knobs for Moto VT-71, 73

[blacksmith]

Originally Posted by Tony V

The burgandy and blond colored ones with fine tuning knobs are identical except for the color, so all you need is a color match for the blonds. On the sets without the fine tuning knob, the outside part is the same as the outer knobs on the ones with. Someone might pitch in and mention if the channel selector knob on the ones without fine tuning has the same style shaft as the outer two on the set. The main thing is you have the set with the fine tuning knob which is the most popular out of all of them. If you get a color match for the blond ones then you'll have what you need for 75% of the ones that need knobs. The burgandy and blond ones are identical except for color."

OK, it looks like I have what I need except that I have some burgundy knobs where there are 3 lengths of shafts on the knobs that reach back into the cabinet. One is flush, one is about 1/8 inch extended, and another is about 1/4 inch extended. I was going to make the ones that are flush since they are easier to make, but maybe some sets have the control shafts recessed where the knob needs to reach in to engage it. Any thoughts on this?

"The gold knob is gold all the way around not just the center. The originals were gold reversed painted which means the knob was clear and the gold was painted on the back side of the knob to make it appear as it was solid gold. Obviously these didnt have finger wear problems because of this process. I have seen early replacements where the metallic gold was embedded in the plastic mixture during casting. These were less shiny than the originals but matched ok. I believe you can use the same molds to make these also as they are only slightly different appearance wise (mainly the channel selector knob) if you can figure how to do the gold for them. I wish i had some i could send you so you could figure whats needed to be done with a known example. I've seen these in person but dont have any to pass along or you would be welcome to them. All i have is one set of burgandy knobs with the fine tuning knob which you already have. "

I think I'll wait on the clear knobs. Too many projects right now to experiment with them.

"Maybe someone will volunteer a blonde knob and a gold channel selector knob. You might run this by the tv guys on ARF also like you did when you started reproducing the masks and see if anyone has a couple you can borrow. I may have one blond knob for these i could send you but will have to dig in my box of knobs to find it. It will at least give you a color match. Just let me know and i'll look for it."

Hah! ARF is paranoid about advertising on the forums. I can't even mention making knobs in conversation without my posts being deleted or locked. I'd appreciate a blonde knob if you can find one. Mold making from an original is non-destructive.


"I will be buying at least two masks from you shortly and if you make a run of knobs i will be buying those too. Of course if you locate and are able to duplicate the GE locomotive knobs that will be a sure thing also. You have done such a quality job with your reproductions not only for the tv guys but also for the radio guys and we appreciate your efforts.
-Tony

Thanks, Tony, for the compliment. I appreciate it. Unfortunately I'm down to my last couple of masks. I wore out the mold making them and since demand has dropped to zero lately, I don't know when I'll bite the bullet and try to make another mold. I'll have to wait to see if I get enough requests to offset the time and expense to do it again.

[Phil Nelson]

Originally Posted by blacksmith

I wore out the mold

Probably a dumb question, but couldn't you make a new mold from one of the remaining masks?

Phil

[blacksmith]

Originally Posted by Phil Nelson

Probably a dumb question, but couldn't you make a new mold from one of the remaining masks?

Phil

Yes, I can. I have a plastic model of the part too, but I'm talking about the time it takes to set up the new mold so it works right. It takes several hours of fiddling with the model to get it balanced and propped up in place, and takes about 3 days for the parts of the mold to cure. Then, an hour or more to make each mask, one at a time. And, several hundred dollars worth of material to make the mold and parts.

I can do it, but I have a lot of other projects in the works right now and my wife is bugging me to tear out the walls in the family room and do a total make-over. Then, remove wallpaper, paint the walls, and replace doors and wood trim in 2 bedrooms.

I can start a list of people who want masks, then when I get enough demand I'll know it's time to make them again. I just don't want to go through the effort and only sell 2 in the next year.

[Phil Nelson]

Making a list is a good idea. These sets are so plentiful that new examples seem to be trickling out of the attics at a pretty constant rate. I suspect there will be a continuing market for the masks.

Phil

[compucat]

I would definitely be interested in a set of burgundy knobs for my Motorola 9VT1 8" electrostatic set.