Just a reminder - The old radios we work on were manufactured in an era when folks were not as safety conscious or aware as hopefully we are. Besides the ever-present hazards of shock / burn / or worse, some of the materials and methods used can pose a danger when items are repaired. Be sure to wash your hands (especially before eating) after handling solder or a chassis, as we find metal parts that are cadmium plated, or have a finish with high lead content. Old paints often contained lead, which can be hazardous if residue or sanding dust is inhaled, or left on the skin or clothes (to contaminate food or other stuff.) Be sure to properly dispose of rags, paper towels, steel wool, or anything that has been used with stripper, or any non-water based solvent, cleaner, stain, or finish. (Wet them throughly with water, and put them in a container with water. We had a local church burn to the ground - spontaneous combustion from rags used to apply stain to wood trim.) I came across a mid twenties radio where the wood had been stained with potassium permanganite. (Used as a dark floor stain in many 1920 and before era homes; Came as purple crystals, that make a black stain when mixed with water. My dad showed it to me, and even then, there were warnings all over the can. Was used on furniture, floors, and beds to make a durable stain, and stop the powder post beetle.) No need to panic - just please work with adequate ventillation, read warning labels on containers, dispose of rags etc. properly, avoid breathing of dust, use rubber gloves when working with any solvent or stain that touches your hands, and wash skin and clothing frequently. And be contantly aware of electrical and fire hazards. I want you around for a long time to converse on this forum. Ed M

:Just a reminder - The old radios we work on were manufactured in an era when folks were not as safety conscious or aware as hopefully we are. Besides the ever-present hazards of shock / burn / or worse, some of the materials and methods used can pose a danger when items are repaired. Be sure to wash your hands (especially before eating) after handling solder or a chassis, as we find metal parts that are cadmium plated, or have a finish with high lead content. Old paints often contained lead, which can be hazardous if residue or sanding dust is inhaled, or left on the skin or clothes (to contaminate food or other stuff.) Be sure to properly dispose of rags, paper towels, steel wool, or anything that has been used with stripper, or any non-water based solvent, cleaner, stain, or finish. (Wet them throughly with water, and put them in a container with water. We had a local church burn to the ground - spontaneous combustion from rags used to apply stain to wood trim.) I came across a mid twenties radio where the wood had been stained with potassium permanganite. (Used as a dark floor stain in many 1920 and before era homes; Came as purple crystals, that make a black stain when mixed with water. My dad showed it to me, and even then, there were warnings all over the can. Was used on furniture, floors, and beds to make a durable stain, and stop the powder post beetle.) No need to panic - just please work with adequate ventillation, read warning labels on containers, dispose of rags etc. properly, avoid breathing of dust, use rubber gloves when working with any solvent or stain that touches your hands, and wash skin and clothing frequently. And be contantly aware of electrical and fire hazards. I want you around for a long time to converse on this forum. Ed M
:Good advice, Edd. Also watch out for them BED BUGS ! !