Disc resurfacing

[ianoid]

I have a ton of discs that are super shabby, even some unplayable mystery betas that need to be resurfaced.

Has anyone got any experience with consumer level disc resurfacing systems? I'm not talking disc doctor or that other crap, but something that makes the disc look like new, or close. But doesn't cost $1k or more. I've seen a review of a few in Wired, but Sean Kelly told me that all the home ones suck. Anyone have any experience?

[Michael]

I have a local video game store that resurfaces the disks on an expensive (probably in the 1k range) disk resurfacer. It works great unless they're super deep or unless the scratch is on the top. They only charge about $2 a disk, so I used to buy scratched up games cheap at yard sales or whatever, resurface them, and then ebay them with the disks being in perfect condition (which they really are after they're done!). They look like brand new disks when done.

I tried a bunch of home ones and never found anything that worked at all.

[Gaming]

I have a local video game store that resurfaces the disks on an expensive (probably in the 1k range) disk resurfacer. It works great unless they're super deep or unless the scratch is on the top. They only charge about $2 a disk, so I used to buy scratched up games cheap at yard sales or whatever, resurface them, and then ebay them with the disks being in perfect condition (which they really are after they're done!). They look like brand new disks when done.

I tried a bunch of home ones and never found anything that worked at all.


Do you know the name of the machine? I wonder if I could find a local gaming shop here that might have one of those(doubt it) but maybe, 1k is a bit pricey for a machine only your going to use, if it was cheaper I would buy.

[ASSEMbler]

I doubt a recordable disc would survive the process. It's a wet process.

[Michael]

Actually the resurfacer near me is a dry process with a powder that acts as the abrasive (I'm pretty sure). I'll try to find out for you.

Not saying that a recordable CD would survive the process. I didn't really think of that when I read your post. I've never tried one.

[karsten]

I have a ton of discs that are super shabby, even some unplayable mystery betas that need to be resurfaced.

Has anyone got any experience with consumer level disc resurfacing systems? I'm not talking disc doctor or that other crap, but something that makes the disc look like new, or close. But doesn't cost $1k or more. I've seen a review of a few in Wired, but Sean Kelly told me that all the home ones suck. Anyone have any experience?

what do you have in your hands that is so precious? :)

[Tomcat]

I have a shop grade one.

[Buyatari]

JFG has one that does not use water. Azuradisc is another one you can buy and that one does use water.

I bought my JFG machine for $500 I think the price is up a bit now. They aren't the best ones out there but I have a game store and they do it well enough for us.

[marshallh]

Meguiar's PlastX is a polishing compound made for car headlights, but works just fine on CDs. I used it along with a microfiber cloth to buff out the circle of death scratch on a free copy of Gears Of War. Works great now. If you use the wrong cloth, it'll leave some very small fine lines, but mine was fine.

[ChiefPFF]

We've got a (wet process) Azuradisc 1600 machine in our shop. We've had it for years and its a pretty robust bit of kit. At times we've got it running 8 hours a day, and we've only had to have it serviced once.

The model down from it (dry process) is only $700 and would probably suit needs fine. So while I can't necessarily recommend the model - I can happily vouch for the brand.

I've also done loads of writable CDs and DVDs in it without problems - just make sure you only polish your disc as much as it needs.

[Buyatari]

You can tell when a disc has been resurfaced. The edge is rounded down and not sharp like a new one. Now that people are grading games I feel in years to come if the game is valuable a premium will be paid to the ones that have been untouched. So I wouldn't resurface a game like Ogre Battle unless you plan to flip it or play it.

[Michael]

I hear what you're saying, but if you're even thinking about resurfacing a game it probably has scratches that would lower the grade anyway... And to be quite honest, I don't think all resurfacers round the edge because I can't tell the difference comparing two disks.

[mooseblaster]

You can tell when a disc has been resurfaced. The edge is rounded down and not sharp like a new one.

You say that, but I know of many discs I've encountered over the years from new with rounded edges rather than sharp ones. Using that as a judgement as to whether a disc has been resurfaced is ill-advised, and I haven't encountered smooth edges from resurfaced discs I've encountered.

Another one that is not necessarily a mark of a resurfaced disc is a rough edge to the disc, potentially with plastic bleed over the edge of it - that's just a sign of it being manufactured at low cost.

[Buyatari]

I hear what you're saying, but if you're even thinking about resurfacing a game it probably has scratches that would lower the grade anyway... And to be quite honest, I don't think all resurfacers round the edge because I can't tell the difference comparing two disks.

