Hello,I have decided to take up rebuilding old radios for a hobby, after a bad accident.What test equiptment should I start out with besides a volt/ohmeter of course.I must start with the minimum at first.I can't wait to make a mess with these old tube radios! Much to my wifes dismay!Thank you for your help.

Hi Rob

You mentioned the most important thing, volt/ohm meter. Other than that you need tools including a soldering iron. I agree, start out with just a few items. You will find what's needed as you go.. Most of us have for more equipment then we use.

A signal generator will be handy and tube tester. Some will mention oscilloscope but that can come later. Capacitor checker is useful but you will probably replace caps anyway.

Norm

:Hello,I have decided to take up rebuilding old radios for a hobby, after a bad accident.What test equiptment should I start out with besides a volt/ohmeter of course.I must start with the minimum at first.I can't wait to make a mess with these old tube radios! Much to my wifes dismay!Thank you for your help.

:Hello,I have decided to take up rebuilding old radios for a hobby, after a bad accident.What test equiptment should I start out with besides a volt/ohmeter of course.I must start with the minimum at first.I can't wait to make a mess with these old tube radios! Much to my wifes dismay!Thank you for your help.

Hi Rob. When I started several years ago, there were several items I found to be "musts" and some were "luxuries" based on my finances. I just built up equipment over a period of time. In addition to the volt/ohmeter I suggest you get a good soldering gun (I prefer a 150 watt over the smaller wattage pencil tips). A roll of dial cord is always handy to have along with various hand tools (nut drivers, slotted screw driver (insulated), wire cutters/strippers,needle nose pliers, etc), replacement wire (18 and 20 gauge), a roll of power cord replacement, and a good supply of capacitors including electrolytics. Check out Dave Cantelon's web site at http://www.justradios.com Dave sells some excellent capacitor kits to get started and he has very valuable information on how to re-cap a radio. I downloaded the information and read and re-read it many times before attempting my first restoration. You can add other items as you go (ebay is a good source) such as signal generator, signal tracer, capacitor checker, and so on. I consider these the "luxuries". One of my first purchases was a tube tester. My opinion, its a necessity. They're available on ebay from about $35 to $75 bucks average. You can go crazy with all the stuff available. After a couple years, I've got equipment stashed all over the house including future radio restorations (I hide the stuff from my wife that way along with my fishing equipment!!!)

I also have an insatiable appetite for reading and studying radio repair. This web site is one of the best for learning since there are some real radio "pros" that participate in the forum. I've learned more on here in a few months than other sources after a couple years. Restoration is a great hobby and brings alot of pleasure and self satisfaction. Like any hobby, you can get started on a shoestring and build up, or, spend big bucks and get everything right away. I like to watch for deals and build slowly, its more fun.

Hope this helps you get started.

Regards,

Allan

Hi Rob-----I began this love affair with tube radios a year ago after retiring and have found it so rewarding. Like you I was in an accident some years back and as a result lost a leg above the knee which limits my activities.
My wife had to come to terms with radios all over the place but now realizes that it is at least keeping me home and occupied. I was fortunate enough last Spring to bid on over 50 radios which I purchased at a rock bottom price. However, I had to travel approximately 1200 km to pick up those radios and 100 km of that was by a ferry over water. I rented a uhaul, connected it to my van and convinced my wife that we were taking a little vacation and would pick up those radios since we were going in that direction. I have some beauties including 5 floor models....all require excessive work and my problem has been trying to interrupt information that I’m finding in various textbooks, articles, etc. This forum has been fabulous in providing help and I don’t think I would have continued this “love affair” without the support and help of kind people from this forum.
As far as test equipment I purchased most of mine on ebay at reasonable prices....variac, capacitor tester, signal generator, etc. I have not been very successful in the operation of my signal generator and really think it would be so wonderful if I lived in an area where more people were involved in this hobby and could share information.
Rob, sorry for rambling here but I’ll end now by saying that you have chosen a great hobby...could be costly, so be careful...and also this is probably an ideal venue to express thanks to all of you gentlemen and maybe ladies who have been so helpful to novices like me.
Cheers

