[Eeyore]

Frank wrote:

Having problem with feed reel apparently binding about 75% of the way
through a recording or playing. About 75% of the way machine
stops. Take up reel seems
unable to turn beyond this point. Just tinkering with it shows take
up reel is not binding but feed reel is very stiff or tight to turn
manually. When feed reel is almost full and takeup reel almost empty
there is no problem.

This is an open reel, reel-to-reel tape deck.

Entirely possible that the tape formulation has degraded.

Suggest posting in rec.audio.pro whey're they are very expert about this.

Graham