Hi Jeff, I use paraffin wax instead of something permanent because the flake(s) can be re-positioned if needed. The obvious goal is to get something that can be restored. As I said: "The process is very labor intensive." Best, CB Corey Bailey Audio Engineering www.baileyzone.net On 10/19/2020 8:38 AM, Jeff Willens wrote: > Wow. You live dangerously bro. I admire that. > > > > > On Sun, 11 Oct 2020 17:45:26 -0700, Corey Bailey <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > >> Hi Michael, >> >> I use paraffin wax to repair flaking acetates if the damage isn't too >> severe. It's very, very labor intensive. And then, the digitized results >> have to processed because, a lot of restoration work is needed. However, >> I have saved a number of 'one of a kind' recordings. >> >> Basically, the flakes are positioned using a heat gun (carefully) to >> melt the wax and position the flake(s). I do this under magnification to >> line up the grooves. Often, the disc will have to be played at a slower >> speed because the repair(s) look a skate board ramp to a stylus. >> >> This process also works on broken shellacs, if the breakage isn't too >> severe. I use wood glue to repair the break and then use paraffin to >> fill in the repair. My last repair/restoration project was a good copy >> of George Gershwins' "Rhapsody In Blue" (Victor 35822). The disc had >> beenĀ broken in shipping and the broken piece encroached about 40% into >> the disc. The disc had been barely played (if at all) so, it was deemed >> worth saving. After reparations, the disc was able to be played at 78 >> RPM. However, a considerable amount of digital restoration was needed. >> >> It usually takes more than one pass when it comes time to transfer and >> you will be putting a stylus at great risk when the transfer is made. >> >> Be safe, >> >> Corey >> >> Corey Bailey Audio Engineering >> www.baileyzone.net >> >> On 10/11/2020 2:58 PM, Michael Barmak wrote: >>> I'm new to this group and am hoping someone can help me or refer me to someone who can. >>> >>> I have a very old record (probably from the early 30's) that is 'flaking' i.e. the black covering is starting to come off. I'm afraid to play it because I just tried to and it started flaking even more leaving a spot of shiny silver metal. >>> >>> Is there anyone or anything I can do to repair this? Or at least to find someone who can digitally transfer the disc? >>> >>> I believe it is a recording my grandfather did of his friend, WC Handy, the famous blues musician/composer and may even have my late grandfather's voice on it. Or it may be a recording of a radio show that WC Handy was being interviewed on. >>> >>> I appreciate any help you can give me on this. >>> >>> Thanks! >>> Michael