Hello David,
I always use metal reels for a couple of reasons :
1- Outgassing from the unknown composition plastic reel and chemical
cross contamination. I've always considered plastic reels to be of
something akin to the ubiquitous "pot metal" in composition. I'm pretty
sure that the tape won't melt at 130 degrees. I'm never sure of the
reel- especially relative to outgassing.. Even knowing that the SSS
will return , I'm always looking to keep the original tape in as good a
condition as possible- Even with a properly re recorded submaster.
2- I prefer a wind which utilises a larger diameter core that a 10.5
inch reel provides rather than the one that a seven inch or smaller reel
provides. In short , less internal tension due to the larger size hub.
3- Most of the material that I handle is on NAB hubs which would be
even more problematic if broken down to smaller reels. But even when I
bake a seven inch or smaller reel in length , I still put it on a NAB
10.5 inch metal reel.
I'm glad you've not had problems with plastic reels.
I've been tempted to try baking U Matic tape while still on its' hub.
I'd still be tempted to remove it from its' case because of its'
outgassing and to protect the "cushions" ( for lack of a better phrase)
that some cases have upon which the pancakes sit when the cassette
isn't loaded in a transport. These cushions aren't always visible
through the tape viewing window, and all brands may not have them, but I
have spliced enough tape in them to have seen them in the past..I never
spliced midway except to make a transfer to new stock when there was no
other way to retrive the needed footage..VHs , Beta, DV Cam,DVC Pro and
Betacam treated similarly.
I hope like heck that dv tape never has to be baked or treated
specially. I Digress...
All The Best !
Bob Hodge