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Author Topic: Kelmar projector reell arms Andy Frodsham Expert Film Handler Posts: 238 From: Stoke on Trent, Staffs, UK Registered: Nov 2006 posted 12-18-2006 01:33 PM                     After much thought we have decided to purchase two sets of Kelmar spool arms for our two Westar 2001 machines. We are contemplating the 800 series which we hope to use with 6000ft spools (plastic or aluminium). Does anyone have any experience of using these arms? I have some doubts about the durability of the take-up clutch mechanisms which seem somewhat less sophisticated than the Westar originals. Also, we will be using 5/16th spindles. Do the reel catches stand-up well to regular use?  |  IP: Logged Scott Norwood Film God Posts: 8146 From: Boston, MA. USA (1774.21 miles northeast of Dallas) Registered: Jun 99 posted 12-18-2006 01:44 PM                        The 7000 series arms are sturdier than the 8000 series. You probably want the extra strength if you will be running 6000' reels most of the time. Either model is fine for 2000' reels or platter use. The feed and takeup clutches work fine (and may even be identical) on both. (And if anyone wants to sell 4x 5/16" shafts for the 35/70 variant of the Kelmar 7000 series arms, let me know; thanks!)  |  IP: Logged Gordon McLeod Film God Posts: 9532 From: Toronto Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 99 posted 12-18-2006 02:26 PM                     The catch is the week link of that unit and often breaks The clutch if the felt is kept well oiled works very well  |  IP: Logged Richard Fowler Film God Posts: 2392 From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA Registered: Jun 2001 posted 12-18-2006 02:41 PM                     Gordon, those Canadians are too rough on those links  |  IP: Logged Gordon McLeod Film God Posts: 9532 From: Toronto Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 99 posted 12-18-2006 02:50 PM                     The strong reel arms are by far better Even the spindles on the tecco arms were better  |  IP: Logged Dan Lyons Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 698 From: Seal Beach, CA Registered: Sep 2002 posted 12-18-2006 06:27 PM                     Either series will work just fine for you, the 8000 series are lighter weight if that's an issue. My theatre has been running 6k reels on the 8000 series arms with 5/16 spindles for at least 10 years; they are still in perfect working order, no need to worry. Go to your local auto shop and get a V-belt for the takeup, no worries about those breaking.  |  IP: Logged Steve Guttag We forgot the crackers Gromit!!! Posts: 12814 From: Annapolis, MD Registered: Dec 1999 posted 12-19-2006 06:16 AM                     I must admit, I'm not a fan of the 8000 series reel arms. The 7000 series are okay. The Strong/Ballantyne are much better and sturdier. Steve  |  IP: Logged Mark Gulbrandsen Resident Trollmaster Posts: 16657 From: Music City Registered: Jun 99 posted 12-19-2006 03:20 PM                     The 8000 series arms when properly maintained have proven just fine on 2000 foot max. lengths on over 250 dailies jobs with literally thousands of start/stops. For 6000' I'd go with the Strong Arms. Its a product they make that is "Strong"! The Kelmar 7000 series are nice but the Strongs are better for large reels and very comparable price wise. Mark  |  IP: Logged Scott Norwood Film God Posts: 8146 From: Boston, MA. USA (1774.21 miles northeast of Dallas) Registered: Jun 99 posted 12-19-2006 03:36 PM                        No one around here has Strong arms (no pun intended) and I have never seen them. Can they accept platter guidance hardware like the Kelmars?  |  IP: Logged Steve Guttag We forgot the crackers Gromit!!! Posts: 12814 From: Annapolis, MD Registered: Dec 1999 posted 12-19-2006 09:03 PM                     The Strong arms can accept platter guidance rollers like the Kelmars. They are NOT priced anywhere near Kelmar's 7000 series or 8000 series. They are over twice as expensive. I'm still not a fan of the 8000 series reel arms but I could see them in light-duty use...or with 2000' reels.  |  IP: Logged Mark Gulbrandsen Resident Trollmaster Posts: 16657 From: Music City Registered: Jun 99 posted 12-20-2006 08:46 AM                     The 8000 arms om the systems I built always saw split reels and mainly 1000 footers. Some 2000 footers were used during rough cut work but that depended on the editors prefrence. Mark  |  IP: Logged Louis Bornwasser Film God Posts: 4441 From: prospect ky usa Registered: Mar 2005 posted 12-20-2006 11:18 AM                        Lack of durability has never been a factor in any Kelmar arm; either 7000 or 8000 series. I have a slight personal preference for the 8000 series, for any use. FWIW: Anyone can break a 5/16" key or shaft or flip lever, if you try hard enough. This is true on any brand. Louis  |  IP: Logged Brad Miller Administrator Posts: 17775 From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall) Registered: May 99 posted 12-21-2006 02:40 AM                     I prefer the 8000 series arms in situations where there is enough weight on the soundhead mounting bolts as it is. My screening room is a perfect example. They work just fine. What is the problem again???  |  IP: Logged

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