[QuadList] --Loosely packed tape with foam debris (Was QVTG Phoenix Dinner)

[Dennis Degan]

		On Jul 18, 2012, at 2:38 PM, Steve White wrote:

 > I'm obviously below novice level here, but is static charge buildup  
ever a concern when winding past brush?  Is moistened pad ever  
appropriate?  I seem to recall some quad tape cleaning process that  
involved moist pad.

		I answer:

	I specifically did not address cleaning the tape itself.  For the  
most part, more damage can be done to the tape by applying any kind of  
brush or pad on the oxide surface.  The act of slowly winding the tape  
alone will loosen a lot of the dust and dirt and will minimize  
damage.  Static charge is not usually a concern, but it is another  
reason not to apply pads or brushes to the winding tape.
	It is possible to clean the backing if done carefully.  I just don't  
think much is to be gained by cleaning the backing either.  The arms  
that control the reel tensioning and the rotary head vacuum guide  
provide enough pressure on the backing to remove loose dust and dirt  
as the tape is wound.  I feel that cleaning any more deeply is risky,  
especially when dealing with all the possible variations of tape  
formulas and conditions.
	I remember Recortec used to make a nifty 2-inch tape cleaner that  
operated with a vacuum column similar to the reel servo columns of the  
AVR-1 (except it was larger and included only one chamber).  This  
cleaner applied the vacuum to the oxide surface of the tape to remove  
debris and also passed the tape over polished stainless steel rollers  
to 'condition' the tape's surfaces.  It did an amazing job, but not  
the sort of thing you can do by hand.  It contained no brushes or  
pads, as I recall.

			Dennis Degan, Video Editor-Consultant-Knowledge Bank
					     NBC Today Show, New York




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