How do you guys feel about using rusty reels?

[slashmaster]

I've got a former library film called "St. Lawrence Seaway: A Pathway To The Atlantic". The reel has some surface rust, not severe but bad enough that you see rust stains on the leader. I'm thinking about scraping all the library labeling off, soaking the empty reel in evapo-rust then repainting. It's a bummer to have to ruin the original paint and library labeling like that, but it's better than specs of rust flaking into the film, do you guys agree?

[BAC]

I definately wouldn't use it rusty but I think it would be hard to paint. Unless you can take it apart it will be difficult to clean and paint the inner surfaces. Why not just get another reel, they're cheap.

[slashmaster]

I definately wouldn't use it rusty but I think it would be hard to paint. Unless you can take it apart it will be difficult to clean and paint the inner surfaces. Why not just get another reel, they're cheap.

Would rather keep it original, but if it was a small cored reel I wouldn't hesitate to do just that! This particular reel doesn't seem to have rust between the core and flanges, so I'll probably just soak in exapo-rust and paint. But now that you mention it I wonder, is that 5/16 automotive brake line being used as the rivets?

[David M. Leugers]

I would not keep any film on a rusty metal reel. Although anyone could argue that it would be easier/cheaper just to use another reel, no one can tell you not to restore the old reel if you want to. This is a hobby for most, is it not? If you disassemble the reel by unriveting the two sides you can easily strip and paint. One cool thing is you get to paint it any color you like for a custom look. I say go for it.

[slashmaster]

I would not keep any film on a rusty metal reel. Although anyone could argue that it would be easier/cheaper just to use another reel, no one can tell you not to restore the old reel if you want to. This is a hobby for most, is it not? If you disassemble the reel by unriveting the two sides you can easily strip and paint. One cool thing is you get to paint it any color you like for a custom look. I say go for it.

Thanks David, I am. Have already straightened it, shrunk the holes to make it fit the spindle tighter and it now sits in a container of evapo-rust.