Take-up Reel wobbling problem

[_DK]

I'm having this problem of the take-up reel wobbling so much that unless you have the volume turned up you can hear the tape rubbing against the metal of the reel.
I wasn't positive if that was the cause of the reel not being straight, so I even bought a new one, which didn't fix the problem. The tape still wears against it.
Now, I've noticed that happening on other machines (and even in movies!)...so I don't know, what are your thoughts?

[MCI2424]

Originally Posted by _DK

I'm having this problem of the take-up reel wobbling so much that unless you have the volume turned up you can hear the tape rubbing against the metal of the reel.
I wasn't positive if that was the cause of the reel not being straight, so I even bought a new one, which didn't fix the problem. The tape still wears against it.
Now, I've noticed that happening on other machines (and even in movies!)...so I don't know, what are your thoughts?

The table is not flat. Could be a bent spindle or warped table. Depends on what deck you have.

[_DK]

It's a new Tascam 38.
I'll take a look at that. Is there a way to straighten it out?

[Beck]

On that model, table height adjustment and/or worn plastic reel clampers. Did you buy a brand new reel or a used one on eBay? Reels aren't really all that straight. Table height adjustment should get it close enough to where the tape misses any part of the reel flange on either side.

Worst case... warping or bent table as already mentioned.

If it’s a warped or bent table the tape will not wind smoothly at play speed. If the flanges are just bent or the reel table height is off, the tape should still wind smoothly.

[Slowrider]

These guys got you covered...can't think of anymore reasons. Let us know what you find out.

[_DK]

The take up reel is new, I've tried more than one
The tape winds very smoothly (at play speed). Although I can actually see that the table is bent, just a tiny bit! Also, when I rewind the whole house starts shaking.

[Beck]

Lets hope it’s not a bent shaft. It takes a lot of force to bend the motor shaft and you would likely see some significant damage elsewhere on the machine to indicate impact, like the machine falling on its face or having something dropped on it.

If the reel table wobbles it’s usually the table itself or the cast metal piece behind it that attaches it to the motor shaft.

A common scenario with these machines is a domino effect, which starts with a failure of the plastic reel clampers from running the machine vertically, and/or tightening the clampers down with too much force. Over time they develop cracks. If you remove the clamper from the reel table you will see stress cracks inside it. Eventually, the clamper can no longer hold the reel firmly. There will be a gap that allows the reel to flop around during FFW or RW.

Once the plastic reel clamper can no longer hold the reel securely this puts stress on the reel table and the cast metal piece that secures it to the motor shaft.

The whole thing is called the reel table assembly and it’s sold as one part by TASCAM… but it’s actually two pieces. The pic below is the rear part. It will also develop stress cracks and get out of balance, making the reel table spin unevenly. The red arrow points to the allen screw that holds it to the shaft. The three holes on top are for the screws that secure the reel table to it. The screws are under the rubber pad of the reel table, which is behind the plastic reel clamper.

You might luck out and just have to replace the plastic reel clamper. Can you see that the reel table itself is turning unevenly, or are you making that obsevation based on the behavior of the reel?

[Beck]

And this is where the clampers fail. The gap the arrow is pointing to won't close completely, even with the clamping mechanism turned all the way to the right. This condition alone will result in very loud rumbling noise during RW or FFW.

[_DK]

It's the clampers for sure. It does close completely on one side, but it's not even.
The shaft seems alright.
Thanks Beck!

[_DK]

Originally Posted by Beck

On that model, table height adjustment and/or worn plastic reel clampers. Did you buy a brand new reel or a used one on eBay? Reels aren't really all that straight. Table height adjustment should get it close enough to where the tape misses any part of the reel flange on either side.

I finally got back to fix this problem. I think it's the height of my second table. The question is how to do adjust the height? Is is the screw the arrow is pointing to on this pic? http://homerecording.com/bbs/attachm...id=38819&stc=1

[krhall]

yep
it should be as the clamp is similar to a teac machine i have.
Good Luck

Keith

[_DK]

Now I got it!
The height was really off!
Thanks everyone!