Ferrograph 3 A/N - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

tapehiss · 6th Sep 2021, 4:45 pm

Hello all, I just aquired a Ferrograph 3 A/N that I am going through. Electrically I have checked it through, the idler wheels are in very good shape. I have a lot of wow and flutter though... the capstan rubber is pretty hard and has some tiny cracks around the edges. What would be your advice? Try to find a flywheel that has good rubber, or can the rubber be replaced? Other than the w/f the other aspects of the transport are good.

Thanks
David

Uncle Bulgaria · 9th Sep 2021, 7:11 pm

Lucky you - you're in the USA. Terry's Rubber Rollers seems the only show in town when it comes to replacing these. http://www.terrysrubberrollers.com/

I haven't had any done myself, but I've read he does a good job. The poor chap's had Covid though, so it'll be a while before he's recovered.

tapehiss · 9th Sep 2021, 7:35 pm

Yes, I had a chat with him the other day, unfortunately he doesn't think he can do it unless the capstan post can be removed from the flywheel. I am not sure but it looks like it is not easily removable. If I am wrong please let me know!

David

DMcMahon · 9th Sep 2021, 10:09 pm

I cannot visualise the extent of the rubber on the flywheel, could you post a photo please.

Some people report having success with Glycerin to soften up/revive the rubber on idler wheels etc, I have tried it a couple of times without improvement though.

David

tapehiss · 9th Sep 2021, 10:22 pm

Here is an image of a flywheel. I found this on this site from a while back

tapehiss · 10th Sep 2021, 12:07 am

Sorry here is a bigger image....

DMcMahon · 10th Sep 2021, 12:14 am

Try PM to saxmaniac ref this link

https://www.google.com/url?client=in...tEIBudmite1AIJ

David

tapehiss · 11th Sep 2021, 9:52 pm

Yes thanks, I checked with saxmaniac, unfortunately its no longer available.
Will keep searching, I love the recorder!

6th Sep 2021, 4:45 pm	#1
tapehiss Diode Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Jacksonville Florida United States Posts: 7	Ferrograph 3 A/N Hello all, I just aquired a Ferrograph 3 A/N that I am going through. Electrically I have checked it through, the idler wheels are in very good shape. I have a lot of wow and flutter though... the capstan rubber is pretty hard and has some tiny cracks around the edges. What would be your advice? Try to find a flywheel that has good rubber, or can the rubber be replaced? Other than the w/f the other aspects of the transport are good. Thanks David

9th Sep 2021, 7:11 pm	#2
Uncle Bulgaria Nonode Join Date: May 2016 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 2,339	Re: Ferrograph 3 A/N Lucky you - you're in the USA. Terry's Rubber Rollers seems the only show in town when it comes to replacing these. http://www.terrysrubberrollers.com/ I haven't had any done myself, but I've read he does a good job. The poor chap's had Covid though, so it'll be a while before he's recovered.

9th Sep 2021, 7:35 pm	#3
tapehiss Diode Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Jacksonville Florida United States Posts: 7	Re: Ferrograph 3 A/N Yes, I had a chat with him the other day, unfortunately he doesn't think he can do it unless the capstan post can be removed from the flywheel. I am not sure but it looks like it is not easily removable. If I am wrong please let me know! David

9th Sep 2021, 10:09 pm	#4
DMcMahon Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 6,604	Re: Ferrograph 3 A/N I cannot visualise the extent of the rubber on the flywheel, could you post a photo please. Some people report having success with Glycerin to soften up/revive the rubber on idler wheels etc, I have tried it a couple of times without improvement though. David

9th Sep 2021, 10:22 pm	#5
tapehiss Diode Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Jacksonville Florida United States Posts: 7	Re: Ferrograph 3 A/N Here is an image of a flywheel. I found this on this site from a while back Attached Images

10th Sep 2021, 12:07 am	#6
tapehiss Diode Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Jacksonville Florida United States Posts: 7	Re: Ferrograph 3 A/N Sorry here is a bigger image.... Attached Thumbnails

10th Sep 2021, 12:14 am	#7
DMcMahon Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 6,604	Re: Ferrograph 3 A/N Try PM to saxmaniac ref this link https://www.google.com/url?client=in...tEIBudmite1AIJ David

11th Sep 2021, 9:52 pm	#8
tapehiss Diode Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Jacksonville Florida United States Posts: 7	Re: Ferrograph 3 A/N Yes thanks, I checked with saxmaniac, unfortunately its no longer available. Will keep searching, I love the recorder!