Spindle Trick: Easy, Dead-Center Labels on Lathe Cut Vinyl Records
If you’re labeling your own lathe cut vinyl records, the spindle trick is the move. Your turntable’s spindle lines up with the label’s 0.313″ center hole, so the sticker naturally drops true—no eyeballing, no drifting. I wrote this to help you feel confident doing it yourself. Try it once and you’ll wonder why you ever stressed about centering.
Lathe Cut Vinyl Records: Spindle Trick – Quick Setup
Before applying labels to your Lathe Cut Vinyl Records, power the deck off and lock the tonearm. Next, place it on a firm surface—avoid slipmats. Then clean the label area so the adhesive sticks properly. A quick ISO water wipe (90% isopropyl and 10% distilled) is enough to prepare the surface.
The Spindle Trick (Step by Step)
Start by placing the record on the platter. To begin, dry-fit the label by dropping its 0.313″ hole over the spindle. You’ll feel it settle perfectly in the center. After that, spin the label—not the platter—to set your preferred orientation on your Lathe Cut Vinyl Records.
For extra accuracy, create a “hinge” using two small pieces of low-tack tape at the top. Then lift the label with the hinge, peel the liner, and lower the center onto the spindle. Finally, smooth outward in overlapping passes. As a finishing touch, gently roll a clean scrap record on top. This step is optional but gives a flawless finish.
Flip for Side B (Neat-Freak Step)
Next, choose a 12 o’clock reference before starting. After completing Side A, flip the record and keep the same reference point. This ensures both labels align on your Lathe Cut Vinyl Records when stored or photographed. As a result, you get a clean, professional look with minimal extra effort.
Label Sizes That Work
When choosing sizes, keep it simple. For 7″ records, use 3.50″ labels. For 12″, go with 4.00″. Ten-inch records work with 3.50–4.00″ depending on your artwork. Keep the center hole at 0.313″ (5/16″). For large-hole 45s, use a 3.50″ donut with a 1.50″ center and snug adapter. Always keep the label edge inside the run-out groove of your Lathe Cut Vinyl Records.
Tiny Problems, Easy Fixes
If micro-bubbles appear, burnish outward from the center—they usually settle quickly. If the edge lifts, roll the rim again for a clean seal. Finally, if the hole feels tight, test it on the spindle before peeling the liner. A true 0.313″ punch prevents headaches when labeling your Lathe Cut Vinyl Records.
Quick Reference (For Screenshotters)
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7″ → 3.50″ label
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10″ → 3.50–4.00″
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12″ → 4.00″
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Center hole → 0.313″ (5/16″)
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Large-hole 45 → 3.50″ donut with ~1.50″ middle