[Hallicrafters] Hot glue "Insulating" properties?

[Philip Atchley]

Howdy Halli fans.
A quick question.  I just made a "solid state 5Y3" for my SX-71.  Made it a
plug-in unit from the octal base of an old metal 6SJ7 tube.  It was the only
"junker" octal tube I had that had pin 6 intact and I didn't want to trash
any of my more useful tubes.  Anyway, I know we typically build these things
in the plastic base of octal tubes and then "pot" them, usually with an
epoxy.

My question is this.  Not having an epoxy handy and since the wiring and
parts (including the 47 Ohm 1Watt resistor) is all open I want to cover it
so I don't get a "tingle" (or worse) if I brush my hand axross it when
working on the radio.

I have a good supply of the Hot melt glue sticks and thought of coating all
the parts with that and then building up a little "mound" with the stuff so
that it doesn't look too bad.  These are the "Dual Temperature All purpose
sticks" from Ace Hardware.

Does anyone out there have any clue to the insulating properties of Hot Glue
and if these will withstand the Voltages involved?  I already have the
rectifier unit built and would hate to ruin it by potting it with a good
conductor, or something that can turn into a good conductor 8^(  I believe
hiot glue is actually a soft plastic and I've never been able to get any
kind of resistance reading off of it.

Incidentally, I used three 1N5418 600PIV, 3 Amp  fast switch rectifiers in
each leg for 1800 PIV.  Better rating than a 5Y3 so I anticipate no problems
there.  And Yes, all paper and 'lytic capacitors in the set have been
replaced with new ones of more than adequate rating so I don't anticipate
any component breakdowns.  But it should reduce the heat factor of the
receiver and especially the power transformer.

73 de Phil  KO6BB

Loving home provided for wayward Boatanchor Receivers
k06bb at elite.net
Merced, Central California
37.18N  120.29W  CM97sh