For those using 'Holographic Mylar' as a tt drive


belt, I'm wondering which tape you're using to attach the ends.

TIA
johnbrown
DougDeacn found a site that carries 1" splicing tape a while back (see below). Unfortunately, they are in and out of stock so I'd check back often. I tried ordering some a couple of months ago and they were out of stock. After trying again a month later, the tape was back in stock (I ordered the last roll, however).

http://usrecordingmedia-store.stores.yahoo.net/1inch.html

Chris
I'm probably the one who got the last roll before Chris ordered the first time. :-)

The good news is that 1 roll is probably a life time supply.
I am using the tape that came with my TAC splicer on holographic mylar. This tape has done very good. I have had this though for 3-4 years and will soon need to buy replacement tape. I presume the tape hasn't changed but do not know for sure.
That is the right kind of tape, though mine's clear and not blue (thank goodness). It produces stronger and more permanent belt joins than those silver splicing tabs.

If enough people order maybe they'll keep it in stock. There must be millions of TT owners with quiet, low-cogging motors who want to try this. ;-)

Mothra once posted that he could find video splicing tape if anyone had trouble. You might try contacting him.

1" wide tape is best but you must cut and tape by hand, not in a splicing block. Fortunately, that produces better results, at least IME. Just takes a little practice.

I work on a small sheet of glass, which makes a great surface for keeping the mylar aligned and flat and for cutting clean lines. My other tools include a steel straightedge, Post-It notes (for holding the mylar in position) and a #11 Xacto blade. Myopic eyesight and a light touch are a big help too!

It's best to cut on a 30-45 degree angle and then apply the tape at the same angle, ACROSS the belt. Burnish the tape down well with a thumbnail and trim the excess. Voila! A belt that should last for years.
I've found that the half inch splicing tape works fine. It must be applied in the direction of the mylar, however, which takes a little more care/skill/luck. The one inch can be applied across the splice, but must be trimmed.

Materials are cheap. Buy some and make a few belts, and you'll get the feel for the job. My belts last a long time. C'est pas trop difficile.