how to cut vinyl records

How to Cut Vinyl Records.

If you have an old vinyl record that's unplayable or scratched, upcycle it instead of throwing it away. You can make art, designs, jewelry, and much more by cutting the record. By heating the record or by using a hotknife, you can easily cut your vinyl into whatever shape you need!





Heating the Record in the Oven



Preheat the oven to 250 °F (121 °C). Put one of the racks in the center position. Turn on the oven and let it heat completely.

If you want to make a specific design, draw it on the record with a pencil before you heat it.



Put the vinyl record in the oven for 2-3 minutes. Set the record on the center rack. It can go directly into the oven or onto a baking tray. Turn on the oven’s interior light if it has one so you can watch the vinyl heat. Use oven mitts to take the vinyl out of the oven before it starts to droop or melt.

The heat softens the vinyl, making it easier to cut.

Leave your oven on until you’re completely finished with your cuts in case you need to reheat your vinyl.

Cover a baking tray with aluminum foil before putting the vinyl record on it. This protects the baking tray from any melted vinyl.





Use a utility knife or pair of heavy-duty scissors to cut the record. Set the vinyl on a flat heat-safe cutting surface. Hold the record still with an oven mitt or potholder so it doesn’t move around when you cut it. Follow along with your design with a sharp knife or pair of scissors.

Make sure you use a sharp blade to make your cuts.



Put the record back in the oven if it hardens. As you work with the vinyl, it will start to solidify as it loses temperature. Set the record back on the center rack of your oven for 1-2 minutes to soften it to a workable temperature again. Repeat this as many times as you need until you’ve finished cutting your vinyl record.

Turn off your oven when you make your last cuts.



Smooth the edges of the vinyl with fine-grit sandpaper. Use a 120 to 300-grit sandpaper to finish the edges where you made your cuts. This ensures they aren’t jagged or sharp so you can easily handle the record afterward.





Warnings.

Vinyl releases chlorine gas when heated. Wear a facemask so you don’t inhale any of the fumes.







Things You’ll Need.

Heating the Record in the Oven.

Oven.

Utility knife.

Heavy-duty scissors.

Sandpaper.

Baking sheet (optional).