GB> Re: [Boatanchors] Dial Re-Stringing Madness!

[Mike McCarty]

jeremy-ca wrote:
> A couple of things come to mind as taught to me by the OT's at National 
> 45 years ago.
> 
> Always use real dial string of the proper diameter. I have used 30# test 
> cotton fishing line on "easy" jobs with no problem. I dont know what the 
> reproduction string is made from but Id suspect it is imported and not 
> of the same material or quality as the original.

I have used braided Dacron(R?) cord, bought for purposes of kite
flying, with a great deal of success. I have used 30 pound test.

> Run the new cord thru melted beeswax before stringing.

I recommend against this. Beeswax is sticky, and will collect
dirt. Also, when warm, it becomes a lubricant. Not good for
sets with tubes. It also is a non Newtonian fluid unless very
cold, and when tuning rapidly it thins and becomes a lubricant.

Rosin is vastly superior to beeswax.

> Clean the shaft with a solvent. I use lacquer thinner if no plastic is 
> involved.

This is very good advice.

> Remove the shine on the shaft with 400 grit paper, dont try roughing it 
> up, just remove the shine.

You want the shaft as highly polished as possible. I would never do
this. The smoother the shaft the more reliable and long lasting
the fix will be. ANY roughness, no matter how slight, will wear
the dial cord. The extra friction needed should be provided by
extra turns, or by rosin.

> Wrap an extra turn or two on the shaft to compensate for drag in the 
> capacitor.

Heartily agree.

> Tension the spring on the drum properly. This will require going back 
> and forth a few times until all string slop is removed.

Heartily agree.

Mike
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