-- non-subscriber, please reply to sender and MMD --

I am having a terrible time getting the seal in the left end of the
Ampico take-up spool to maintain an airtight condition.  The spring
loaded spindle sets into the stacked leather bushings behind the
bearings.  Apparently, the first set of new leather seals that I put
in (which are identical in diameter to the valve button top) were too
tight, thereby creating too much resistance in reroll leading to
destruction of several rolls.

I then put a new set in with a larger inner punched hole (matching
the diameter of the spindle).  This proved too loose and the leaking
causes the power shutoff pneumatic to activate when in single roll
play.  I lubricated all of the leathers with Vaseline but it is still
erratic and unpredictable.  Any suggestions?

Joel Cluskey

 [ I've used neat's foot oil at that seal, with apparently good
 [ results (no further complaints from the piano owner!)  ;-)
 [ -- Robbie