Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Westrex Tower settings

This is topic Westrex Tower settings in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Jonathan Wood (Member # 4614) on 11-30-2014, 02:39 PM:

Hi
I'm just getting a Westrex tower back in working order and was wondering what pay out and take up settings people would recommend with 36inch solid spools? I seem to remember it was about 40 on pay out and 60 on take up? Any advice , as always greatly appreciated!
Jon

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 12-02-2014, 06:48 AM:

The answer is, 'it depends'.

You'll need a higher tension setting on start up, which you can quickly reduce once the machine is up to speed and steady.

You want just enough tension on the top to avoid bounce, one the bottom you need just enough to avoid loops forming and to make sure the take-up wind is even. Too much will strain the perfs and is often accompanied by a buzzing noise from the hold-back sprocket.

Your numbers don't sound un-reasonable for a running show, but not for starting.

Spool hub diameter makes a difference (smaller hubs need more tension), and using a floating hub spool on the bottom makes a massive difference.

Posted by Jonathan Wood (Member # 4614) on 12-02-2014, 07:35 AM:

Thanks Pete , much appreciated. So about 60/80 in start and reduce to 40/60 after a few mins if all is well?
Cheers Jon

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 12-07-2014, 04:48 PM:

Like I said, 'it depends'.

There's so many variables.

The diameter of the spool hub.
The ramp up time of the projector.

Are the big two.

Smaller hubs and quicker ramp up needs more tension.

Posted by Owen Morgan (Member # 7854) on 12-10-2014, 08:15 PM:

Pete is soo right..

Used a westrex tower for ages and ages and ages, and rarely were the settings the same.... it depended on the film length affecting the diameter of the spool, how tightly the film had been wound on in the first place. the Age of the tower I find makes a difference (the motor Caps tend to wander with charge with age).

without using your physical tower i dont think anyone here can give you steadfast guides.

its a bit of playing around, start with smaller values, and wind the tension up til you find the right place.