Re: VM Insertion tool...

[Paul.E.Baker@xxxxxxx]

"Please don't use the tool (any tool) to insert the chips!
     You'll invariably scratch the images."

The best tool I've seen for _inserting_ V-M chips is the one I made myself
from a pair of tweezers, some flat brass stock, and a scrap of thin
rubberized material.  I made two broad round-cornered pads out of brass,
super-glued them to the tips of the tweezers, and insulated them with
pieces of the rubber cut in the shape of the pads.

After using one of those "Reel Easy" pocket openers, I use my tool to grip
the chip and start it into the frame to the point where the chip is pushed
about halfway into it.  Then I use the tool to grip the edge of the chip
that's inside the frame, and pull the chip the remaining way through and
into the slot at the bottom of the frame pocket.

The broad pads make sure the chip is perfectly flat, the rounded corners make
sure it grips the chip and holds it flat right up to the contour of the slot
at the bottom of the pocket, and the rubber cushions allow a firm grip with
no risk of scratching.

What's great about this tool is that it's as good for removing chips as it
is for inserting them.  I've edited many a "sequence" among reels without
ever touching the chips with my fingers (or gloves, for that matter).  Try
that with a vintage View-Master film inserter!

Paul Baker, Naperville, IL  USA


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End of PHOTO-3D Digest 1208
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