Scratched/Worn VCR Drum? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Henenen · 28th Oct 2018, 8:58 pm

I have aquired a semi-pro JVC VCR and thought I'd open it up before using it to give the tape path a quick once over with some IPA.

I was surprised to see the drum had weird marks on it (like 1-2mm patchy spots), which you can see in the pic below, and also, is that just tape abrasion all the way around it? It looks like someone's sandpapered it?!

http://oi68.tinypic.com/21b6mg6.jpg

I've never seen a drum like this before, even on my oldest most used machines. What could have caused it?

I tried cleaning the drum with IPA, hoping it would be a residue and not abrasion, but it did nothing other than leave the metal with a milky/misty finish no matter how much a cleaned it. So now it looks in an even worse state! Haven't had that happen before, anyone know what's causing the milkiness?

Tried playing an old tape afterwards and the picture seemed fine, don't think I wanna risk damage to my tapes whilse it's like this though.

My ultimate question is, is the machine pretty much scrap?

Mooly · 28th Oct 2018, 9:12 pm

That kind of damage can occur when a tape has wrapped tight around the drum, perhaps as a result of condensation. I've also seen (from memory, its a long time ago) many Philips drums that used to take on that kind of appearance... although perhaps not quite as defined.

Also wonder if an abrasive cleaning tape has been used.

As long as its clean and feels smooth then I doubt your tapes will suffer.

vhs doctor · 28th Oct 2018, 10:53 pm

From my experience it is caused from

1. Damaged cleaning roller
2.As already said from dry cleaning tape

Most of the times the machine work and the picture is normal.
Can you check the playback quality? Test it with a tape recorded from a VCR with normal heads.

Henenen · 29th Oct 2018, 4:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by vhs doctor

Can you check the playback quality? Test it with a tape recorded from a VCR with normal heads.

Yeah, as I said it plays back seemingly fine.
But worried about long term damage to tape surface.

vhs doctor · 29th Oct 2018, 4:36 pm

In my opinion if the head worn surface does not create any damage in tape you dont have any problem.

ben · 30th Oct 2018, 12:54 am

Provided the grooves on the drum are okay and not worn off or filled with gunk, then the tape will still have the all -important 'air gap' in use.

I have seen drums worse than that yet still serviceable.

If you're unsure, play a few non-essential tapes right through and then check for any damage.

28th Oct 2018, 8:58 pm	#1
Henenen Tetrode Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London, UK. Posts: 81	Scratched/Worn VCR Drum? I have aquired a semi-pro JVC VCR and thought I'd open it up before using it to give the tape path a quick once over with some IPA. I was surprised to see the drum had weird marks on it (like 1-2mm patchy spots), which you can see in the pic below, and also, is that just tape abrasion all the way around it? It looks like someone's sandpapered it?! http://oi68.tinypic.com/21b6mg6.jpg I've never seen a drum like this before, even on my oldest most used machines. What could have caused it? I tried cleaning the drum with IPA, hoping it would be a residue and not abrasion, but it did nothing other than leave the metal with a milky/misty finish no matter how much a cleaned it. So now it looks in an even worse state! Haven't had that happen before, anyone know what's causing the milkiness? Tried playing an old tape afterwards and the picture seemed fine, don't think I wanna risk damage to my tapes whilse it's like this though. My ultimate question is, is the machine pretty much scrap?

28th Oct 2018, 9:12 pm	#2
Mooly Octode Join Date: May 2011 Location: Lancashire, UK. Posts: 1,351	Re: Scratched/Worn VCR Drum? That kind of damage can occur when a tape has wrapped tight around the drum, perhaps as a result of condensation. I've also seen (from memory, its a long time ago) many Philips drums that used to take on that kind of appearance... although perhaps not quite as defined. Also wonder if an abrasive cleaning tape has been used. As long as its clean and feels smooth then I doubt your tapes will suffer.

28th Oct 2018, 10:53 pm	#3
vhs doctor Pentode Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Athens, Greece. Posts: 173	Re: Scratched/Worn VCR Drum? From my experience it is caused from 1. Damaged cleaning roller 2.As already said from dry cleaning tape Most of the times the machine work and the picture is normal. Can you check the playback quality? Test it with a tape recorded from a VCR with normal heads.

29th Oct 2018, 4:36 pm	#5
vhs doctor Pentode Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Athens, Greece. Posts: 173	Re: Scratched/Worn VCR Drum? In my opinion if the head worn surface does not create any damage in tape you dont have any problem.

30th Oct 2018, 12:54 am	#6
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Scratched/Worn VCR Drum? Provided the grooves on the drum are okay and not worn off or filled with gunk, then the tape will still have the all -important 'air gap' in use. I have seen drums worse than that yet still serviceable. If you're unsure, play a few non-essential tapes right through and then check for any damage. __________________ Regards, Ben.