what is the best spacing for tape arbors under the reel seat ? would i be better off using 1/4 tape to get more gaps? i have also heard of using shrink tubing to get a smooth cork tape to blank transition. is this a no no? if not, are there any tricks?
thanks in advance,
tom

Tom, I like to use at least 1/2", most of the time 3/4" tape. The 1/4" tends to want to push back when you slide the seat on. I usually only use 3 arbors with one 1/8" from each end of the seat and one directly under where the rear reel foot winds up.

Depending upon what you are doing, you might be well advised to use fiberglass drywall tape instead of masking tape for your bushings. The open grid pattern allows epoxy penetration into the tape and a more solid connection. It is just as fast as the masking tape.

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sounds good and i've got 1/2 a roll kicking around here somewhere. should i cut it into strips? or because of the open grid use it as is?

Either way. On longer seats I have used it as is. On shorter ones I may cut my 2 inch tape into 1 inch strips.

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