[Frameworks] 16mm Splicer

[David Tetzlaff]

There are actually different kinds of guillotine (Catozzo-type) splicers, one designed mainly for making workprint splices (one sided), and another designed for making projector splices (two-sided): though you can use either for the other with reduced convenience. The two-sided model cuts the tape with a flap to the bottom that you just fold over to cover the other side. To make a one-side splice with it, you have to trim off the flap. To make a two-sided splice with the one-side splicer, you have to turn the film over and around and repeeat the process on the other side -- it was easier with double perf, but hah, those were the days.

The problems with guillotine splicers: 
• the blades that cut across the width of the splicing tape get dull and misaligned, but it's pretty easy to do it manually with an xacto knife
• the punches that put sprocket holes in the tape often leave little pieces hanging, and they're a pain in the butt to trim

The problem with Rivas splicers:
• You have to be deft enough to get the holes in the tape lined up with sprocket holes, and the tape and film edges straight. Almost all the Rivas splices I've seen in rental prints are crooked.