I've resurfaced thousands of discs and I've had thousands of discs traded in which I inspected and there are signs a disc has been resurfaced. Try it with ps1 discs first those are the easiest to spot. Compare a factory fresh ps1 disc and another which was resurfaced to make it mint.

[retro]

I worked in a shop where we skimmed hundreds of discs a week. You don't want any kind of home kit - they're pure crap and do more harm than good.

We used a company called TDR in the UK.

http://www.totaldiscrepair.com/categories/Disc_Repair_Machines_148.aspx

They do refurbed machines on eBay sometimes, too.

If you want just one disc done, your best bet is to go to your local games store and see if they have a pro machine. If you're talking CD-R, maybe take another CD-R first, to see what happens. The TDR machines do use polish, yes. It shouldn't really come in contact with the sides, although it does tend to leave a residue on the edges.

As for noticing a skimmed disc, yes you can if you know what to look for - but to the average joe, it just looks like a good-as-new CD!

[alf717]

JFG has one that does not use water. Azuradisc is another one you can buy and that one does use water.

I bought my JFG machine for $500 I think the price is up a bit now. They aren't the best ones out there but I have a game store and they do it well enough for us.

Did some searching for a JFG machine but only turn up the brand JFJ, I'm assuming they are not the same?

How many times can you resurface a disc before you damage the data? Also can a resurfacing machine work with all media, DVD, GameCube, etc? I've been buying games on eBay that sell as like new and turn up on my doorstep looking like junk. Starting to get real annoyed with this so I figure one of these would be a good investment.

[VMS]

Check used music stores, too. A lot of them have pro CD resurfacing for their own use, and probably offer the service.

[Buyatari]

Did some searching for a JFG machine but only turn up the brand JFJ, I'm assuming they are not the same?

How many times can you resurface a disc before you damage the data? Also can a resurfacing machine work with all media, DVD, GameCube, etc? I've been buying games on eBay that sell as like new and turn up on my doorstep looking like junk. Starting to get real annoyed with this so I figure one of these would be a good investment.

Hmm it could be JFJ

[Skaarg]

I've resurfaced thousands of discs and I've had thousands of discs traded in which I inspected and there are signs a disc has been resurfaced. Try it with ps1 discs first those are the easiest to spot. Compare a factory fresh ps1 disc and another which was resurfaced to make it mint.

This is very true we at work we basically use a drill press that has a foam pad on it. Then we use 3 different chemicals to clean discs. It's usually pretty easy to tell which PS1 games have been resurfaced since near the center they are slightly faded.

I will say though the process does work pretty well since we get some really bad looking discs in (not to mention we easily do 100-400 discs a day, maybe 600 on a weekend) and the first two stages are usually really good about cleaning those up. Then the 3rd one just cleans any residue remaining.

[retro]

Gamecube is very hit and miss - more often than not, it doesn't work.

That said, the Wii seems to be more tolerant when it comes to GC discs, so try them in a Wii if you're having problems ;-)

You'll get to learn what can and can't be repaired. Deep scratches are usually too much, and of course any damage to the topside is a no-no. Feel scratches with your fingernail (top down).

You can skim discs a few times but you're better off doing it the once and taking good care of them ;-)

One tell-tale sign of a previously skimmed disc is excess polish remaining on the edge of the disc.

[ianoid]

As a follow up, I got this ZDAG101 from Amazon. It can work ok for non-colored disks (i.e. black playstation games are really hard to get to look good). I did a run of discs when I got them. It was really time and labor intensive. I like having it for something I need immediately, or for cleaning disks. But in the end, it mostly collects dust.

The Amazon reviews were generally good, but it looks to me like the device's design makes it likely that you'll need more supplies quickly.

For most stuff I want to look like new, I will get it done in a store, like Sean Kelly's Videogames Etc.

[Jeilong]

Do these polish machines work for specific discs formats only? I was wondering if you could get a polish machine that works equally well for CD, DVD and Blu-ray.

[jccochez]

Blu ray? Bad idea.

The data layer is only 0.1mm away from the disc's surface, so you may well end up having a completely dead disc.

[smf]

I have a ton of discs that are super shabby, even some unplayable mystery betas that need to be resurfaced.

In case you haven't tried this yet. My advice is to squirt some washing up liquid on the underside of the disc, then add a little water and work it with your fingers. Carefully rinse and dry it ( I normally use a tea towel ).

