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Vintage Tape (Audio), Cassette, Wire and Magnetic Disc Recorders and Players Open-reel tape recorders, cassette recorders, 8-track players etc.

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Old 6th Jun 2023, 12:12 pm   #1
paulsherwin
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Default Sony TC-270 pressure pad refurb

Can any of the forum's R2R specialists advise me on renewing the pressure pad on my Sony TC-270? https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/sony_tc270_tc_27.html

Like many cheap Japanese stereo recorders of the period, the TC-270 uses a pressure pad against the erase head to provide back tension. This is clearly extremely tired and isn't doing its job, so the tape rides the R/PB head very poorly. Applying some extra back tension by holding the tape or the LH reel greatly improves things.

I don't work with R2R a lot, and have never done this particular job before. All advice and suggestions greatly appreciated.
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Old 6th Jun 2023, 2:04 pm   #2
Reelman
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Default Re: Sony TC-270 pressure pad refurb

Looks like a new pad is in order.

Tandy used to sell a packet of various sized pads in two thicknesses, would have been ideal for you. Searched eBay and cannot find anything at all in the uk except this item:

173729754382

It is the three arms with pads for a Ferrograph, but it looks like the pads would be ok for your Sony.

I have, in the past, cleaned the pads whilst on the recorder with a cotton bud and carbon tet repeatly until cleaner. I guess either meths or propanol could be used these days.

Not sure how “special” the felt is for recorders, the Hobby Shop sell various felt sheets that could provide a pad.

What do others use for pad replacement I wonder?

Good luck Paul.

Peter
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Old 6th Jun 2023, 4:28 pm   #3
Ted Kendall
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Default Re: Sony TC-270 pressure pad refurb

Semi-compressed felt as used in podiatry is a good starting point - ordinary decorative felt isn't dense enough.
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Old 6th Jun 2023, 5:12 pm   #4
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Default Re: Sony TC-270 pressure pad refurb

The heaviest craft felt easily available seems to be 3mm. Would that be suitable?

Also, is the felt used for shoe insoles suitable?

I should make clear that this recorder doesn't see heavy use and isn't used for anything critical, but I don't want to have to change the pad every few months.
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Old 6th Jun 2023, 6:10 pm   #5
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Default Re: Sony TC-270 pressure pad refurb

I've just thought of something else. I've got a sheet of those self adhesive felt pads sold in Poundland sitting around somewhere. Does anybody have an opinion about those?
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Old 6th Jun 2023, 6:26 pm   #6
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Default Re: Sony TC-270 pressure pad refurb

Providing a similar thickness can be achieved then I would think it would be worth trying any available felt. Save the original pad, it should pull off in one piece and try to clean it whilst trying some new felt.
I am hoping someone will come forward with a source of a suitable material of appropriate thickness, would be useful to know.

Peter
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Old 7th Jun 2023, 12:04 am   #7
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Default Re: Sony TC-270 pressure pad refurb

Quote:
Originally Posted by paulsherwin View Post
I've just thought of something else. I've got a sheet of those self adhesive felt pads sold in Poundland sitting around somewhere. Does anybody have an opinion about those?
I have two types, which I use for replacing the pressure pads in cassette tapes where the felt has detached itself from the springy metal strip. It is ideal as it has a strong adhesive backing so you can just put it in place with tweezers.

I have one older set of pads, brown felt, 2mm thick, and some more recent grey pads of 1mm. The former tends to be more useful. In some old memorex tapes where the pad is not mounted on a spring but on foam, I just clear that away and add a selection of pads to make a lasagne type stack until good head-tape contact is achieved.

I know the above is not that relevant to you but thought I would put it on here for reference! I have used this felt on many occasions and had no problems with friction or it working loose.

In the case of the Sony I would use the 2mm brown type, that ought to be just fine. If it is insufficient then add a thinner 1mm piece on top, the adhesive ought to be plenty strong enough.
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Old 7th Jun 2023, 7:55 pm   #8
Uncle Bulgaria
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Default Re: Sony TC-270 pressure pad refurb

Piano tuner's felt is what I've been recommended.

Alternatively, I have a large quantity of felt from RH Nuttall which I've been using to glaze windows. They make a variety of self-adhesive or plain felts for industrial purposes. I have 3mm 'natural' colour which is quite firm and could be suitable.
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Old 7th Jun 2023, 9:52 pm   #9
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Default Re: Sony TC-270 pressure pad refurb

Self adhesive seems preferable, I have found that when you add superglue to some fabrics it permeates it all, and renders it useless.

I expect in this case the pad's thickness will be at least 3mm though. Probably best it is a bit thicker, if anything.
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Old 7th Jun 2023, 11:17 pm   #10
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Default Re: Sony TC-270 pressure pad refurb

I agree Ben. Super glue is a very thin liquid which is also quite inflexible when set. I use more compliant glue for gluing the felt to the arm or shield. Also if the machine allows for it, I adjust or perhaps even carefully bend the metal arm on which the felt is glued so the felt exerts an even pressure across the head face.
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Old 8th Jun 2023, 10:00 am   #11
FrankB
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Default Re: Sony TC-270 pressure pad refurb

Over the decades I have had good luck with felt from a sewing store attached with 3M spray or contact adhesive.
I must have done 50-60 pressure pads with no problems.
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