::Hello,I have decided to take up rebuilding old radios for a hobby, after a bad accident.What test equiptment should I start out with besides a volt/ohmeter of course.I must start with the minimum at first.I can't wait to make a mess with these old tube radios! Much to my wifes dismay!Thank you for your help.
:
:Hi Rob. When I started several years ago, there were several items I found to be "musts" and some were "luxuries" based on my finances. I just built up equipment over a period of time. In addition to the volt/ohmeter I suggest you get a good soldering gun (I prefer a 150 watt over the smaller wattage pencil tips). A roll of dial cord is always handy to have along with various hand tools (nut drivers, slotted screw driver (insulated), wire cutters/strippers,needle nose pliers, etc), replacement wire (18 and 20 gauge), a roll of power cord replacement, and a good supply of capacitors including electrolytics. Check out Dave Cantelon's web site at http://www.justradios.com Dave sells some excellent capacitor kits to get started and he has very valuable information on how to re-cap a radio. I downloaded the information and read and re-read it many times before attempting my first restoration. You can add other items as you go (ebay is a good source) such as signal generator, signal tracer, capacitor checker, and so on. I consider these the "luxuries". One of my first purchases was a tube tester. My opinion, its a necessity. They're available on ebay from about $35 to $75 bucks average. You can go crazy with all the stuff available. After a couple years, I've got equipment stashed all over the house including future radio restorations (I hide the stuff from my wife that way along with my fishing equipment!!!)
:
:I also have an insatiable appetite for reading and studying radio repair. This web site is one of the best for learning since there are some real radio "pros" that participate in the forum. I've learned more on here in a few months than other sources after a couple years. Restoration is a great hobby and brings alot of pleasure and self satisfaction. Like any hobby, you can get started on a shoestring and build up, or, spend big bucks and get everything right away. I like to watch for deals and build slowly, its more fun.
:
:Hope this helps you get started.
:
:Regards,
:
:Allan

:Hi Rob-----I began this love affair with tube radios a year ago after retiring and have found it so rewarding. Like you I was in an accident some years back and as a result lost a leg above the knee which limits my activities.
:My wife had to come to terms with radios all over the place but now realizes that it is at least keeping me home and occupied. I was fortunate enough last Spring to bid on over 50 radios which I purchased at a rock bottom price. However, I had to travel approximately 1200 km to pick up those radios and 100 km of that was by a ferry over water. I rented a uhaul, connected it to my van and convinced my wife that we were taking a little vacation and would pick up those radios since we were going in that direction. I have some beauties including 5 floor models....all require excessive work and my problem has been trying to interrupt information that I’m finding in various textbooks, articles, etc. This forum has been fabulous in providing help and I don’t think I would have continued this “love affair” without the support and help of kind people from this forum.
:As far as test equipment I purchased most of mine on ebay at reasonable prices....variac, capacitor tester, signal generator, etc. I have not been very successful in the operation of my signal generator and really think it would be so wonderful if I lived in an area where more people were involved in this hobby and could share information.
:Rob, sorry for rambling here but I’ll end now by saying that you have chosen a great hobby...could be costly, so be careful...and also this is probably an ideal venue to express thanks to all of you gentlemen and maybe ladies who have been so helpful to novices like me.
:Cheers
:
:
:
:
:::Hello,I have decided to take up rebuilding old radios for a hobby, after a bad accident.What test equiptment should I start out with besides a volt/ohmeter of course.I must start with the minimum at first.I can't wait to make a mess with these old tube radios! Much to my wifes dismay!Thank you for your help.
::
::Hi Rob. When I started several years ago, there were several items I found to be "musts" and some were "luxuries" based on my finances. I just built up equipment over a period of time. In addition to the volt/ohmeter I suggest you get a good soldering gun (I prefer a 150 watt over the smaller wattage pencil tips). A roll of dial cord is always handy to have along with various hand tools (nut drivers, slotted screw driver (insulated), wire cutters/strippers,needle nose pliers, etc), replacement wire (18 and 20 gauge), a roll of power cord replacement, and a good supply of capacitors including electrolytics. Check out Dave Cantelon's web site at http://www.justradios.com Dave sells some excellent capacitor kits to get started and he has very valuable information on how to re-cap a radio. I downloaded the information and read and re-read it many times before attempting my first restoration. You can add other items as you go (ebay is a good source) such as signal generator, signal tracer, capacitor checker, and so on. I consider these the "luxuries". One of my first purchases was a tube tester. My opinion, its a necessity. They're available on ebay from about $35 to $75 bucks average. You can go crazy with all the stuff available. After a couple years, I've got equipment stashed all over the house including future radio restorations (I hide the stuff from my wife that way along with my fishing equipment!!!)
::
::I also have an insatiable appetite for reading and studying radio repair. This web site is one of the best for learning since there are some real radio "pros" that participate in the forum. I've learned more on here in a few months than other sources after a couple years. Restoration is a great hobby and brings alot of pleasure and self satisfaction. Like any hobby, you can get started on a shoestring and build up, or, spend big bucks and get everything right away. I like to watch for deals and build slowly, its more fun.
::
::Hope this helps you get started.
::
::Regards,
::
::Allan

