Tape Project Forum

Tape Machines => Tape Project Machines => Topic started by: Red Grant on September 17, 2011, 08:40:34 AM

Title: Roller bearing guides' effect on the 'longivity' of the tapes............
Post by: Red Grant on September 17, 2011, 08:40:34 AM

I understand how it could improve the sonics.    Since there would be less 'scraping', would this imply that the durability of the sonic signature of the tape be 'significantly' improved  compared to fixed guides?

Title: Re: Roller bearing guides' effect on the 'longivity' of the tapes............
Post by: docb on September 17, 2011, 12:00:14 PM

Yes. Take a look at the fixed guides after the tension arm rollers on a heavily used RS1500 and you will see flat spots on the fixed stainless bushings, where the moving tape has been rubbing and wearing it down. The bushing is also wearing the tape surface, burnishing it at the very least and likely it is removing some oxide with each pass.

Title: Re: Roller bearing guides' effect on the 'longivity' of the tapes............
Post by: Tim Leggett on September 18, 2011, 09:28:57 AM

Quote from: docb on September 17, 2011, 12:00:14 PM

Yes. Take a look at the fixed guides after the tension arm rollers on a heavily used RS1500 and you will see flat spots on the fixed stainless bushings, where the moving tape has been rubbing and wearing it down. The bushing is also wearing the tape surface, burnishing it at the very least and likely it is removing some oxide with each pass.

Yes, my RS 1520 had that issue. One of the guide sleeves was almost worn through!