You might not be able to get a console to read them, but a decent drive on a PC can probably copy them.

Scratches aren't always the problem, usually it's the dirt inside them. I've done this with pressed and recordable discs with a lot of success.

[cypha79]

Scratches aren't always the problem, usually it's the dirt inside them. I've done this with pressed and recordable discs with a lot of success.

this is true, this is why people say certain tricks work. Like flushing the toilet with the disc in the toilet. I have never tried this but i know people that swear by it. I tried tooth paste on a music cd and while it didn't make the cd look better it did play a little bit longer without skipping.

[alecjahn]

1. Blu ray discs shouldn't ever get scratched, and if they do someone was trying too hard!

2. I have a bit of a phobia of the data layer on CDs/DVDs delaminating a microscopic ammount and water finding it's way in there. It has happened on some burned music CDRs I would keep in my old car (that I didn't take care of, as they were pretty much disposable anyway)... and especially used discs scare me a bit.

[ploder]

Since I purchased most of my PS2 collection pre-owned I have some experience with repairing scratches. No fancy machines for me. I normally work silicone wax floor polish (from the center to the edge of the disc) using a soft cloth until you can't see it any more and leave overnight. Worked for every game the PS2 had trouble reading so far. :nod:

[Cooleo]

any more tips on this? I found some old dreamcast games I cannot get to repair at all. Does anyone know if GameStation still do it?

[Cyantist]

any more tips on this? I found some old dreamcast games I cannot get to repair at all. Does anyone know if GameStation still do it?

The Gamestation near me do it. I think if anyone here buys and resells games Ie ebay profiters you shouldn't resurface them as it is dishonest and makes the buyer think there getting a mint game where it can be one piece of dust away from going to crap.

[CRTGAMER]

Commercial Polisher:
Watch that store employee doesn't get too aggressive.

For scratches that are not too deep I have had good luck with plastic polish. Not cleaner, but actual liquid polish such as the kind used for convertible top rear plastic windows. With soft cotton cloth, hand rub in, let dry then hand buff out.

http://getmetools.com/pics/mgm1008.jpg

[Tchoin]

necrobumping this thread ftw!

Has anyone had any experience with the following consumer-level motorized disc repairing/resurfacing kits? (Links are to their Amazon listings)

Aleratec 240135 DVD/CD CG Disc Repair System (http://www.amazon.com/Aleratec-240135-Disc-Repair-System/dp/B000NJR40W/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1300593287&sr=8-16) - $376.99

JFJ EASY PRO DISC REPAIR MACHINE (http://www.amazon.com/JFJ-EASY-DISC-REPAIR-MACHINE/dp/B003KWZ09G/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1300593325&sr=8-22) - $125.95

Digital Innovations 10185 Skip Dr. Motorized AutoMax (http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Innovations-10185-Motorized-AutoMax/dp/B00080YK9Y/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1300593247&sr=8-12) - $99.99

Aleratec DVD/CD Disc Repair Plus (http://www.amazon.com/Aleratec-DVD-Disc-Repair-Plus/dp/B0002A9SJ2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1300582738&sr=8-4) - $74.99

Professional DVD/CD Disc Cleaner and Reconditioner (http://www.amazon.com/Professional-DVD-Disc-Cleaner-Reconditioner/dp/B0027SFPIA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1300593247&sr=8-4) - $43.99

I was thinking in investing on one, as there are no game shops (or any other places) down here that can offer the service, but I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on an "industrial" one. So did a quick search and these were the ones I found.

Opinions and suggestions are welcome :nod:

[Consumed]

Can you not still buy tubes of Crystal Disc? I used that stuff for years, always worked a treat for me.

[Alchy]

I got given a hand-operated version of the $99 one (otherwise identical, though, down to the plastic casing, which makes me suspicious about its price) from a mate to use on a few discs I had that were pretty far gone. It was an ugly bit of kit and the disc surfaces looked like hell afterwards but surprisingly it did the trick, at least for long enough to dump the contents.

TBH I wouldn't trust any of those for a disc that's got unique, valuable data, with the possible exception of the Aleratec unit, but I'd get feedback on that first. Generally, though, if the disc is important, take/send it somewhere that can do the job properly - if it isn't, spend the money on a replacement instead. I wouldn't spend any real money on any of the above.