:Hi Rob-----I began this love affair with tube radios a year ago after retiring and have found it so rewarding. Like you I was in an accident some years back and as a result lost a leg above the knee which limits my activities.
:My wife had to come to terms with radios all over the place but now realizes that it is at least keeping me home and occupied. I was fortunate enough last Spring to bid on over 50 radios which I purchased at a rock bottom price. However, I had to travel approximately 1200 km to pick up those radios and 100 km of that was by a ferry over water. I rented a uhaul, connected it to my van and convinced my wife that we were taking a little vacation and would pick up those radios since we were going in that direction. I have some beauties including 5 floor models....all require excessive work and my problem has been trying to interrupt information that I’m finding in various textbooks, articles, etc. This forum has been fabulous in providing help and I don’t think I would have continued this “love affair” without the support and help of kind people from this forum.
:As far as test equipment I purchased most of mine on ebay at reasonable prices....variac, capacitor tester, signal generator, etc. I have not been very successful in the operation of my signal generator and really think it would be so wonderful if I lived in an area where more people were involved in this hobby and could share information.
:Rob, sorry for rambling here but I’ll end now by saying that you have chosen a great hobby...could be costly, so be careful...and also this is probably an ideal venue to express thanks to all of you gentlemen and maybe ladies who have been so helpful to novices like me.
:Cheers
:
:
:
:
:::Hello,I have decided to take up rebuilding old radios for a hobby, after a bad accident.What test equiptment should I start out with besides a volt/ohmeter of course.I must start with the minimum at first.I can't wait to make a mess with these old tube radios! Much to my wifes dismay!Thank you for your help.
::
::Hi Rob. When I started several years ago, there were several items I found to be "musts" and some were "luxuries" based on my finances. I just built up equipment over a period of time. In addition to the volt/ohmeter I suggest you get a good soldering gun (I prefer a 150 watt over the smaller wattage pencil tips). A roll of dial cord is always handy to have along with various hand tools (nut drivers, slotted screw driver (insulated), wire cutters/strippers,needle nose pliers, etc), replacement wire (18 and 20 gauge), a roll of power cord replacement, and a good supply of capacitors including electrolytics. Check out Dave Cantelon's web site at http://www.justradios.com Dave sells some excellent capacitor kits to get started and he has very valuable information on how to re-cap a radio. I downloaded the information and read and re-read it many times before attempting my first restoration. You can add other items as you go (ebay is a good source) such as signal generator, signal tracer, capacitor checker, and so on. I consider these the "luxuries". One of my first purchases was a tube tester. My opinion, its a necessity. They're available on ebay from about $35 to $75 bucks average. You can go crazy with all the stuff available. After a couple years, I've got equipment stashed all over the house including future radio restorations (I hide the stuff from my wife that way along with my fishing equipment!!!)
::
::I also have an insatiable appetite for reading and studying radio repair. This web site is one of the best for learning since there are some real radio "pros" that participate in the forum. I've learned more on here in a few months than other sources after a couple years. Restoration is a great hobby and brings alot of pleasure and self satisfaction. Like any hobby, you can get started on a shoestring and build up, or, spend big bucks and get everything right away. I like to watch for deals and build slowly, its more fun.
::
::Hope this helps you get started.
::
::Regards,
::
::Allan

