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Cleaning the splicer completely will often make it better (but sometimes will make it worse).

Also, the brand of splicing tape makes a BIG difference.

Randy, try this: Place a piece of splicing tape over the area where the splicer punches through the perforations (underneath where the film goes). This piece of tape acts as a trap, stopping the small pieces of tape from coming back up with the blades and getting stuck on the film.

There are actually TWO problems with the Guillotine splicer in our booth. The perforator not completely punching out the tape at the sprocket holes is indeed one of the problems. The other is that the blade that cuts the tape on either side of the film has become dull and does not completely cut the tape. We have to use scissors to finish the job.

I cleaned the splicer thoroughly not too long ago, I think our problems with the unit are the result of blunt edges from much use over the years. I'll try Frank Prete's idea of using tape to act as a "trap." I'll also try a different brand of tape and see what happens.

If so, try pulling the tape TIGHT when you make the splice. Then make sure you rub it down to those little 'crossbars' that are just above and below the film bed.

You see, this splicer doesn't cut the tape by "scissor" action but by using "guillitone" action. (Hence the name, I guess.)

If there is a sag in the tape when the blade comes down it'll tear and leave a jagged edge instead of shaving off cleanly.

I'd love to take the credit for the tape idea, but it actually comes with the instructions to a new CIR splicer.