Hi, Angie,

What scares me about talcum (and graphite to some extent) is the
potential for spacing loss between the head and the tape. Graphite is
a known tape lubricant (it was used extensively in tape cartridges).
Talcum's particle size and propensity to adhere to its neighbouring
particles makes it more of a concern.

Perhaps Peter Brothers has something to say about this?

I would think the high frequency response would be quite variable as
the hydrolysis products and the talcum could (at least as I'm
imagining it now) create quite a "paste."

Someone should try it and evaluate it. Here's more than I knew about
the substance: http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/talc/talc.htm

Cheers,

Richard

At 01:42 PM 2/22/2006, Angie Dickinson Mickle wrote:
>The following was posted on a pro audio forum. I've not heard of
>this technique. Anyone care to comment?
>
><<I've had equally good results using talcum to ease the friction
>allowing playback, negating the need for baking. I just stood there
>with a handful of talcum and applied it to the tape with a finger
>before it entered the tape guide on the supply reel side ...
>
>Right, it's the binder liquefying, but it's the friction of the
>smooth head that causes it to stick. Applying talcum reduces the
>friction, and allows the tape to travel across the head without
>"locking up" the transport.
>
>It's always worked for me, and was more convenient than baking,
>which sometimes required several attempts. I'm actually quite
>surprised that the technique wasn't more popular. I learned it from
>a tech who is now a head tech at Capitol.>>
>
>Angie Dickinson Mickle
>Avocado Productions
>Arvada, CO
>www.avocadoproductions.com
>800-246-3811

Tape Restoration Seminar: MAY 9-12, 2006; details at Web site.
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Aurora, Ontario, Canada (905) 713 6733 1-877-TAPE-FIX
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