Thanks so much for the input! While reading posts on this site,I knew it was for me.I was an electronics tech 30 years ago. I worked on pinball,jukeboxes, and video games...Thats when they were in a big cabinet, and you put quarters in them.I enjoyed it , because you had to repair at compnant level "NO replace the board" they were all too new, and the tech was cutting edge.I spent the rest of the years as a electrician most of the time.Tube radios facinated me since childhood, But I missed the time of working on them...when I got ready, electronics were hitting the IC era.You can count on me as a regular, I live in Wa. state, in the desert..for heavens sake a guy has to have something to do right?Thanks again to all, and keep up the advice!! Rob

:Hi Rob-----I began this love affair with tube radios a year ago after retiring and have found it so rewarding. Like you I was in an accident some years back and as a result lost a leg above the knee which limits my activities.
:My wife had to come to terms with radios all over the place but now realizes that it is at least keeping me home and occupied. I was fortunate enough last Spring to bid on over 50 radios which I purchased at a rock bottom price. However, I had to travel approximately 1200 km to pick up those radios and 100 km of that was by a ferry over water. I rented a uhaul, connected it to my van and convinced my wife that we were taking a little vacation and would pick up those radios since we were going in that direction. I have some beauties including 5 floor models....all require excessive work and my problem has been trying to interrupt information that I’m finding in various textbooks, articles, etc. This forum has been fabulous in providing help and I don’t think I would have continued this “love affair” without the support and help of kind people from this forum.
:As far as test equipment I purchased most of mine on ebay at reasonable prices....variac, capacitor tester, signal generator, etc. I have not been very successful in the operation of my signal generator and really think it would be so wonderful if I lived in an area where more people were involved in this hobby and could share information.
:Rob, sorry for rambling here but I’ll end now by saying that you have chosen a great hobby...could be costly, so be careful...and also this is probably an ideal venue to express thanks to all of you gentlemen and maybe ladies who have been so helpful to novices like me.
:Cheers
:
:
:
:
:::Hello,I have decided to take up rebuilding old radios for a hobby, after a bad accident.What test equiptment should I start out with besides a volt/ohmeter of course.I must start with the minimum at first.I can't wait to make a mess with these old tube radios! Much to my wifes dismay!Thank you for your help.
::
::Hi Rob. When I started several years ago, there were several items I found to be "musts" and some were "luxuries" based on my finances. I just built up equipment over a period of time. In addition to the volt/ohmeter I suggest you get a good soldering gun (I prefer a 150 watt over the smaller wattage pencil tips). A roll of dial cord is always handy to have along with various hand tools (nut drivers, slotted screw driver (insulated), wire cutters/strippers,needle nose pliers, etc), replacement wire (18 and 20 gauge), a roll of power cord replacement, and a good supply of capacitors including electrolytics. Check out Dave Cantelon's web site at http://www.justradios.com Dave sells some excellent capacitor kits to get started and he has very valuable information on how to re-cap a radio. I downloaded the information and read and re-read it many times before attempting my first restoration. You can add other items as you go (ebay is a good source) such as signal generator, signal tracer, capacitor checker, and so on. I consider these the "luxuries". One of my first purchases was a tube tester. My opinion, its a necessity. They're available on ebay from about $35 to $75 bucks average. You can go crazy with all the stuff available. After a couple years, I've got equipment stashed all over the house including future radio restorations (I hide the stuff from my wife that way along with my fishing equipment!!!)
::
::I also have an insatiable appetite for reading and studying radio repair. This web site is one of the best for learning since there are some real radio "pros" that participate in the forum. I've learned more on here in a few months than other sources after a couple years. Restoration is a great hobby and brings alot of pleasure and self satisfaction. Like any hobby, you can get started on a shoestring and build up, or, spend big bucks and get everything right away. I like to watch for deals and build slowly, its more fun.
::
::Hope this helps you get started.
::
::Regards,
::
::Allan

Sorry if there is a double post, I accidently hit the submit button without adding a reply.

I would say the 2 most important items after the voltohmmeter, or even more important, are an isolation transformer and variac. Dim bulb tester can be used in place of a variac for less money if desired. Isolation transformer is an absolute necessity.

