DIY valve socket - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

retailer · 23rd Jun 2020, 2:40 pm

I have a few B7 valves and quite a few B5 and B4 valves but did not have a suitable socket to include in my homebuilt valve tester, I was able to make a B5 socket from a piece of black insulating material (some sort of phenolic) I found in my parts bin, B5/B4 valves have a spring contact built into the valve pin so I thought a plain metal tube is ok to use for the socket contact - I used 1/4" brass rod turned and drilled in the lathe, the same socket doubles also as the B4 socket. See original post here https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=166943 the homemade B5 socket can be seen in the video at the back/right.

Wanting to try out my recent 3D printer purchase, I drew up a B7 socket base in Fusion360 and after following some youtube instructions a B7 base almost magically appeared on the printer bed. I've run out of 1/4" brass rod and will pick some up this week to finish it off.

Diabolical Artificer · 24th Jun 2020, 5:04 am

Nice work, a lathe and 3D printer are great things to have, makes most jobs do-able.

Andy.

23rd Jun 2020, 2:40 pm	#1
retailer Hexode Join Date: May 2005 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 345	DIY valve socket I have a few B7 valves and quite a few B5 and B4 valves but did not have a suitable socket to include in my homebuilt valve tester, I was able to make a B5 socket from a piece of black insulating material (some sort of phenolic) I found in my parts bin, B5/B4 valves have a spring contact built into the valve pin so I thought a plain metal tube is ok to use for the socket contact - I used 1/4" brass rod turned and drilled in the lathe, the same socket doubles also as the B4 socket. See original post here https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=166943 the homemade B5 socket can be seen in the video at the back/right. Wanting to try out my recent 3D printer purchase, I drew up a B7 socket base in Fusion360 and after following some youtube instructions a B7 base almost magically appeared on the printer bed. I've run out of 1/4" brass rod and will pick some up this week to finish it off. Attached Thumbnails

24th Jun 2020, 5:04 am	#2
Diabolical Artificer Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sleaford, Lincs. UK. Posts: 6,561	Re: DIY valve socket Nice work, a lathe and 3D printer are great things to have, makes most jobs do-able. Andy. __________________ Curiosity hasn't killed this cat...so far.