8 Mar
2002
8 Mar
'02
11:59 a.m.
Does regular paper tape normally come with the
sprocket holes pre-punched,
or does the device that punches the data holes also punch the sprocket
holes?
The paper tape punch also punches the sprocket holes.
I recently bought some "paper tape" from
eBay, and it looks like
the right stuff except it's totally without holes. I don't think I've
ever seen "virgin" tape before, but I had the idea that the sprocket holes
down the middle came with the tape. I'm kicking around trying to build my
own tape punch, since I have been unsuccessful at scrounging or buying one
so far.
You have been unsuccessful for a very simple reason. Western Numerical
Controls sells new and refurbished tape readers and punches at absurdly
high prices. And because of this, they buy all the good punches that
appear on ebay. In fact, the guy who buys them, is the exact same guy
who sold you that paper tape.
Its very difficult to compete with a bidder who plans to turn around and
resell (or attempt to resell) the paper tape punches for $2000.00 or
so that he buys for $200 - $600 on ebay.
I picked up some stainless steel flat and some rod of
the
appropriate diameter for the holes today, along with some solenoids for
actuating said rods. I'm thinking of machining the stainless to make my
own punch, but the lack of sprocket holes on the new tape has me confused.
Do I need to add another solenoid and pin to punch a smaller hole for the
sprocket, or did I just buy some odd-ball tape?
Are you making some sort of manual paper tape punch?
-Lawrence LeMay