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Another microdrive re-felting enquiry.
Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2019 10:10 am
by Chr$
I re-felted a couple of cartridges with some self adhesive felt that was designed to go on the bottom of ornaments or whatever, so that they don't scratch surfaces. It worked initially, but must have been too rough as I can't get a dir now. Can someone recommend a source of self adhesive felt so that I won't ruin any more tape?
Anyone tried these?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-TRACK-CART ... 3772003964
I've seen this US seller recommended before but the postage is a killer and I wondered if the above may be the same thing:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Track-Tape-R ... 2762966703
(he doesn't seem to have any for sale currently)
Re: Another microdrive re-felting enquiry.
Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2019 3:39 pm
by Dave
The type of felt you used may or may not be too rough, but the actual problem with it is that it generates static electricity since it is made of artificial fibers. This doesn't destroy the microdrive, but it does harm recording quality and also introduces a lot of noise into reads.
The felt must be natural. I bought felt from 3M that was designed for the purpose - but they do not sell it any more. You can find felt for refelting 8-track cartridges and it is a suitable replacement.
Re: Another microdrive re-felting enquiry.
Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2019 4:37 pm
by Chr$
Thanks. Have you got any spare by any chance? eBay sellers seem to charge a fortune to Germany. It can't be £9 odd postage for a small envelope, surely. And it doesn't have to be insured/tracked for the sake of £3.50. If not, I'll wait and get some on the next UK visit.
Just noticed you're in the US, which is probably worse! Anyone out there with the appropriate material (preferably that you've already had success with) willing to send to Germany, let me know.
Re: Another microdrive re-felting enquiry.
Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2019 8:13 pm
by Dave
I have a very small amount left which I'm keeping for personal use. It's not for sale, sorry - I just have enough for about 20 cartridges.
Re: Another microdrive re-felting enquiry.
Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 7:47 pm
by stephen_usher
Yes. I've successfully re-felted all of my Microdrives using these. The felt is nice high density stuff and holds together well.
The blocks are approximately 8mm wide, which is ideal as the Microdrive pressure pads are 4mm long.
So, get a cutting pad which has mm markings on it and a scalpel, as sharp as possible.
Cut the pads in half length-ways to create two strips 4mm wide.
Now this is the tricky bit... Turn the strip on its side and very carefully reduce the thickness down to approximately 1mm (or *very* slightly thicker). The felt doesn't compress as much as the original Teflon coated foam so needs to be less tall so as to not put too much pressure on the tape and cause too much friction.
You will now have a strip 4mm long and ~1mm thick. You can create the correct sized pressure pads by cutting 2.5mm wide blocks from the strip.
Re: Another microdrive re-felting enquiry.
Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:26 pm
by retro_collector
I bought these
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-TRACK-CART ... 3772003964
they are garbage and dont stick. I three them in the garbage.
I was hoping someone else could recommend good felt with good adhesive
Re: Another microdrive re-felting enquiry.
Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2019 9:02 am
by stephen_usher
The ones I had were VERY sticky. It was difficult to stop them sticking to the wrong places and not coming off again.