Roland Take Up Tube ?

[Behrmon]

So this may be an old topic but in my quick search I did not see this particular question but I'm new here and have not yet subscribed as a paid member so I cannot see all threads.

As I assume most shops do, we use 54" media tubes on our take ups, we tape the media to the core as straight as we can, we often get a bit of walk (towards the adjustable side of the take up) which can eventually lead to a head strike. I was thinking of cutting down a PVC tube to lets say 60" and doing a 56" W 1/4" slit top and bottom to feed the media thru if we want and then tape. So while the "walk" may still occur I was thinking this might help? Has anyone done this and if so to what result?

Thanks.

 

[Gene@mpls]

What are you using for a take up? OEM or aftermarket? Perhaps which printer would be helpful also. I build my own TU so that I can slip
the tube off without the motions that seem to be required for the Roland TU. Also I like them up off the floor as I am old and infirm. When I
tape the media to the tube I just put one piece in the middle BTW... I think you get less 'stress' on the media that way. Welcome- if you are
a serious sign guy or printer the premium membership is well worth it. Gene

 

[Desert_Signs]

So this may be an old topic but in my quick search I did not see this particular question but I'm new here and have not yet subscribed as a paid member so I cannot see all threads.

As I assume most shops do, we use 54" media tubes on our take ups, we tape the media to the core as straight as we can, we often get a bit of walk (towards the adjustable side of the take up) which can eventually lead to a head strike. I was thinking of cutting down a PVC tube to lets say 60" and doing a 56" W 1/4" slit top and bottom to feed the media thru if we want and then tape. So while the "walk" may still occur I was thinking this might help? Has anyone done this and if so to what result?

Thanks.

I think that wouldn't work. It's going to walk a little. If it's bound up in the core like you're thinking, I feel like you're going to end up with a huge wave at the platen and get head strikes.

 

[Behrmon]

Thanks for the replies. This is the OEM take up on an XC540 Pro3. I was of the mindset of having an inch of space Left and Right of the 54" media. The walk we get is usually much less than that. I was hoping that the feed thru core idea might just aid in keeping things just a bit more true.