In response to Clay Witt's request for information -- If anyone has
any discography for 27" Regina, I would be interested in learning of
such a source.  Should anyone be compiling one, I can make a list of
titles and numbers available of my 70 or so discs.

Regarding straightening of projections, this is a relatively easy
process.  Take one's disc, turn it upside down and with a soft brass
wire brush (the type used for revitalising suede shoes is ideal)
remove any debris and rust.  This process allows a good primary visual
assessment of the state of the projections and the approximate location
of ones requiring re-alignment.

Stating the obvious, it's worth noting that the punched projection
should sit in line and square to the hole from which it emerged,
viewing from above.  Easy!

At this point one should have in their possession a pair of small,
fine, long-nose pliers, a style suitable for printed circuit board and
radio work.  It's worth investing in quality here, and I can recommend
RS (Radio Spares) brand.

Gripping the projection with these pliers, a steady hand can easily
tweak the projection in line.  It's suprising at what speed discs can
be trimmed with just a little practice.

I have perfected my own method that works well for me, and I generally
sit the disc centre on the index finger of my right hand, supporting
the rest of the disc by outstretched thumb and remaining fingers.
(Unfortunately a 27-inch disc is not a good place to start practising
this technique, but needs must at time.)  I then visually scan the
projections diametrically working from the centre out and trim
accordingly, and can rotate the disc by a few degrees after each scan.

Often we encounter two projections pressed into each other.  At this
point two hands are required, the disc should be placed face down on
a table or similar, and here help from a knife is required.  I use
a traditional vintage butter knife, of bright surgical steel quality.
They are thin, have a great pliable spring quality, and always just
sharp enough.

With one hand guard the projections from spread by lightly gripping
outside surfaces of both projections with the long nose pliers, and use
the knife to push through the centre and move both projections outwards
at the same time.

If the projections are unwilling to yield, as they do on occasion,
they can always be accessed from the rear upright section were they
first emerge from the plate, a little improvisation with the help of
a flat blade jeweller's screwdriver, usually opens them up sufficiently
to allow the said  butter knife access.

As stressed steel has a form of memory, its suprising at how easily the
majority of projections return to the correct position with practice;
use that knowledge confidently and to your advantage.

Finally, when all projections are straight, scan a second time --
I always find at least three more!  On my final visual scan, I invariably
find one I'm not entirely happy with.

Further to get the best from a reconditioned disc, we must not forget
the peripheral drive hole area.  Many, many machines creak and groan
from an ailment that stems here and is a simple fix.  Clean this area
also of any accumulated debris and rust, first with brush (if needed)
then with 0000 gauge wire wool.  Ensure disc is then free from wool
particles and with a little wax furniture polish applied to a soft
cloth, lightly buff the area.  It doesn't hurt to clean and wax polish
the dishing rollers of any machine to help reduce extraneous noise.

For disc and machine care and maintenance, it's worth acquiring a copy
of "The Disc Musical Box Handbook" by Graham Webb, which I would say is
the 'Bible' on disc players.

Sometimes we do get a rogue disc (usually Polyphon, from my experience)
where the slightest touch of the pliers result in instant destruction
of the projection.  If three ping off with a crack in succession, you
know you are on a loser with that bad-tempered disc.  Reject it, get
it copied, or whatever!  Thankfully most discs are amenable, ready and
willing.

Hope this helps,

Mark Singleton
Lancashire, UK