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Little Pigbacon
Guest
You know, with like a black permanent marker or some ****?
misterwhizzy
Well-known member
Re: Can you write on tubes?
Yep. All my preamp tubes from Doug's Tubes have gain ratings on the side. 90/95, 70/70, whatever, for each triode, written in Sharpie, it appears.
Yep. All my preamp tubes from Doug's Tubes have gain ratings on the side. 90/95, 70/70, whatever, for each triode, written in Sharpie, it appears.
L
Little Pigbacon
Guest
Re: Can you write on tubes?
In Soviet Russia, ...
In Soviet Russia, ...
L
Little Pigbacon
Guest
Re: Can you write on tubes?
I would love to see the heat from a hot tube ignite the solvent in a marker.
I would love to see the heat from a hot tube ignite the solvent in a marker.
Gone_Shootin
New member
Re: Can you write on tubes?
I number power tubes with a Sharpie whenever I pull them, if I haven't already. I used to simply number from left to right, but I instead started to number the inner pair 1 and the outer pair 2. Some say it's unnecessary to keep power tubes paired up like that, but I do it anyway.
And the marks left by the marker hasn't hurt anything yet, and I like to run a warmer bias than most factory settings, and I like to turn up the volume when I get the chance now and then.
I number power tubes with a Sharpie whenever I pull them, if I haven't already. I used to simply number from left to right, but I instead started to number the inner pair 1 and the outer pair 2. Some say it's unnecessary to keep power tubes paired up like that, but I do it anyway.
And the marks left by the marker hasn't hurt anything yet, and I like to run a warmer bias than most factory settings, and I like to turn up the volume when I get the chance now and then.
L
Little Pigbacon
Guest
Re: Can you write on tubes?
From Tom Mitchell's book How to Service Your Own Tube Amp, page 117:
A versatile tool that you absolutely must acquire is a permanent ink marker. The type I recommend is the "Sharpie" made by Sanford. These pens are absolutely amazing. The ink used in them holds up to practically everything. Among other things, I use them to write on tubes, and "Sharpie" ink not only withstands the heat, but lasts for years. Since they can write on metal or glass, and the ink is permanent, they can be used to mark tube numbers on amp chassis', and to make register marks on tubes prior to removal to make it easier to reinstall them. "Sharpies" can be used to mark wires attached to circuit boards before removal, greatly easing the task of reconnection. They can be used to "touch-up" tears in vinyl coverings on amplifiers and speaker enclosures. The list of uses is virtually endless, and they come in many colors. Aside from being great pens, they can be used as test prods to check for loose components and wires, since they are made entirely of plastic, and are non-conductive. "Sharpies" can be purchased at stores that sell books, office supplies, art supplies, or stationery supplies. I suggest that you buy an entire box. People are always "borrowing" mine, and they somehow keep "disappearing".
From Tom Mitchell's book How to Service Your Own Tube Amp, page 117:
A versatile tool that you absolutely must acquire is a permanent ink marker. The type I recommend is the "Sharpie" made by Sanford. These pens are absolutely amazing. The ink used in them holds up to practically everything. Among other things, I use them to write on tubes, and "Sharpie" ink not only withstands the heat, but lasts for years. Since they can write on metal or glass, and the ink is permanent, they can be used to mark tube numbers on amp chassis', and to make register marks on tubes prior to removal to make it easier to reinstall them. "Sharpies" can be used to mark wires attached to circuit boards before removal, greatly easing the task of reconnection. They can be used to "touch-up" tears in vinyl coverings on amplifiers and speaker enclosures. The list of uses is virtually endless, and they come in many colors. Aside from being great pens, they can be used as test prods to check for loose components and wires, since they are made entirely of plastic, and are non-conductive. "Sharpies" can be purchased at stores that sell books, office supplies, art supplies, or stationery supplies. I suggest that you buy an entire box. People are always "borrowing" mine, and they somehow keep "disappearing".
Tom Mitchell said:
MetalManiac
Li'l Junior Member
Re: Can you write on tubes?
Yeah, well, thats totally opposite to my experience. IMHO, you cannot write on power tubes, the ink evaporates with the extreme heat. Even the markings on production tubes usually disappear.
Yeah, well, thats totally opposite to my experience. IMHO, you cannot write on power tubes, the ink evaporates with the extreme heat. Even the markings on production tubes usually disappear.
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Little Pigbacon
Guest
L
Little Pigbacon
Guest
Re: Can you write on tubes?
Except 12AX7's don't have bases.
Except 12AX7's don't have bases.
ehdwuld
A Ficus
Re: Can you write on tubes?
maybe just write on a post-it note and stick it on
fiberglass electrical tape
the glue is good to 350 degrees , we use it at work
write on the tape
engrave the glass
draw a diagram on a piece of paper and leave it in back of the amp
heck, marker should work
maybe just write on a post-it note and stick it on
fiberglass electrical tape
the glue is good to 350 degrees , we use it at work
write on the tape
engrave the glass
draw a diagram on a piece of paper and leave it in back of the amp
heck, marker should work
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Little Pigbacon
Guest
Re: Can you write on tubes?
I'm leaning heavily toward the 500-degree Sharpie.
I'm leaning heavily toward the 500-degree Sharpie.
Lazarus1140
New member
L
Little Pigbacon
Guest
Re: Can you write on tubes?
I mean, I wouldn't literally like it, but I would be scientifically curious.
I mean, I wouldn't literally like it, but I would be scientifically curious.
Re: Can you write on tubes?
Pretty sure the solvent evaporates as the ink dries. I've had tubes in service that were marked with Sharpies. In fact, I have a 6SL7 right now that is marked. Never seen any fireworks from it ... yet.
Pretty sure the solvent evaporates as the ink dries. I've had tubes in service that were marked with Sharpies. In fact, I have a 6SL7 right now that is marked. Never seen any fireworks from it ... yet.
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Little Pigbacon
Guest
Re: Can you write on tubes?
Does it seem that's because you apply the marker to a room-temperature tube and allow it to dry before powering up?
Does it seem that's because you apply the marker to a room-temperature tube and allow it to dry before powering up?
