How
to use the Ensign Popular Film Splicer, for 8 mm., 9.5
mm., or 16 mm.
To make a durable splice, it is
essential for the ends of the films which are being
joined to be free from oil or grease, which may prevent
the cement from penetrating to the base. The principle
involved in splicing film is to remove the emulsion from
one side of the film base, apply film cement and to bring
the back of the piece of film to be joined in contact
with the prepared surface.
Preparations
for use
First raise the cutter "A" and the
pressure pad "B" to a vertical position and draw the
knurled knob "C" to the left in the direction indicated
by the arrow for "prepare". Place one end of the film to
be joined emulsion side (dull side) up, and with
the perforations over the left-hand row of pins, letting
sufficient film overlap the slot in the base for trimming
purposes. Next bring the pressure pad "B" down on the
base to hold the film in position. Trim the film by
bringing the cutter "A" down sharply into the slot and
then, without raising the cutter again, grip the two ends
of the cutter between the thumb and forefinger and work
the cutter backwards and forwards, using a fairly strong
downward pressure until all the emulsion has been removed
from the base of the film.
It is important to stop scraping as
soon as all the emulsion has been removed, or the base of
the film will be weakened. After the scraping has been
completed, lift the cutter "A" into the vertical position
again.
The length of film to be joined to the
prepared piece must now be suitably trimmed. Place the
end on the right-hand row of pins, emulsion side up,
leaving just sufficient film to overlap the slot for
trimming purposes. Trim the film as previously described
and then raise the cutter and pressure pad and push knob
"C" to the right as far as it will go in the direction
indicated by the arrow for "join".
Making the
splice
First brush away the particles of
emulsion from the slicer and then lift the left-hand
piece of film so that the prepared portion is clear of
the metal base, but still remains on the pins. Apply Ross
Ensign film cement evenly over the portion of the film,
taking particular care not to allow it to overrun. Do not
charge the brush fully.
Lower the film into position again and
move the film on the right-hand side of the pins to the
left so that the trimmed end overlaps the cemented
portion. With 16 mm. and 9.5 mm. films one perforation
should be moved across and with 8 mm. film, two
perforations. Without further hesitation snap the
pressure pad "B" into position and leave the join for
approximately 30 seconds to set.
Special
Notes
Oil or grease on the film will prevent
the making of a good splice and if the ends of the film
appear to be soiled, it is a good plan to clean the film
with a rag moistened in either benzine or methylated
spirit. (Note: the world is a much more
safety-conscious place than it was when these
instructions were written, so take expert advice before
using anything on your films).
It takes several minutes for the
chemically-softened pieces of film which have been joined
to harden, and for this reason care should be taken to
avoid putting too much stress on a newly-made
join.
Most film cements contain acid and for
this reason it is important to clean the metal parts of
the splicer with a piece of rag after use, in order to
prevent corrosion of the unplated steel trimming knives
and adjacent parts.
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