[APE]

Can you not still buy tubes of Crystal Disc? I used that stuff for years, always worked a treat for me.

http://www.burningissues.net/how_to/scratchrepair/scratchrepair.htm

Never heard of Crystal Disc until today but it seems to do about the same job quality wise as Brasso. I have a thread over in mods/hacks about Brasso that only encompasses one documented application. Though it did fix the disc to working order in all likely hood if you used the stuff on a game disc you'd likely dig the laser an early grave.

[retro]

ITBH I wouldn't trust any of those for a disc that's got unique, valuable data, with the possible exception of the Aleratec unit, but I'd get feedback on that first. Generally, though, if the disc is important, take/send it somewhere that can do the job properly - if it isn't, spend the money on a replacement instead. I wouldn't spend any real money on any of the above.

Quite. Cheap consumer units are just that - cheap shit. The "expensive" one out of the lot looks a bit like the cheapest unit that the pro brands offer. They are only man enough for doing about 10 discs a day. As for replacement parts when it goes wrong, they're somewhere in the region of 10%-50% of the (full) retail price.

If nobody does it in your area, why not do it properly? Get an industrial unit that's up to the job. In the UK, you can get a decent unit for around £1,500. You can charge say £2 a go. That means you have to do 750 discs to get your money back. Sounds a lot? If you did 15 discs a day, you'd be in profit in 2 months. Go to local game shops and offer a trade price. Buy up scratched discs cheap (learn to see what's TOO scratched, of course) and sell them for a profit, shiny and new-looking.

[Tchoin]

ITBH I wouldn't trust any of those for a disc that's got unique, valuable data, with the possible exception of the Aleratec unit, but I'd get feedback on that first. Generally, though, if the disc is important, take/send it somewhere that can do the job properly - if it isn't, spend the money on a replacement instead. I wouldn't spend any real money on any of the above.

Currently all my important discs are scratch free, but I do get lots DC/PS2/XBOX/360 games on lots I buy that are scratched to death, and it would be cool having one of these units to fix 'em up so they look and work nice when I resell them here.

That Aleratec unit has some good reviews, though they say maintenance is a bitch with that unit, gotta clean it and change the fluids every single time you use it.


Quite. Cheap consumer units are just that - cheap shit. The "expensive" one out of the lot looks a bit like the cheapest unit that the pro brands offer. They are only man enough for doing about 10 discs a day. As for replacement parts when it goes wrong, they're somewhere in the region of 10%-50% of the (full) retail price.

If nobody does it in your area, why not do it properly? Get an industrial unit that's up to the job. In the UK, you can get a decent unit for around £1,500. You can charge say £2 a go. That means you have to do 750 discs to get your money back. Sounds a lot? If you did 15 discs a day, you'd be in profit in 2 months. Go to local game shops and offer a trade price. Buy up scratched discs cheap (learn to see what's TOO scratched, of course) and sell them for a profit, shiny and new-looking.

I'd love to, and gave it a thought when I was considering the idea of opening a videogame store here in Uruguay, but that didn't work out, and importing anything here is a pain in the ass (hence why the store idea never got through the idea-stage) with a 60% tax plus customs broker fees, etc.

But anyway, how big are these industrial units? Any brands in particular that are known to be good? IIRC there are wet and dry process right?

[retro]

The smallest aren't very big... up to fairly big lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FhypBq8fFU

That one is fairly robust... it'll do about 50 discs a day. You can see the size compared to a CD at 1:30.

[alecjahn]

Just to get a disc working, sometimes I use oil from my forehead - wipe the disc with your greasy (but clean) face, then buff a little with a clean cloth. It will fill in the scratches and keep the light from refracting too much. Sometimes it works in a pinch. Won't fix it, though!

I'm not sure why I admitted to that.

[retro]

Just to get a disc working, sometimes I use oil from my forehead - wipe the disc with your greasy (but clean) face, then buff a little with a clean cloth. It will fill in the scratches and keep the light from refracting too much. Sometimes it works in a pinch. Won't fix it, though!

I'm not sure why I admitted to that.

Now you must gather oil from your forehead by striking it with your palm :-P

[WarRen22]

Always you can try this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MF5RU6d9VA

Ps: If you don`t understand some name of the things used there, ask me :dance:

[Cyantist]

Always you can try this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MF5RU6d9VA

Ps: If you don`t understand some name of the things used there, ask me :dance:

Don't even bother doing that. Look at the way the disc wobbles. Sure fire way to a lump of disc in your throat.