Jesus 'n Jim
A mainly PC (some Mac) site w/Software, Computer Repair Info, How-To's on Using Computers
Technical Support 1-360-521-2060 (my business line cell)
cd/dvd resurfacing
Overview
got a scratched disc or disc collection that gets scratched regularly or needs maintenance like scratch repair or cleaning? These products are the solution. The Venmill 3500 has a PLC controller.
For instance, if you have kids/children and a kids/children's video collection that needs regular maintenance sue to scratches and you don't care to spend money on replacement movies!
cheap disc cleaning
If you are cheap, for dust and thumbprints/smudges, I suggest you wash off the disc using dishwashing detergent on the shiny side (I don't know of a better method, and it seems to work), and dry both sides off using a towel.
My thoughts about CD/DVD Disc Resurfacing
I would prefer the Venmill machines myself, but they run about $899-$2499 and the Venmill 2500 handles heavy scratches (which I've seen enough of).
The best test for media is to attempt to compare the files on a computer or read it on a computer using a cmd shell with the comp C:fileA E:fileB command. If the command is successful, or you were able to play the entire movie through without any pauses or visual disturbances, then the media is in good shape. This is a good idea if it is questionably scratched and you are trying to install software from the media. Then delete the files you copied.
If you ALWAYS have pauses on your drive or significant delays trying to read any disc (even new ones), it's time to replace your drive or DVD/Blu-Ray player (they last for about 5 years (50,000 on-hours).
The Venmill machines seem to be the best - they remove no surface by default, but the 2500 might if there are heavy scratches (not sure about this, it doesn't say, they removed the Workmate Sanding Unit from product line) - it uses buffing heat and liquid (remember shop class in high school with the buffer and acrylic?) and does not take away anything from the surface normally.
You can probably get your discs done around town at a movie rental place, computer store, or computer repair place, for about $2-$3 each while you wait.
To find such a place, get out the phone book and call Computer Stores, Computer Repair Shops, and Movie Rentals - there may only be a few in town. Google or Yahoo or Bing your local city and state with a double quoted phrase like this: "Vancouver, WA" and a space then the phrase in double quotes "disc resurfacing" and this will find you the proper results.
The problem with the hand-crank manual models (I have learned from personal experience) is that you get blisters, callouses, and you wear out your hands and arms and you spend hours and hours trying to get results, when the motor-driven version takes a minute.
There are 3 types of disc repair machines that I have seen so far:
Buffing: uses a buffing wheel and liquid probably for lubrication. Made only by Venmill. costs $899-$3000. does not remove surface. you can resurface the same disc all you want. the 2500 handles heavy or light scratches.
Polishing: if it's using polishing liquid, it's all for nothing. only the $3000 sanding/polishing machines work. Got one of these at the office supply store. removes some of the surface, so really it's a sanding machine. and comes under the category just below.
Sanding: Avoid leaving the resulting residue liquid on the disc to dry if any directions tell you to. This will result in a disc that requires a $150+ machine to fix or a second pass with a $150 machine. The machines $150 and up (except SkipDr which are $55 each but $221 for the whole set of 5) give very nice pristine results. The SkipDr's results do work, however,for for someone with a tight budget and always using the same kind of disc, it can be a savings in the short term, but long term more cost effective to go with JFJ. If you have a habit of scratching lots of discs or the same precious/expensive discs on a regular basis, skip sanding machines and go with a Venmill 2500.
Venmill products $899-$2499
the buffing units works by heat - melting the plastic and reforming it instead of sanding/polishing - uniqueness of this is that you can resurface unlimited number of times - smooths and restores the plastic layer.
buffs it (like you did in shop class in high school with acrylic, except there's a liquid involved).
all are desktop units.
repair and maintain Xbox, XBox360, Wii, PS3, PS2, CD's, DVD's, software discs, Books on disc, but only the 2500 will repair Blu-Ray (the 3500 can *clean* Blu-Ray though).
Blu-Ray, etc! Venmill VMI 2500 Buffer unit, available from venmill.com $899+shipping
1-2 minutes depending on level of scratches. fixes heavy and light scratches. no training required. resurface as many times as you like.
Venmill VMI 3500 Buffer unit (2 or 3-year warranty depending on price), available from cdtagandstorage.com $1899,$2099,$2499+shipping (depending on 1,2,or 3 yr warranty)
collection size: 2000+. high volume - up to 70 discs/hr. deep repair 60 seconds, light repair 30 seconds.
fully automated, easy to use. tone and light indicators. PLC controller.
Venmill Skip-Away Pro unit, available from cdtagandstorage.com $149.99+shipping
collection size: 1-1000. average of 10 discs/day. repair 3 minutes, clean 15 seconds.
front load, push button. easy to use. does not do Blu-Ray but does everything else.
Venmill consumables and accessories, available from cdtagandstorage
includes solution, buffing wheels, brushes, and a 3-inch media adapter.
RTI Products $3219-7056
a serious company about disc resurfacing - they make some really good machines (and they are expensive, somewhere around $3200). these machines resurface Blu-Ray, DVD, and game discs, cd's. I think these machines require special installation: water, sewage, and electrical. I am pretty sure this was the company which makes the machines Movie Movers used which polished the discs so they were pristine-looking, removes some of the surface, but imperceptably by me, and I can read 4pt type! you would need a micrometer... Looked as good as new, and looked like you could do a number of resurfaces possibly.
Skip Dr (all types of discs), available from digitalinnovations $39.99+$11.55shipping $51.54 total
Radial resurfacing (sanding). expensive, less-than-perfect job. take a look at the JFJ product instead.
Replaceable FlexiWheel (sanding wheel) lasts for 50 resurfacings. you can easily do 3 in one session for heavy scratches.
I have this kit, the results are somewhat opaque. Don't follow the [old] directions exactly where it says to leave the residue liquid on the disc to dry - this leaves permanent rings on the disc you can't sand/polish off. so immediately use the blue cloth to dry the disc off after buffing. Following the old directions to subsequently buff with the white pad non-radially leaves circular scratches on the disc, so instead buff radially from inside out.
sanding wheel and spray lubricant are replaceable. Since I bought the machine a short time ago, they have already discontinued the product and come out whith a whole new line - instead of 1 machine there are now 5 machines.
get the motor driven one! (compared to a manual unit I had, this is wonderful - prevents callouses and blisters and hours of cranking with a "polishing" liquid that doesn't work). unlike what video says,
no longer comes with AC adapter, sold separately for $9.95, or can work with 6 AA's (batteries not incl. I don't recommend batteries). you get scratches still, and it looks less-than-perfect, but at least it works when it's done if you are practiced and you know how. the ones with the handle are the manual ones, avoid those.
Disc Repair Services, Vancouver, WA
This is in order of my local town first, then by best machine
This is my in-home office. I have a set of SkipDr machines which covers ALL discs. Please make an appointment to come by via 1-360-521-2060 1pm-10pm Mon-Sat. only NICE/pleasant discs, please! I am hoping for a Venmill 2500 someday.
They use the Venmill machines for some of their disc repair. uses shipping and the internet. Think of it as an excellent way to prevent discs from going into the landfill!