History: During the electrical era (1925–1947) a record converted grooves on a record into sound. The electronics in the cutting lathe do the reverse. They turn the sound waves from the sound into vibrations that the lathe’s stylus cuts into grooves on a (wax) disc (record).
Record cutting lathes were made by a variety of companies, allowing for different types and material used as a disk. Sound coming through a microphone vibrated a cutting head, which cut a groove in the record that was an exact representation of the sound. Once it was cut, a regular stylus (see photo below left) picked up the groove and played back the vibrations sound.
Record cutters played an important role in history, allowing an average person their first opportunity to record in the privacy of their homes. Folks would record celebrations such as birthday parties or different events, etc.
The sizes of disk ranged from six inches to twelve inches, and one could record at 78rpm, 45rpm or 33 rpm depending on the type of record cutter. As an example, the duration of 78 rpm recordings is about three to five minutes per side, depending on the disc size.
This record cutting lathe in the CSS Museum, is from 5 Int. Pl, 6 Int. Company in Winnipeg. These machines were portable, Intelligence units were able to make recordings of interviews (interrogations) at any time and any place during operations.