3D Printing to save a 1926 Kolster radio - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

David G4EBT · 3rd Jan 2019, 6:23 pm

A fine example at the link below which shows how those with the expertise and equipment, can use 3D printing to replicate structural parts.

In this case, to replace disintegrating 'monkey metal' brackets on a 1926 Kolster radio:

http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/...p?f=6&t=346083

Way above my pay grade!

('Monkey metal', AKA 'pot metal'). See:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pot_metal

bikerhifinut · 3rd Jan 2019, 11:50 pm

My mate refers to Monkey metal in respect of the cheap bits on motorbikes but my engineer dad always referred to Pot metal and until today I thought it was just one of his derogatory terms for poor quality stuff.
Thanks David, I learned something today.

A

Boater Sam · 4th Jan 2019, 8:17 am

Spelter we called it, beloved by car makers for door handles and window winder handles.
Blistered the chrome off or just snapped irreparably.
A pain whatever.
My friend and neighbour used to restore O gauge trains, the spoked wheels turned to dust after many years, same rubbish alloy. He used to turn new ones in aluminium and cut/file the spokes, a very patient man.

Not bang on topic and I know cars and trains are taboo but its the metal I was discussing.

Is 3D printing of these cast items going to replace the thin brass pressed items too? I do hope so.

Tractionist · 4th Jan 2019, 10:00 am

Some people refer to it as 'Mazak'. If the item has yet to disintegrate/is still intact I've seen it immersed in or soaked with Superglue with reasonable results ..........

Station X · 4th Jan 2019, 3:18 pm

Now called Zamak.

3rd Jan 2019, 6:23 pm	#1
David G4EBT Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 5,766	3D Printing to save a 1926 Kolster radio A fine example at the link below which shows how those with the expertise and equipment, can use 3D printing to replicate structural parts. In this case, to replace disintegrating 'monkey metal' brackets on a 1926 Kolster radio: http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/...p?f=6&t=346083 Way above my pay grade! ('Monkey metal', AKA 'pot metal'). See: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pot_metal __________________ David. BVWS Member. G-QRP Club member 1339.

3rd Jan 2019, 11:50 pm	#2
bikerhifinut Octode Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Penrith, Cumbria, UK Posts: 1,993	Re: 3D Printing to save a 1926 Kolster radio My mate refers to Monkey metal in respect of the cheap bits on motorbikes but my engineer dad always referred to Pot metal and until today I thought it was just one of his derogatory terms for poor quality stuff. Thanks David, I learned something today. A

4th Jan 2019, 8:17 am	#3
Boater Sam Banned Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Middlewich, Cheshire, UK. & Winter in the Philippines. Posts: 3,897	Re: 3D Printing to save a 1926 Kolster radio Spelter we called it, beloved by car makers for door handles and window winder handles. Blistered the chrome off or just snapped irreparably. A pain whatever. My friend and neighbour used to restore O gauge trains, the spoked wheels turned to dust after many years, same rubbish alloy. He used to turn new ones in aluminium and cut/file the spokes, a very patient man. Not bang on topic and I know cars and trains are taboo but its the metal I was discussing. Is 3D printing of these cast items going to replace the thin brass pressed items too? I do hope so. Last edited by Boater Sam; 4th Jan 2019 at 8:20 am. Reason: add

4th Jan 2019, 10:00 am	#4
Tractionist Heptode Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 875	Re: 3D Printing to save a 1926 Kolster radio Some people refer to it as 'Mazak'. If the item has yet to disintegrate/is still intact I've seen it immersed in or soaked with Superglue with reasonable results .......... __________________ Red to red, black to black. Throw the switch and stand well back!

4th Jan 2019, 3:18 pm	#5
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,289	Re: 3D Printing to save a 1926 Kolster radio Now called Zamak. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.