Thanks so much for the reply. Unfortunately after a bit of research, it seems VIdeo8 is 8mm, while VHS is 0.5" (12.7mm)

If anyone has a lead on these spools, I would be very grateful.

I know they are 8mm I meant he probably made them out of 8mm reels, You can actually buy two VHS-C cassettes and take the left spindles out of them, but they are easier to model and 3D print, they don't have to be that big, 1" in diameter is all that is needed to do the tape routing job.

Hey everyone, my name is Tony and I own VHS is LIFE which is the mold cleaner that has been discussed here. I was directed here by a member so I just wanted to drop in and say hi!

I would like to state, with due respect to LordSmurf, I do care about the product and the people using it. It's not a money grab nor some quick way to make a buck. I'm a tapehead and put a lot of time and care into this product, specifically for the VHS community (although my cleaner can clean 9 different formats of analog tape) because I and most everyone else have for decades used old VCR's or homemade cleaners or other methods to clean tapes. Tapechek machines are not affordable for most people and the one thing I hated about cleaning tapes or seeing people clean tapes (especially inside) was the mold flying everywhere. I designed my cleaner to use an optional vacuum that will catch a large majority of mold spores. I also advise people to wear a mask when they use it but that's up to them. I tried to create an affordable, easier, quicker, and safer way to clean tapes as opposed to the way it's been done for decades.

I'm old too, 56, so I get what you're saying about the youtubers, kickstarters, "little people", etc. However I'm not one of them. I created a product that I wanted to use and found it something that would benefit the community and allow me to bring other new products to market as well which I have done with my VHS shells and other VHS related products.

Although not perfect by any means, I have sold nearly 1000 units to 42 countries throughout the world. The Smithsonian Institute Archives video lab uses 2 of my cleaners (along with their Tapechek machines), the Derby Museum in the UK has one, 33 universities in the US have at least one cleaner (some have multiple), 63 digitizing services and hundreds of individual users throughout the world is using it.

I get that in a perfect world anyone needing a tape would be able to afford a digitizing service or be able to afford a Tapechek machine, but that's not the case. When Asheville was flooded last year I donated 3 units to a digiziting service that cleaned/digitized hundreds of peoples home movies for free to help them save their memories. These tapes were wet and some caked with mud. They were trying to clean them by hand and once I donated my cleaners they were able to much easier and quicker process peoples tapes.

In short, I just wanted people to know who I am and why I created the cleaner. Yes, it's a buisness and yes there is minimal profit as I provide warranty and service to all my customers. I have been told many times over the past year I could sell it for more and have chose not to. But at heart I also love VHS and the analog format and always have and if my creation can help people across the world clean their tapes to play or digitize them and save those memories then I'm thankful for that and have no regret for trying to create a better mousetrap.

If you care to know more about me or the cleaner drop me a line or contact me via my website anytime. I won't post it as I don't know the rules here about that but it's easy to find.

Thanks for your time..
Tony

Hello. :wave:

What caught my eye is that you're using Pec Pads. You clearly know something. Most people have no clue what Pec Pads are, even photogs, archivists, etc. And good ol' cheap 90%+ IPA, not some fancy "cleaner" junk (which is often even harmful). Barely marked up, too.

I noticed. :)

Or even made, and haven't been for many years.

That's my main issue here. I never see large colorful serious warnings about the dangers of mold. Not on your site, not from Youtubers, etc.

Even using it inside is not ideal, especially not a living space.

Anaphylaxis is no joke. Been there, done that. I like breathing, and I don't like needles in my butt (actually "side butt" aka upper thigh). An epinephrine shot, even insured, costs way more than your device + vacuum setup.

That's really my serious concern here: blatant warnings. The general population is stupid. They need warnings, hand holding even. From what I see, you've opened yourself up to liability. The #1 way to get sued is to make a product that sends them to the doctor or ER. Mold exposure can literally kill somebody, too. Educate your buyers.

(Yes, you'll sometimes run into anti-vaxxer type nuts, refusing any sort of safety/PPE. And they're fully welcome to deeply inhale the aroma of decades-old mold spores. Noting that spores can be active, and harmful, regardless of age. But they're the minority. They're also the ones that want to sue you right away. So "click to agree", warnings, etc. All of it. Inform them, protect yourself.)

I don't necessarily like the product, and think it could be made better -- but not for that price. (I have no love for RTI machines either. Nothing ideal really exists, outside of custom chambers in clean rooms -- and for big costs.)

With proper precautions (outside, PPE, vacuum, etc), it's probably fine for temporary needs.

Also noting that "cleaning" in this manner sometimes ruins tapes. Those messy oxide shedders especially. It'll just strip the mylar clean. That's why I always suggest expert hands for tapes in this condition -- especially if the content matters -- and my suggestion has always gone to SpecBros.

I just have valid safety concerns, while understanding of the low price point ("you get what you pay for").

Take care. :congrats:

Oh, and beware of OSHA. Not directly, but a CPSC referral. When you deal in potentially dangerous stuff, and sell to government entities, watch yourself. They don't play around, nor should they.

LordSmurf, I understand your opinion and viewpoints and respect them. I simply wanted to introduce myself and offer a bit of background on the cleaner.

As to the liability of providing a product or information/advice to a machine that deals with mold, I suppose the same could be said of this thread or any thread on this forum that provides a resource to someone or encourage them to build a product that deals with mold. Liability exists and each person, company, online entity has to take those precautions to protect themselves with such a subject I suppose.

Thanks for your thoughts and responses to my post.

Take care!

It's not analogous whatsoever.

I encourage using SpecBros.

Nice meeting you. :congrats:

Hey all, I thought I'd drop by with an update on some design notes. I can't say I will 100% bring this to fruition but It's on my list of projects, and it's near-ish to the top.

Design Goals:
21700 3S Battery Sled built-in for outdoor use for 8+ hours
Semi-Sealable Hood, with ~150cfm fan & HEPA filter built into one compact unit that sits on top
Plexiglass 4 sided shield (if budget allows)
3 spool + 2 spool system (like the attached pic in post #13)
Towel Clips – pec pads?
Auto Stop – Hopefully I’m able to use both tension and infrared sensors
Precise speed control via arduino & stepper motor
Aprox. 8” x 10” work area + control panel
Keep price under $150 to keep attainable
Custom cleaning cycles
Speaker, Beeps alert when cycle finished
Resistive Touchscreen
Based on Raspberry pi Pico ($4)

The Protoypting costs are over $100, I'm hoping I can get the final price below $150. Coding is my weak point but my brother will be able to help me out there.

I'm open to suggestions as long as they seem within my skill level to implement.

I had a question, in an earlier thread today I looked up a few mold cleaning services in Europe, and I came across an image on this webpage: https://www.filmfix.com/en/blog/what...ing-vhs-tapes/

I've also attached a picture of it below.

It seems to be using some sort of "paper tape rolls" as they call it. To clean. Now I'm wondering is this any better or worse than using pec pads? It seems to roll along with it and they're able to replace it as needed.

Also, what sort of paper rolls are they using? Cleanroom paper? I'm having a hard time finding something similar. Of course they must be lint free, but what are they?

Thanks in advance for any help.