Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

sourbiscuits · 26th Mar 2023, 3:26 pm

Hello everyone. My Akai reel to reel has both axis bent - left one more than the right one. I don't thin I can fix this but would it be possible to replace them instead? I could not see a way to dismount them by removing the front panel.

DMcMahon · 26th Mar 2023, 4:05 pm

I assume you mean like my first 2 photos attached.

If so then I have sucessfully straightened them by removing the plastic trident and then using a pair of strong long nosed pliers grip them (with cloth inbetween to avoid the pliers jaws marking the shaft) just below where the bend starts and slowly straighten them, it may take several iterrations and setting the pliers both at 90 degees to the shaft and also along the shaft until a good straight/vertical shaft is obtained.

The shaft is strong so it is not that easy but definately doable.

Have also done it using the jaws of a small adjustable spanner.

David

Edit Update - Done without removing the reel table from the machine .

TIMTAPE · 27th Mar 2023, 4:39 am

Yes David, I've done the same on various Akai bent reel retainers. The pin is soft enough to be substantially if not perfectly straightened and made useable again, unlike on other machines where the pin or screw breaks off.

Restoration73 · 27th Mar 2023, 7:41 am

To minimise damage and a more even bending force I use a metal spacer (6mm steel or brass rod say 100mm long with 3-4mm through hole) hold the rod end at the peak of the bend - this gives greater control.

Aub · 27th Mar 2023, 9:56 am

What makes them bend in the first place. Something get dropped on deck?

Cheers

Aub

DMcMahon · 27th Mar 2023, 10:13 am

I had two Mk. IIs arrive with both pins bent, the sales photos showed them to be straight so obviously got damaged during shipping, cannot remember what the packaging was like, it probably was not great, although I have had other damage (sometimes severe) even when when well packaged.

David

sourbiscuits · 1st Apr 2023, 5:45 pm

Thank you for all the information guys!

Aub - I bought the unit from my local thrift store for €35. That was the only issue it had and one very small cosmetic damage. The bulb is also dead at the VU. Apart from that fully funtcional in mint condition. No idea how the axis got damaged.

I followed the advice of David and took off the plastic spring cups and just bent the axis back. It's not perfect but it is significantly better .At first I thought I should dismount the entire axis to make it straight. I think this should do for now tgough.

williamsunique · 1st Apr 2023, 5:52 pm

When working on any reel to reel on the bench be aware if you place the deck face down to be very careful. To move it, lift it, don't slide it. The tape recorder in this position will be resting on the reel tables and they are easily bent under the weight.

Paul

sourbiscuits · 1st Apr 2023, 6:43 pm

Thank you for the tip Paul! I don't think I've done this with the two other units I have opened up. I will surely remember for the future though!

26th Mar 2023, 3:26 pm	#1
sourbiscuits Pentode Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands. Posts: 117	Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis Hello everyone. My Akai reel to reel has both axis bent - left one more than the right one. I don't thin I can fix this but would it be possible to replace them instead? I could not see a way to dismount them by removing the front panel.

26th Mar 2023, 4:05 pm	#2
DMcMahon Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 6,259	Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis I assume you mean like my first 2 photos attached. If so then I have sucessfully straightened them by removing the plastic trident and then using a pair of strong long nosed pliers grip them (with cloth inbetween to avoid the pliers jaws marking the shaft) just below where the bend starts and slowly straighten them, it may take several iterrations and setting the pliers both at 90 degees to the shaft and also along the shaft until a good straight/vertical shaft is obtained. The shaft is strong so it is not that easy but definately doable. Have also done it using the jaws of a small adjustable spanner. David Edit Update - Done without removing the reel table from the machine . Attached Thumbnails Last edited by DMcMahon; 26th Mar 2023 at 4:14 pm. Reason: Update

27th Mar 2023, 4:39 am	#3
TIMTAPE Octode Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 1,903	Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis Yes David, I've done the same on various Akai bent reel retainers. The pin is soft enough to be substantially if not perfectly straightened and made useable again, unlike on other machines where the pin or screw breaks off.

27th Mar 2023, 7:41 am	#4
Restoration73 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Surbiton, SW London, UK. Posts: 2,801	Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis To minimise damage and a more even bending force I use a metal spacer (6mm steel or brass rod say 100mm long with 3-4mm through hole) hold the rod end at the peak of the bend - this gives greater control. __________________ Home, home again - I like to be here when I can

27th Mar 2023, 9:56 am	#5
Aub Octode Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Nuneaton, Warwickshire, UK. Posts: 1,941	Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis What makes them bend in the first place. Something get dropped on deck? Cheers Aub __________________ Life's a long song, but the tune ends too soon for us all.

27th Mar 2023, 10:13 am	#6
DMcMahon Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 6,259	Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis I had two Mk. IIs arrive with both pins bent, the sales photos showed them to be straight so obviously got damaged during shipping, cannot remember what the packaging was like, it probably was not great, although I have had other damage (sometimes severe) even when when well packaged. David

1st Apr 2023, 5:45 pm	#7
sourbiscuits Pentode Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands. Posts: 117	Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis Thank you for all the information guys! Aub - I bought the unit from my local thrift store for €35. That was the only issue it had and one very small cosmetic damage. The bulb is also dead at the VU. Apart from that fully funtcional in mint condition. No idea how the axis got damaged. I followed the advice of David and took off the plastic spring cups and just bent the axis back. It's not perfect but it is significantly better .At first I thought I should dismount the entire axis to make it straight. I think this should do for now tgough.

1st Apr 2023, 5:52 pm	#8
williamsunique Tetrode Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Watford, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 86	Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis When working on any reel to reel on the bench be aware if you place the deck face down to be very careful. To move it, lift it, don't slide it. The tape recorder in this position will be resting on the reel tables and they are easily bent under the weight. Paul

1st Apr 2023, 6:43 pm	#9
sourbiscuits Pentode Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands. Posts: 117	Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis Thank you for the tip Paul! I don't think I've done this with the two other units I have opened up. I will surely remember for the future though!