Active Build Process: Questions As I Go

[bmilcs]

Hello folks,

After receiving encouraging answers to questions and laying everything out, I'm starting my build now. This is my first time doing anything like this other than mechanical keyboard mods. I'd like to keep my questions organized as I go, so here is my dedicated thread for just that.

For starters, I didn't realize I needed wood glue before diving into the build.

I just put the chasis together with 3 pieces of masking tape per corner. Is this fine to proceed with until I'm ready to thoroughly piece it together?

 

[lthomash]

I prefer duck tape but the answer is yes.

 

[fullheadofnothing]

It's probably a good idea to read your whole manual and make sure you have not missed anything else. This will make your trip to the hardware store more effective when you go to buy your glue.

If you leave the tape on for an extended time, it will permanently mark the wood. Most masking tapes are probably ok for a few days. Good masking tape maybe a week or two. Duct tape should never be used for this purpose (I believe Lee was being sarcastic on both parts of his reply. Take a look at some of his work).

 

[bmilcs]

So far so good ;D

 

[fullheadofnothing]

Yeah, the white masking tape is the stuff that will leave marks. Leave it on just long enough for the glue to dry, 24 hours tops.

 

[Natural Sound]

Did you paint the transformer bell end? It's made of steal and will probably rust if you didn't.

 

[bmilcs]

Did you paint the transformer bell end? It's made of steal and will probably rust if you didn't.

I haven't painted or done any wood work. I don't have the mats for that yet. I am just doing a basic build right now.

Question I don't have alligator clip leads for my multimeter. Rats. Is there a cheap / popular model I could run to the store and pick up?

Would http://www.harborfreight.com/18-inch-low-voltage-multi-colored-test-leads-66717.html these work or do I need high voltage?


It looks like all the voltages mentioned in the manual are under 300, which is the limit of those alligator clips.

 

[bmilcs]

Yeah, the white masking tape is the stuff that will leave marks. Leave it on just long enough for the glue to dry, 24 hours tops.

I plan on sanding it down eventually and doing a proper finish. I'm not super concerned with it's appearance at this point. I need to make sure I can make it functional

 

[mcandmar]

Nice photography work, makes a change from the dimly lit cell phone pics most people post

 

[bmilcs]

Alright. I caved in and bought some Gorilla Glue and the Klein Universal Alligator Clip Lead Set. Back to work I go.

 

[caffeinator]

I have to ask - what is that gorgeous work surface under your Crack there (umm...phrasing!)?

But seriously, that looks like walnut or something; what are you working on top of?

 

[bmilcs]

I have to ask - what is that gorgeous work surface under your Crack there (umm...phrasing!)?

But seriously, that looks like walnut or something; what are you working on top of?

HAHA. That's my old desk. Ikea countertop http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30301148/

 

[bmilcs]

I started soldering and everything has been checking out perfectly... almost on the dot with the specs listed in the manual. I made it to the tube check point and here's what I found:

First, the large tube that I got seems to be really dirty and used. Is this normal? Either way, it fits into the corresponding hole on the chassis.

However, the smaller one does not. I tried using a good amount of force, not excessive by any means, and it simply won't insert. The metal portion under the white ceramic material seems to be misaligned.

I can't do my glow test! What do I do? Help!!

Here's the album if you're wondering
[/url]http://imgur.com/a/qqEmZ[/url]

 

[bmilcs]

Well, I used a pair of pliers and reshaped the legs of the smaller tube. With a slight rocking motion, I was able to get both tubes in.

Both tubes are glowing and on each side

 

[bmilcs]

Day #1 Complete... and I'm getting there. Maybe 10 more pages to go.

How does my work look so far?

 

[Deluk]

Build looks fine. First time I've seen green wire, that might be a revision. As said, remove the tape ASAP before it marks. The blue painters tape is better for this. My small tube socket is very stiff too. The 6080 shown looks like a well used "pull" from an old piece of kit, not what I would expect from BH. Mine was new. I don't recall a "glow test" at that stage of the build, again that might be a revision to the manual, as there was a mention that it was now at 1.1. Keep up the good work and take your time.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Your build is looking good!

Most all of the 6080's that we get were made a long time ago.  Some were made for retail sale and packaged in individual boxes, some were made in very large lots and packaged in bulk for long time storage.  Some are pulls from defunct gear.

Dust and oxidation will occur depending on the conditions of storage, not on how much the tube has been used (or how much life it might have left).

 

[bmilcs]

Your build is looking good!

Most all of the 6080's that we get were made a long time ago.  Some were made for retail sale and packaged in individual boxes, some were made in very large lots and packaged in bulk for long time storage.  Some are pulls from defunct gear.

Dust and oxidation will occur depending on the conditions of storage, not on how much the tube has been used (or how much life it might have left).

Lol. Sorry for posting in two locations. I just was hoping for quick assistance before.

Looks like this is actually going to work!