Anyone else making their own vacuum tubes? Need help/pointers for 12AX7 fabrication!

[Zappacat]

I want to do what this guy is doing. I can't seem to contact him though. It doesn't help that his site is in French. I have most of the equipment. Only thing cooler than building your own tube guitar amp would be to build one with your very own tubes. It would be nice to pick someones brain about several questions I have during the fabrication. Anyone else doing this at home? Any help greatly appreciated. Here's what I'm talking about:

 

[YOUTUBE][/YOUTUBE]

 

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[Dthraco]

You don't pick the easy stuff, do you?

[mike42]

I thought this was a joke. And then I watched the video. It's an absolute work of art. I still can't think of anything to say but - "you have got to be kidding me!".

[Furtive]

:eek:

:eek:

 

Wow.... watching those videos give me hope for the future. Talk about "old world craftsmanship".... that was beautiful to watch.

 

As far as getting in touch with that guy - if you can't ping him directly, try to get in touch with Jacques Charbit (http://www.ts808.com). Jacques lives in Marseilles and may know (or know of) this person. Tell Jacques that Mark S. sent you and says bonjour.

 

It fascinates me to see people do projects like this. Considering that 130 years ago, electricity was still frequently referred to as a "phenomenon" and EVERYTHING was made by hand - so much of the art has been lost or forgotten in the rush to reinvent everything. How many people would consider building their own lead-acid battery? That would be quite easy once the materials are obtained.

 

Wonderful thread. Thanks for posting those videos.

[David E H]

You've got to be kidding me. This is basically the coolest thing ever.

[Electric Blues]

I can't get over it! That's just amazing.

Even his hi tech stuff looks rustic! Thanks for posting that.

[katillac]

If I recall correctly, that series was a real hit in HCAF as well. Very cool!

[Zozobra]

Does it still have the hideous music loop?

[fast1]

thanks for the vid, interesting!

[musicdog400]

Keep us informed of your progress. I bet many folks would line up to buy from you. I used to hear that the process was toxic and wasn't allowed in the US. Don't know if that's true.

[tedmich]

He's been doing this for years but only recently finished making his WEB cam out of sand and gold fillings.