Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: FP20 Skate Height

This is topic FP20 Skate Height in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Steve McAndrew (Member # 8865) on 08-14-2017, 01:15 AM:

Can anyone advise on how to correctly adjust the skate height on an FP20?

Thanks

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 08-14-2017, 07:11 AM:

Officially, there should be two film thicknesses between the skate and the intermittent sprocket.

I tend to make mine a little more snug with just 1 film thickness.

Observe the image on screen and also listen to the film running through, particularly with a splice. It shouldn't sound like it is struggling or make a loud click when the splice passes. It is okay to hear it but it shouldn't sound harsh nor look bad on screen.

Posted by Steve McAndrew (Member # 8865) on 08-18-2017, 07:59 AM:

Thanks for the reply.

So basically put two pieces of film around the intermittent sprocket (as you would when threading a film) and the wind up the pin that holds the skate until the bottom of the skate is snug against the film? Or is it two film thickness between the tip of the sprocket teeth and the skate?

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 08-18-2017, 10:27 AM:

You run it up until quite snug on 2-film thicknesses. Again, I've often gone a little tighter. But listen to the film as it runs through and particularly when splices run through.

Posted by Steve McAndrew (Member # 8865) on 08-20-2017, 11:33 AM:

I have adjusted the skate as mentioned, however the skate is rubbing against the sprocket at the front of the sprocket (3 O'clock position) is this correct?

Thanks

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 08-20-2017, 12:19 PM:

Yes

Posted by Simon Wyss (Member # 6218) on 08-21-2017, 12:38 AM:

The tighter you adjust the skate in height the lower you can set the pressure force on the - . . . + scale. Note that there are three types of skates, white, black, and brown ones made from different plastics. They’re softer and harder. I have made best experience with fresh sprocket drums and black skates.