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How best to eliminate LP warps

I own about 2500 LPs, and I like to think they're flat.  Furthermore, I espoused the view that warped LPs ought to be discarded.  But lately I have found 2 or 3 of my LPs that do have warps but sound too good and are too precious for the music recorded on them to throw away.  So I am in the market for ideas on how to remove warps.  I am aware that there was a device on the market that looked like a large waffle maker, to be used for warp removal.  I think Furutech made it, but I never see it advertised these days.  I am also aware of the DIY method of placing an LP between two glass plates and heating the ensemble.  The question there would be how hot and for how long?  Any suggestions are welcome, especially opinions on the efficacy of the Furutech.  Thanks.  Please no comments on vacuum hold down; I think it's a great idea but none of my five turntables has that feature.

lewm

Showing 2 responses by melm

melm
1,057 posts
 

I’ll add my voice to those who recommend an outer ring. When I got one I sold my vinylflat right away.

It is far easier to use than any reflex clamp, and does the job better.

Moreover, by adding weight to the edge of your platter it will add flywheel effect and increase SQ for that reason alone. I use one with all records, warped or not.

melm
1,057 posts
 

All of this discussion about azimuth involving USB microscopes, test disks, oscilloscopes, Fozgometers, hour glasses, adjustment for each disk and such leaves me LOL. Better to put more faith in one’s hearing.

Assuming you have easy adjustment for azimuth, and if your stylus is symmetrically placed, adjust roughly for level by matching your cartridge parallel to its reflection on a disk. It doesn’t take much of an eye too get very close. Use a flashlight and/or thin mirror if that helps. If the stylus is a bit crooked, use a mirror and do the best you can to have the stylus as vertical as possible.

Then put on your disk with the best, widest, soundstage in your collection. Listen carefully as you adjust azimuth just a bit, first one way than the other. If the soundstage widens, continue slowly in that direction. If it doesn’t widen you’re done. If it does widen continue in that direction to the max soundstage.

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