:Hi Rob-----I began this love affair with tube radios a year ago after retiring and have found it so rewarding. Like you I was in an accident some years back and as a result lost a leg above the knee which limits my activities.
:My wife had to come to terms with radios all over the place but now realizes that it is at least keeping me home and occupied. I was fortunate enough last Spring to bid on over 50 radios which I purchased at a rock bottom price. However, I had to travel approximately 1200 km to pick up those radios and 100 km of that was by a ferry over water. I rented a uhaul, connected it to my van and convinced my wife that we were taking a little vacation and would pick up those radios since we were going in that direction. I have some beauties including 5 floor models....all require excessive work and my problem has been trying to interrupt information that I’m finding in various textbooks, articles, etc. This forum has been fabulous in providing help and I don’t think I would have continued this “love affair” without the support and help of kind people from this forum.
:As far as test equipment I purchased most of mine on ebay at reasonable prices....variac, capacitor tester, signal generator, etc. I have not been very successful in the operation of my signal generator and really think it would be so wonderful if I lived in an area where more people were involved in this hobby and could share information.
:Rob, sorry for rambling here but I’ll end now by saying that you have chosen a great hobby...could be costly, so be careful...and also this is probably an ideal venue to express thanks to all of you gentlemen and maybe ladies who have been so helpful to novices like me.
:Cheers
:
:
:
:
:::Hello,I have decided to take up rebuilding old radios for a hobby, after a bad accident.What test equiptment should I start out with besides a volt/ohmeter of course.I must start with the minimum at first.I can't wait to make a mess with these old tube radios! Much to my wifes dismay!Thank you for your help.
::
::Hi Rob. When I started several years ago, there were several items I found to be "musts" and some were "luxuries" based on my finances. I just built up equipment over a period of time. In addition to the volt/ohmeter I suggest you get a good soldering gun (I prefer a 150 watt over the smaller wattage pencil tips). A roll of dial cord is always handy to have along with various hand tools (nut drivers, slotted screw driver (insulated), wire cutters/strippers,needle nose pliers, etc), replacement wire (18 and 20 gauge), a roll of power cord replacement, and a good supply of capacitors including electrolytics. Check out Dave Cantelon's web site at http://www.justradios.com Dave sells some excellent capacitor kits to get started and he has very valuable information on how to re-cap a radio. I downloaded the information and read and re-read it many times before attempting my first restoration. You can add other items as you go (ebay is a good source) such as signal generator, signal tracer, capacitor checker, and so on. I consider these the "luxuries". One of my first purchases was a tube tester. My opinion, its a necessity. They're available on ebay from about $35 to $75 bucks average. You can go crazy with all the stuff available. After a couple years, I've got equipment stashed all over the house including future radio restorations (I hide the stuff from my wife that way along with my fishing equipment!!!)
::
::I also have an insatiable appetite for reading and studying radio repair. This web site is one of the best for learning since there are some real radio "pros" that participate in the forum. I've learned more on here in a few months than other sources after a couple years. Restoration is a great hobby and brings alot of pleasure and self satisfaction. Like any hobby, you can get started on a shoestring and build up, or, spend big bucks and get everything right away. I like to watch for deals and build slowly, its more fun.
::
::Hope this helps you get started.
::
::Regards,
::
::Allan

