my profile | my password | search | faq & rules | forum home

» Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE   » Operations   » Film Handlers' Forum   » Sandpaper strips on Christie platters

Author Topic: Sandpaper strips on Christie platters Keith Rightmyer Film Handler Posts: 5 From: Harrodsburg, KY, USA Registered: Oct 2005 posted 10-17-2005 10:42 PM                     Hello folks! I'm new to the drive-in projection biz but I'll spare you my story for now. I've run projector for the last three weekends and have had a different experience with the platters every weekend. Each of our platters have four (4) strips of what seems to be sandpaper at angles. I've already trimmed the edges on two of the platters as needed but one strip on platter 3 was scraping the bottom edge of the film practically the strips' entire length. A kind gentleman on another forum said he had never seen this before so I thought I would share with you guys and seek ideas or suggestions. Thanks in advance! Keith  |  IP: Logged John Pytlak Film God Posts: 9987 From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922 Registered: Jan 2000 posted 10-17-2005 10:48 PM                        I think someone put those strips on the platter in an attempt to keep laps from sticking together from "static cling", or to prevent the roll from sliding on a mistimed platter. The attempts I've seen used a rubbery no-slip surface, and NOT "sandpaper". Since the advent of Kodak VISION Color Print Film with its proprietary conductive antistatic coating, static cling is much less of an issue today. If those rough strips are indeed scuffing the film edge, they should be removed. Be sure to clean the platter surface of any residual adhesive.  |  IP: Logged Steve Scott Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1300 From: Minneapolis, MN Registered: Sep 2000 posted 10-17-2005 10:53 PM                     Yep, this looks like a misguided homebrew solution to a common booth problem. Sandpaper could have been used to increase the friction holding a print onto an overspinning platter. What's the track record of these platters Keith? And what do you know as to the permanence of these strips on the decks?  |  IP: Logged Jon Miller Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 973 From: San Diego, CA, USA Registered: Sep 1999 posted 10-17-2005 11:20 PM                     The strips could be of anti-slip material (such as these 3M products linked here) used for stairsteps and bathtubs. I would not use that stuff due to the potential for film damage as John P. suggests. I would much rather buff the platter deck as described in the Chirstie AW3 tips (click on the Tips button to the left).  |  IP: Logged Tim Reed Better Projection Pays Posts: 5246 From: Northampton, PA Registered: Sep 1999 posted 10-18-2005 05:38 AM                       At the description, I thought you might have an ELF platter, but from the photos, it's as everyone says. Someone put the friction strips there. Properly adjusted, you don't need them on a Christie. BTW, I attempted to re-open that theatre in 1989, but it turned out my partner - who was supposed to have the money - didn't. I did, however, succeed in my intermission trailer venture. You should have a new intermission clock (and other drive-in-specific trailers) at your theatre, to sell your concessions right... Screen Attractions  |  IP: Logged Keith Rightmyer Film Handler Posts: 5 From: Harrodsburg, KY, USA Registered: Oct 2005 posted 10-18-2005 11:00 AM                     Thanks for the responses guys! The entire system was installed on September 22 after the last operators split town with their equipment. So I don't the history before that but the strips haven't stopped static cling or one BAD head wrap on a second night. Steve, the strips aren't hard to cut but it'll take some work to remove them. The residual glue shouldn't be a problem with...alcohol? Jon, I printed those tips out this morning and plan to review them with the owner. Tim, wish you could have re-opened the place in '89. This area needed a good drive-in and that's what we are trying for now. I'm looking into the concession trailers for next year. Not much $$ coming in right now though WE ARE OPEN!! Tell your friends and family!! I look forward to more info from you guys. Oh, the previous ops left two boxes of cheap dryer sheets. What is the proper use for them...applied to platter or film or both?  |  IP: Logged John Pytlak Film God Posts: 9987 From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922 Registered: Jan 2000 posted 10-18-2005 11:10 AM                        The dryer sheets contain a topical conductive antistat (quaternary ammonium salt). They can be used to treat non-conductive (plastic) rollers and surfaces to minimize static buildup. Even though the film has a conductive antistatic layer, the static does need a "path to ground" through conductive platter surfaces and rollers. Liquid antistatic treatments include Static Guard, Neutrostat, Endust for Electronics, and Staticide. Adhesive can usually be removed by using FilmGuard, mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol, naphtha, "Goo-Gone", or other mild solvent compatible with the platter materials. Be sure to be careful with exposure to the solvent/vapors, and any flammability. Definitely check the leveling and timing of that platter.  |  IP: Logged Louis Bornwasser Film God Posts: 4441 From: prospect ky usa Registered: Mar 2005 posted 10-18-2005 11:48 AM                        I have seen platter decks that were heavily WAXED. The aftermath is that they were so slick that film would almost vibrate off the deck. The short term solution was to use duct (duck) tape to support the film and provide friction. Maybe that is what the previous owner did. (Also, the previous owner of that drive in ordered the equipment, we arranged to install it , but he never showed up with the paperwork (money.) We were not hurt, but there is an entire drive in of equipment on our loading dock. Louis  |  IP: Logged Brad Miller Administrator Posts: 17775 From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall) Registered: May 99 posted 10-18-2005 02:14 PM                     Keith, please see Christie Platter Tweeking in the TIPS section of this website. Once you get all of that crap off of the decks I can virtually guarantee that if you don't buff the decks you will throw film from all of the residual crap left behind. It's not that easy to do and it is all explained on that page (among other tips).  |  IP: Logged Monte L Fullmer Film God Posts: 8367 From: Nampa, Idaho, USA Registered: Nov 2004 posted 10-18-2005 02:21 PM                     quote: Louis Bornwasser I have seen platter decks that were heavily WAXED. The aftermath is that they were so slick that film would almost vibrate off the deck. ... like some goons would do with their AW2 formica topped platter decks, and even those chromed domed ORC platters - using PLEDGE furniture polish to shine up these surfaces (lol). Threw prints like crazy. -Monte  |  IP: Logged

All times are Central (GMT -6:00)

Printer-friendly view of this topic

Hop To: Select a Forum: Category: Operations -------------------- Digital Cinema Forum Film Handlers' Forum Large Format Forum Ground Level Feature Info, Trailer Attachments & REAL Credit Offsets Category: Community -------------------- Film-Yak Film Handlers' Movie Reviews The Afterlife Bob Maar's Joke-A-Thon Category: Classified -------------------- Equipment and Supplies Wanted/For Sale Help Wanted/Seeking Employment Category: System -------------------- Software Beta Testing Forum

The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.