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Vintage Tape (Audio), Cassette, Wire and Magnetic Disc Recorders and Players Open-reel tape recorders, cassette recorders, 8-track players etc.

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Old 26th Mar 2023, 3:26 pm   #1
sourbiscuits
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Default Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis

Hello everyone. My Akai reel to reel has both axis bent - left one more than the right one. I don't thin I can fix this but would it be possible to replace them instead? I could not see a way to dismount them by removing the front panel.
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Old 26th Mar 2023, 4:05 pm   #2
DMcMahon
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Default Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis

I assume you mean like my first 2 photos attached.

If so then I have sucessfully straightened them by removing the plastic trident and then using a pair of strong long nosed pliers grip them (with cloth inbetween to avoid the pliers jaws marking the shaft) just below where the bend starts and slowly straighten them, it may take several iterrations and setting the pliers both at 90 degees to the shaft and also along the shaft until a good straight/vertical shaft is obtained.

The shaft is strong so it is not that easy but definately doable.

Have also done it using the jaws of a small adjustable spanner.

David

Edit Update - Done without removing the reel table from the machine .
Attached Thumbnails
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Last edited by DMcMahon; 26th Mar 2023 at 4:14 pm. Reason: Update
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Old 27th Mar 2023, 4:39 am   #3
TIMTAPE
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Default Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis

Yes David, I've done the same on various Akai bent reel retainers. The pin is soft enough to be substantially if not perfectly straightened and made useable again, unlike on other machines where the pin or screw breaks off.
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Old 27th Mar 2023, 7:41 am   #4
Restoration73
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Default Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis

To minimise damage and a more even bending force I use a metal spacer (6mm steel or brass rod say 100mm long with 3-4mm through hole) hold the rod end at the peak of the bend - this gives greater control.
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Old 27th Mar 2023, 9:56 am   #5
Aub
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Default Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis

What makes them bend in the first place. Something get dropped on deck?

Cheers

Aub
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Old 27th Mar 2023, 10:13 am   #6
DMcMahon
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Default Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis

I had two Mk. IIs arrive with both pins bent, the sales photos showed them to be straight so obviously got damaged during shipping, cannot remember what the packaging was like, it probably was not great, although I have had other damage (sometimes severe) even when when well packaged.

David
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Old 1st Apr 2023, 5:45 pm   #7
sourbiscuits
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Default Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis

Thank you for all the information guys!

Aub - I bought the unit from my local thrift store for €35. That was the only issue it had and one very small cosmetic damage. The bulb is also dead at the VU. Apart from that fully funtcional in mint condition. No idea how the axis got damaged.

I followed the advice of David and took off the plastic spring cups and just bent the axis back. It's not perfect but it is significantly better .At first I thought I should dismount the entire axis to make it straight. I think this should do for now tgough.
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Old 1st Apr 2023, 5:52 pm   #8
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Default Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis

When working on any reel to reel on the bench be aware if you place the deck face down to be very careful. To move it, lift it, don't slide it. The tape recorder in this position will be resting on the reel tables and they are easily bent under the weight.


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Old 1st Apr 2023, 6:43 pm   #9
sourbiscuits
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Default Re: Akai 4000DS MKII crooked axis

Thank you for the tip Paul! I don't think I've done this with the two other units I have opened up. I will surely remember for the future though!
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