Date: Mon, 8 May 89 22:32:45 EDT
From: kludge%pyr@gatech.edu (Scott Dorsey)
Subject: Rubber Conditioners

There seem to be two types of substances on the market which are applied to
rubber-metal transfers (belts, idler wheels, etc.) to reduce small amounts of
slippage, increase damping, and therefore reduce flutter. 

The first type is exemplified by the Tascam "rubber conditioner," or the stuff
in the Ampex serviceman's kit.  This is applied directly to the rubber to 
soften it on the surface (making the contact point flatter and improving the
transfer, as well as increasing the damping).  Good stuff.

The second type is like the Radio Shack "anti-slip," it is a thin but sticky
fluid which is applied both to the rubber and to the metal, to provide some
small amount of grip between the surfaces (also improving transfer).  This
doesn't always work as well, but is often helpful.  The WREK Scully 280 lives
off of the stuff.

Do not EVER use substances like Armor-All, which are intended to produce a
hard surface shell.  Each one of these two fluids is different, and work 
differently, or in combination, and are well worth the price.