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This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
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Topic: Why can't you get good Scotch tape anymore?
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Randy Stankey
Film God
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Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 10-02-2009 10:56 AM
On the stage, when you want to have colored lights, you place translucent, colored "gels" in front of the lights.
If you want to have a light that can produce multiple colors, one way of doing this is to use a motorized "scroller." A scroller has a roll of gels, taped together in a row, which are scrolled back and forth between two spindles. Using various electronic/computer control devices, you command the motor inside the scroller to run back and forth to index a given color of gel in front of the light.
When you set up a scroller, somebody has to create the "strings" of gels for the spindles. Typically, pieces of gel are cut to size then taped together in a row before being rolled up on the spindles and inserted into the scroller.
These gel strings are under tension and they also have to be able to withstand a certain amount of heat. If you use cheap tape, it can let loose when you least expect it. The gel strings will separate and the motor will freewheel, causing the gel strings to go "Flap! Flap! Flap!" inside the scroller. It's a big annoyance to the audience watching the show.
Different people like to use different brands of tape, claiming the virtues of each one. Some have stronger backing. Some have better heat resistance. Some have better adhesive. Etc, etc. etc.
I've seen a lot of people use "Sellotape" http://sellotape.henkel-online.co.uk/
They claim it has good heat resistance and strength. The adhesive, being latex based, has good strength and, when it's time to peel off, the tape is not too difficult to remove.
There are many different brands of tape. Some people use heavy vinyl tape. I have even seen some people who heat-weld gels together. But, for some reason, Sellotape seems to be popular.
That's why I mentioned it.
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