[R-390] Source for good ceramic alignment/tuning tools

[Roy Morgan]

At 10:06 AM 2/1/2006, Tim  Shoppa wrote:
>I've got a set of thiry-year old alignment tools

Tim,

I have been collecting alignment tools for a *long* time. The wide array of 
forms and shapes tells me I have only a few of the ones that likely were made.

Among my favorites are phenolic ones that have metal ends.  Some are flat 
blades, some are internal hex like nut drivers.  I just got a 51J-4 that 
has it's phenolic alignment tools in place, and one has a small round pin 
through the end of the tool..

None of the old tools are the hex shaped ones needed for more modern slugs.

>They're getting pretty worn and ratty now, and since I'm getting deep into 
>aligning RF decks and eventually IF transformers I want something better.

The flat-ended ones will shape up on a grinding wheel or with a file. But 
the small hex ones are likely at the end of their life.

>Radio Shack doesn't seem to have any tools like this anymore.

Look here:
http://www.action-electronics.com/toolidx.htm#Align
The PDF file describing lots of tools is:
http://www.action-electronics.com/pdf/gcalign.pdf

>At one point you could buy from the electronics parts places some really 
>nice ceramic and/or carbon graphite alignment tools.

I never saw them. If you find them, please tell us all.

Roy


- Roy Morgan, K1LKY since 1959 - Keep 'em Glowing!
7130 Panorama Drive, Derwood MD 20855
Home: 301-330-8828 Cell 301-928-7794
Work: Voice: 301-975-3254,  Fax: 301-948-6213
roy.morgan at nist.gov --