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In Reply to: RE: Motorola tube monoblocks with custom aluminum cages posted by sanman on April 12, 2015 at 01:10:30
I'm not sure I've seen that particular amplifier chassis before. The transformers look like they could do a good job with 6V6s. Have you thought about finishing the raw aluminum of the cages? It would be pretty simple to apply a brushed or swirled pattern and spray them with clear lacquer. You could also have them powder coated (colored or clear) or anodized. Lots of options available, especially if you like the sound and intend to keep them awhile.
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Buy Chinese. Bury freedom.
Follow Ups:
If left alone indoors what will happen and how soon, oxydation-wise?
"When the demon is at your door, in the mornin' it won't be there no more"
Steely Dan
It's difficult to predict that sort of thing. I can tell you that I recently examined a polished aluminum bracket that I had installed inside a piece of equipment about 20 years ago. It was essentially unchanged, with no sign of significant oxidation. However, I do remember wiping it off after installation to remove fingerprints. The answer to your question probably hinges on both relative humidity (aluminum will oxidize more rapidly in a basement or seaside environment) and whether it's frequently touched. You could use a mag wheel polish to "reshine" it from time to time, but that leaves one other issue. Most alloys of raw aluminum are very soft. Some can be marred with a fingernail if they've been polished to a mirror finish. All of the finishes I mentioned will prevent that from happening, except maybe lacquer. I only use lacquer on machined or matte aluminum where minor blemishes won't show, just to prevent oxidation and keep it shiny. One other thing, many alloys of aluminum will go dull gray or slightly yellow when they're anodized, even if they have a mirror finish. If you really like the mirror look and you don't know the alloy, the best long-term solutions are probably clear powder coat (used on motorcycles) or nickel plate.
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Buy Chinese. Bury freedom.
Thanks for the information. One other question, if you will. Is the laquer you speak of formulated for metal or the same as for wood?
Thanks again, quite helpful.
"When the demon is at your door, in the mornin' it won't be there no more"
Steely Dan
Priming and painting aluminum is a bit of a bitch. Your best bet is to fully buff them to a high shine, which seals the pores of the aluminum, and also makes them easier to clean (and look better). aluminum oxidizes a clear layer which protects it, basically from the get-go.
I've been using Deft Clear Wood Finish in Gloss. The photo above is an example of a recent project. Bear in mind this panel was textured with a random orbital sander first, so it doesn't show dust specs and other minor blemishes. This one stays on my workbench in the house, but another panel I sprayed about three years ago has been living in my non-climate-controlled garage with no apparent ill effects.Like I said before, the lacquer isn't very hard (compared to other commercial finishes), but it does prevent the aluminum from oxidizing. If you spray this over a mirror finish, you're breaking new ground. I've never used it that way, so there could be issues with cloudiness, adhesion etc. that I'm not aware of.
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Buy Chinese. Bury freedom.
Edits: 04/13/15 04/13/15
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