Re-building Bakelite Block Condensers - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Re-building Bakelite Block Condensers (/showthread.php?tid=4)

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Re-building Bakelite Block Condensers - Chuck Schwark - 10-03-2005

There is more than one way to "skin a cat, " but I've found this method works well for me, keeps me from cracking the bakelite "tub" and makes the repair virtually invisible:

http://www.philcorepairbench.com/capbuild.htm

[Image: http://www.philcorepairbench.com/images/bblok-01.jpg]

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Good to see you Chuck - 49Stude63 - 10-06-2005

Chuck your method does work well and does not require a great deal of effort. I figure that if someone just starting out (like me) can do it and not turn the blocks into jigsaw pieces then it works.

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- Jerry Huelsbeck - 10-06-2005

Alot of people complain about the blocks --- but after recapping/ restuffing a radio full of cardboard tube caps, rebuilding the bakelite blocks is a welcome change. I think one of Philco's better ideas

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- Chuck Schwark - 10-07-2005

Jerry Huelsbeck Wrote:Alot of people complain about the blocks --- but after recapping/ restuffing a radio full of cardboard tube caps, rebuilding the bakelite blocks is a welcome change. I think one of Philco's better ideas

I agree - lots of room in there by using contemporary poly caps....

[Image: http://www.philcorepairbench.com/images/bblok-06.jpg]

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- Guest - 10-09-2005

Hi Chuck! Good to talk to you..Those bakelite block condensers look clean.
Perfect job!!I can tell that, for you, it's a labor of love. I know from experience those bakelite tubs are hard to clean. I use two clamp lamps--
one pointed down, and one pointed up. Put the block on a saucer and place inbetween the lamps and leave it cook for 10-15 minutes and voila!!
Thankfully, the newer and smaller components will fit right in the tub and
without re-potting is fairly easy. Your new work is hidden with the new
"condenser" in place. I used to have a collection of maybe 50 of them-some still read good!!-so between me and Ray Bintliff, there are at least
two collectors. LOL.

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- Chuck Schwark - 10-09-2005

Stephen,

Leaving any of the potting tar behind insures that you'll get it all over yourself or transfer it to unwanted areas if not completely cleaned. (Maybe it's just me...?)

I use cotton swabs to finish cleaning out the nooks and crannies - just the anal engineer in me that likes things tidy, I guess.

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- Poston Drake - 10-29-2005

I agree with Chuck, I always try to remove all traces of the old tar potting compound. Once the bulk is removed, the remainder comes out easily using a solvent such as lacquer thinner on a cotton swab or rag. A strong solvent such as lacquer thinner will be harmless to the bakelite housing.

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