Those DAC90A knob washers - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Boom · 20th Dec 2008, 8:02 pm

I don't often buy recordable DVD's but did so today. They were Tescos branded DVD-R spindle of 50.

When I opened the packet there were THREE white foam washers holding the discs in. My eyes lit up when I saw them as they seemed to just the size that I was looking for to put on the DAC90A knobs.

They absolutely are dead on for size and the foam is substantial as foam goes. The next best thing to the felt washers. I just gave them a bit of slack instead of relying on them pressing against the cabinet.

As I say I don't often buy these so it might well be possible that they are supplied as standard in others makes of DVD-R's on spindles.

'LIVEWIRE?' · 21st Dec 2008, 12:49 pm

Didn't know that, David. I don't buy recordable DVDs-not having either a DVD recorder or rewriter-but-did you and others know that you can get proper felt washers from Savoy Hill Publicationswww.savoy-hill.co.uk They stock 3/4", 1", & 1 1/4" diameter types, all made from brown wool, plus, incidentally other things to do with cabinet restoration

Boom · 21st Dec 2008, 12:51 pm

I actually saw packets of washers at the Cheese and grain Frome but as usual I didn't need them then. When I wanted them I couldn't find any so thanks for that link.

Dave

Station X · 21st Dec 2008, 12:55 pm

Felt can be obtained from shops which sell sewing machines, curtain material and the like. It's then fairly easy to make your own washers using a Stanley Knife. It's easier if you have a metal washer to cut round. I've also bought dark black material for "speaker bags" from these shops.

Boom · 21st Dec 2008, 1:33 pm

I did try that Graham but was never happy with the results. It was impossible for me to get them perfectly round.

yesnaby · 21st Dec 2008, 1:45 pm

Hello,

Is it possible to make a punch for the felt washers by sharpening the end of a suitable metal tube?

Michael

brianc · 21st Dec 2008, 1:53 pm

The thing you're talking about is a Wad Punch, Michael. They are just what you say - a tube which is sharpened at one end. The inner part normally widens at the top to allow the washers to fall out easily. Sets are available with a mandrel with a pointed centre pin to get the inner hole concentric.
Cheers
Brian

igranic · 21st Dec 2008, 3:20 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianc

The thing you're talking about is a Wad Punch, Michael. They are just what you say - a tube which is sharpened at one end. The inner part normally widens at the top to allow the washers to fall out easily. Sets are available with a mandrel with a pointed centre pin to get the inner hole concentric.
Cheers
Brian

Wad Punch Sets are available, such as these from RDG Tools, but I have yet to see a set with a 1.125" or 28mm punch - the size needed for DAC90A washers - but that size is available as an individual tool with integral shaft but no centre pin.

I have made these washers by sharpening the end of a short length of 28mm copper tube, then using that as a punch with a sacrificial block of wood as an anvil.
Copper tube is not ideal material for a cutting tool, but offcuts are readily available, and only three washers were required, so durability was not important.

The centre hole shape is not critical - a simple 'X' cut will suffice to provide a snug fit on the shaft.

Edward

HamishBoxer · 22nd Dec 2008, 8:25 pm

Same as supplied on ASDA DVDs

reelguy · 10th Jan 2009, 11:02 pm

B & Q, Poundland, Focus etc sell felt discs of various sizes which only need folding in half and a hole cutting with a pair of scissors or a craft knife. Not sure how many are on a card but quite a few. Not sure if they are sticky backed though.
Peter W.......Reelguy

Mike Phelan · 11th Jan 2009, 8:45 am

The ones I've seen are sticky-backed, but as they are thin, two of 'em would be OK.
They are not that big, though.
For me, I just get felt from any local market haberdasher and use a wad punch for the hole, and a sharpened piece of tube for the outside. Even a scrap electrolytic can will suffice.

20th Dec 2008, 8:02 pm	#1
Boom Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 2,451	Those DAC90A knob washers I don't often buy recordable DVD's but did so today. They were Tescos branded DVD-R spindle of 50. When I opened the packet there were THREE white foam washers holding the discs in. My eyes lit up when I saw them as they seemed to just the size that I was looking for to put on the DAC90A knobs. They absolutely are dead on for size and the foam is substantial as foam goes. The next best thing to the felt washers. I just gave them a bit of slack instead of relying on them pressing against the cabinet. As I say I don't often buy these so it might well be possible that they are supplied as standard in others makes of DVD-R's on spindles. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Boom; 20th Dec 2008 at 8:14 pm.

21st Dec 2008, 12:49 pm	#2
'LIVEWIRE?' Rest in Peace Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: N.W. Oxfordshire(Chipping Norton) Posts: 7,306	Re: Those DAC90A knob washers Didn't know that, David. I don't buy recordable DVDs-not having either a DVD recorder or rewriter-but-did you and others know that you can get proper felt washers from Savoy Hill Publicationswww.savoy-hill.co.uk They stock 3/4", 1", & 1 1/4" diameter types, all made from brown wool, plus, incidentally other things to do with cabinet restoration Last edited by 'LIVEWIRE?'; 21st Dec 2008 at 12:53 pm. Reason: checked savoy hill website

21st Dec 2008, 12:51 pm	#3
Boom Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 2,451	Re: Those DAC90A knob washers I actually saw packets of washers at the Cheese and grain Frome but as usual I didn't need them then. When I wanted them I couldn't find any so thanks for that link. Dave

21st Dec 2008, 12:55 pm	#4
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Those DAC90A knob washers Felt can be obtained from shops which sell sewing machines, curtain material and the like. It's then fairly easy to make your own washers using a Stanley Knife. It's easier if you have a metal washer to cut round. I've also bought dark black material for "speaker bags" from these shops. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

21st Dec 2008, 1:33 pm	#5
Boom Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 2,451	Re: Those DAC90A knob washers I did try that Graham but was never happy with the results. It was impossible for me to get them perfectly round.

21st Dec 2008, 1:45 pm	#6
yesnaby Octode Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Newport, Gwent, UK. Posts: 1,623	Re: Those DAC90A knob washers Hello, Is it possible to make a punch for the felt washers by sharpening the end of a suitable metal tube? Michael

21st Dec 2008, 1:53 pm	#7
brianc Rest in Peace Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Burghfield, Reading, Berkshire, UK, Posts: 1,055	Re: Those DAC90A knob washers The thing you're talking about is a Wad Punch, Michael. They are just what you say - a tube which is sharpened at one end. The inner part normally widens at the top to allow the washers to fall out easily. Sets are available with a mandrel with a pointed centre pin to get the inner hole concentric. Cheers Brian

22nd Dec 2008, 8:25 pm	#9
HamishBoxer Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK. Posts: 8,932	Re: Those DAC90A knob washers Same as supplied on ASDA DVDs

10th Jan 2009, 11:02 pm	#10
reelguy Heptode Join Date: May 2003 Location: Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex, UK. Posts: 746	Re: Those DAC90A knob washers B & Q, Poundland, Focus etc sell felt discs of various sizes which only need folding in half and a hole cutting with a pair of scissors or a craft knife. Not sure how many are on a card but quite a few. Not sure if they are sticky backed though. Peter W.......Reelguy

11th Jan 2009, 8:45 am	#11
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: Those DAC90A knob washers The ones I've seen are sticky-backed, but as they are thin, two of 'em would be OK. They are not that big, though. For me, I just get felt from any local market haberdasher and use a wad punch for the hole, and a sharpened piece of tube for the outside. Even a scrap electrolytic can will suffice. __________________ Mike.