I just wanted to kick around some ideas for construction of tube amp projects. I have nearly always used metal chassis/boxes, but I am thinking of other materials, like wood, but then, how would I shield the circuitry?
One idea I have seen used, is to line the wooden case with aluminium foil, all glued on. Works, but is messy and can be damaged if scraped. Metallised cardboard would be nice, but I don't know where to get any.
I once used aluminium seet metal to construct and inner metal half-shell, inside a nice looking plastic instrument case. That works but is a lot of effort.
What about conductive paint? I seem to recall it's fairly expensive. Any cheap alternatives?
How about blank one-sided copper-clad circuit board? You could easily punch holes through it for tube sockets, and you could solder tag strips etc, directly to it on the copper side, then do point to point wiring from the tube socket to the tagstrips. The circuit board would make a good ground plane / shield.
One idea I have seen used, is to line the wooden case with aluminium foil, all glued on. Works, but is messy and can be damaged if scraped. Metallised cardboard would be nice, but I don't know where to get any.
I once used aluminium seet metal to construct and inner metal half-shell, inside a nice looking plastic instrument case. That works but is a lot of effort.
What about conductive paint? I seem to recall it's fairly expensive. Any cheap alternatives?
How about blank one-sided copper-clad circuit board? You could easily punch holes through it for tube sockets, and you could solder tag strips etc, directly to it on the copper side, then do point to point wiring from the tube socket to the tagstrips. The circuit board would make a good ground plane / shield.
Well, the aluminium chassis I have used don't do much magnetic shielding,and they work OK, so it probably isn't necessary.
I have been looking around, and although copper tape isn't so easy to get, I have found lot's of aluminium tape. It's used for insulation, lagging, ductwork, sheet metal repair etc. and comes in rolls with good width. I think it may be a good choice.
I have been looking around, and although copper tape isn't so easy to get, I have found lot's of aluminium tape. It's used for insulation, lagging, ductwork, sheet metal repair etc. and comes in rolls with good width. I think it may be a good choice.
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