how to un-pot Quad II transformers

[M.H.Cormier]

Hi everyone ! has anybody ever experimented taking the transformers out of their can on Quad II amplifier , I am looking for info on that ,all I know is that these are encapsulated into tar and need to be heated in order to take them out . I would like to get the casing chromed . If someone could share info on this .

 

[gni]

Transformer encapsuated

Not sure if that would be possible. Might damage it. . . they
could have cooled the transformer before encapsulating it. . .can't
do that now. . . so the heat may kill it.

 

[405man]

I have unspotted a good few transformers but they have all been faulty and I do not know whether a vintage transformer will survive the heat involved. It is necessary to heat the transformer to about 100C to get the tar to melt sufficiently to get the case off. I place the transformer in a tin can with 4 long screws in the mounting holes to act as legs and I place a small piece of wood in the middle of the legs. When you heat everything up the transformer will slide out of the case and sit on the piece of wood. There will be tar all over the connecting board but the piece of wood at least stops it being completely covered. Alternatively you can solder some wires onto the terminals and suspend the transformer when you heat it up the case should then slide off but I have found that it is often very reluctant to fall off and as you continue to heat it the tar bubbles out of the edges and runs down the outside. To contain some of the smell I put the transformer in a large tin can in the oven at about 120C. However you do it is very messy. You will then have to remove all the tar from the case I have used petrol Gunk and paint stripper with various degrees of success all are very smelly. I find it takes at least 2 hours to clean each case. Should you destroy your transformers in the process I have replacement mains transformers available and I may have some output transformers wound soon

Stuart