I thought I'd start a new thread in case we have more discussion on the M-23, since the previous thread started out as an info item on the labeling of tape channels and the tracks they correspond to on the tape.
I'm a bit concerned about the idler. I took it off and tested it and it has a fair amount of wobble. It may be repairable, but I'm not sure. I was able to get the machine working a bit better by rotating the idler base to the most favorable angle, but that wobble may produce a flutter issue and may also affect the bearing lifetime, so it's better to fix or replace, I think.
This is one of those times when I will seek counsel from Dale Manquen, a former 3M employee, who is a real expert on these machines. I hope the idler can be repaired. Otherwise, I'll need to contact Matt Allen, since he is the keeper of the main store of NOS 3M parts.
Cheers,
Otto
I'm a bit concerned about the idler. I took it off and tested it and it has a fair amount of wobble. It may be repairable, but I'm not sure. I was able to get the machine working a bit better by rotating the idler base to the most favorable angle, but that wobble may produce a flutter issue and may also affect the bearing lifetime, so it's better to fix or replace, I think.
This is one of those times when I will seek counsel from Dale Manquen, a former 3M employee, who is a real expert on these machines. I hope the idler can be repaired. Otherwise, I'll need to contact Matt Allen, since he is the keeper of the main store of NOS 3M parts.
Cheers,
Otto