practice and skill, of course - but if it isn't worn by dull needles, you can fix pretty much every damage on one of these.

[@donaldlampert331]

@@AstraWerke Really good to know, Thx

[@iana4741]

What kid of stacked turntable is that?

[@AstraWerke]

It's a Telefunken TW561. Stack your records, press play and it'll automatically play through em all.

[@davidclarke10]

Is that possible on vinyl?

[@AstraWerke]

I'm afraid not - vinyl becomes sticky and melts.

[@gh778jk]

You could still put them in that snazzy oven...... it may not do wonders for your home-life... but it would make a heck of a video about irate German dads..... Paddy

[@AstraWerke]

Oh GOD, please no! xD

[@Engineerd3d]

Also, the record you killed. If you have such old records that are broken, get a jar and grind them up and put them in a jar with mineral spirits. Viola, home made japanning.

[@AverageJoe2020]

mentholated spirits is the stuff I use,

[@HorsepowerDashcam]

Step 1: have warped schellack Records without a 'n' Wait. Why do I watch this :'D

[@AstraWerke]

I don't know... ASMR maybe? ;P

[@Musikkoffer]

So gehe ich ebenfalls vor

[@katze6682]

Instead of drinking beer, it would have been more appropriate if you had prepared a bunch of pancakes at the end.

[@AstraWerke]

Guess what, the pancakes all turned black and became playable records! What'd'ya know... ;)