Rob,
I am in a very similar situation as the others posting here. Especially Allan having to "hide" stuff (usually in plain site :O) from my wife) I have so much crap in my garage it is near impossible to tell when I add a new old radio to the mix :O)
Pass the word around and pretty soon you will have people giving you old sets for parts and just to fix up for yourself. I started with all the same equip as the others. Besides the obvious meter, solder gun, caps, wire etc. I found the most needed piece is a tube tester.
And I would look for one that tests the older tubes with only four prongs as well as the other styles.
A Dremel tool and attachments have come in handy countless times. Locking scalpels are nice to have. A miniature vise. Lots of storage cases with drawers and separators. 3 ring notebooks you can pick up at thrift stores for holding storing information from internet
and schematics. The whole set of Riders schematics are
available on CD or of course get them here too. I do it both ways. Explore all the headlines at the top of this page. I stocked up on various sizes of zip lock bags for keeping and identifying small parts while I am in the middle of a project radio and I label them or put a piece of paper inside the bag for reference. I am new at this hobby too so
I always photograph every radio top and bottom and close up for reference after all the dust is removed and progress is made. This is a real help for me to be
able to let a photo remind me how something goes back together or how it looked before I goofed it up :O)
I like to go through thrift stores, flea markets,
antique shops and look for items that will help me refinish, or organize my "stuff". I get little jars, pie pans, etc. to use for solvents and paint remover
and stuff like that so I can use them once and toss em.
You will also need shelf space to keep the growing inventory of cans of paint and stain, lacquer, solvents, lubricants, spray glue, wood glue, and
15 other types of glue, waxes, polishes, wood fillers,
rust removers. Convenient storage for your ever growing mass of tubes you will accumulate.
Then there are heat guns, rags, steel wool, brushes,
sand paper, sander, buffer, wire brushes, tooth brushes, exacto knives, picks, awls, wire strippers,
cotton balls, Q-tips, and countless other necessities.
Oh mannnn! I hope my wife does not see this post:O)
Bob E.

Rob/Bob E,
The endless list of paints, fillers, chemicals etc are very common components of radio restoration, and require lotsa storage space. I partially solved the space problem with a "Lazy Susan" style shelf. It's a series of cable reels (18" to 24" dia) stacked/bolted end to end with swivel casters. It uses approx 5 cubic ft. of space, but replaces approx 45 linear ft. of shelf space, and with casters can be placed anywhere in your shop. No need to dig into the back row looking for that one of a kind item, just rotate the space saver, and all are in full view.

marv

:Rob,
:I am in a very similar situation as the others posting here. Especially Allan having to "hide" stuff (usually in plain site :O) from my wife) I have so much crap in my garage it is near impossible to tell when I add a new old radio to the mix :O)
:Pass the word around and pretty soon you will have people giving you old sets for parts and just to fix up for yourself. I started with all the same equip as the others. Besides the obvious meter, solder gun, caps, wire etc. I found the most needed piece is a tube tester.
:And I would look for one that tests the older tubes with only four prongs as well as the other styles.
: A Dremel tool and attachments have come in handy countless times. Locking scalpels are nice to have. A miniature vise. Lots of storage cases with drawers and separators. 3 ring notebooks you can pick up at thrift stores for holding storing information from internet
:and schematics. The whole set of Riders schematics are
: available on CD or of course get them here too. I do it both ways. Explore all the headlines at the top of this page. I stocked up on various sizes of zip lock bags for keeping and identifying small parts while I am in the middle of a project radio and I label them or put a piece of paper inside the bag for reference. I am new at this hobby too so
:I always photograph every radio top and bottom and close up for reference after all the dust is removed and progress is made. This is a real help for me to be
:able to let a photo remind me how something goes back together or how it looked before I goofed it up :O)
: I like to go through thrift stores, flea markets,
:antique shops and look for items that will help me refinish, or organize my "stuff". I get little jars, pie pans, etc. to use for solvents and paint remover
:and stuff like that so I can use them once and toss em.
:You will also need shelf space to keep the growing inventory of cans of paint and stain, lacquer, solvents, lubricants, spray glue, wood glue, and
:15 other types of glue, waxes, polishes, wood fillers,
:rust removers. Convenient storage for your ever growing mass of tubes you will accumulate.
:Then there are heat guns, rags, steel wool, brushes,
:sand paper, sander, buffer, wire brushes, tooth brushes, exacto knives, picks, awls, wire strippers,
:cotton balls, Q-tips, and countless other necessities.
:Oh mannnn! I hope my wife does not see this post:O)
:Bob E.

Marv,
I am still looking for (or I say I am :O) some of those "coffee tables" to make one myself. I just have not come across any since the last time you posted this idea. It sounds great I just need to find the spools. Need to go pay a visit to the cable TV Office I think.
Bob

:Marv,
:I am still looking for (or I say I am :O) some of those "coffee tables" to make one myself. I just have not come across any since the last time you posted this idea. It sounds great I just need to find the spools. Need to go pay a visit to the cable TV Office I think.
:Bob
: