Ferrograph 633 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

jimmyjo · 26th May 2011, 7:49 pm

Hi all, I have just acquired a Ferrograph 633 it seems to spin OK when the the reels are not on the machine, as soon as they are put on and the tension is there, it slows right down to a snails pace, varying speeds as it goes... Any ideas? Thanks

Ted Kendall · 26th May 2011, 11:17 pm

Could be as simple as sticky shed tape. What type of tape are you using? Matt backed stuff is dubious on a Ferrograph 6 anyway, because of the pressure pads, but it should still run through the machine OK.

Tractorfan · 27th May 2011, 8:59 am

Hi,
Even if your tape is OK, tape used previous to you obtaining the machine could have left sticky deposits along the tape path.Thoroughly clean all the tape guides, heads, capstan and pinch wheel with suitable cleaner (I use meths) and a cotton bud.
I've had tapes that suffered sticky shed and they clogged up my ancient Ferrograph within minutes of me cleaning it. I was trying to recover old recordings but had to give up and bin the tape

.
Hope this helps.
Cheers, Pete

DOFFERY · 27th May 2011, 9:37 am

Also check the speed transfer idlers , shiny or need spring adjustment.

Colin.

26th May 2011, 7:49 pm	#1
jimmyjo Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Coventry, UK Posts: 3	Ferrograph 633 Hi all, I have just acquired a Ferrograph 633 it seems to spin OK when the the reels are not on the machine, as soon as they are put on and the tension is there, it slows right down to a snails pace, varying speeds as it goes... Any ideas? Thanks

26th May 2011, 11:17 pm	#2
Ted Kendall Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 3,670	Re: Ferrograph 633 Could be as simple as sticky shed tape. What type of tape are you using? Matt backed stuff is dubious on a Ferrograph 6 anyway, because of the pressure pads, but it should still run through the machine OK.

27th May 2011, 8:59 am	#3
Tractorfan Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: St. Frajou, l'Isle en Dodon, Haute Garonne, France.(Previously: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK.) Posts: 3,183	Re: Ferrograph 633 Hi, Even if your tape is OK, tape used previous to you obtaining the machine could have left sticky deposits along the tape path.Thoroughly clean all the tape guides, heads, capstan and pinch wheel with suitable cleaner (I use meths) and a cotton bud. I've had tapes that suffered sticky shed and they clogged up my ancient Ferrograph within minutes of me cleaning it. I was trying to recover old recordings but had to give up and bin the tape . Hope this helps. Cheers, Pete __________________ "Hello?, Yes, I'm on the train, I might lose the signal soon as we're just going into a tunn..."

27th May 2011, 9:37 am	#4
DOFFERY Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Blackpool, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 1,488	Re: Ferrograph 633 Also check the speed transfer idlers , shiny or need spring adjustment. Colin.