Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => Crack => Topic started by: fromnowon on June 23, 2018, 02:10:05 PM

Title: Edges of Transformer Lamination Stack - do they rust?
Post by: fromnowon on June 23, 2018, 02:10:05 PM

Hello -

Started working on my Crack today, painted the bell and the top of the plate with blue rustoleum and glued up the base.

Just curious if it's a good idea (or not) to add something to the edges of the transformer lamination stack to prevent rust.

Some kind of sealer is on there already, I think, and maybe it's sufficiently permanent.  I could brush on some clear coat easily if it can go on top of whatever is on the stack already.  Or I have some paste wax that might work to further seal the edges.  Or just leave it as is!

What did you guys do?  Thanks for any advice.

Title: Re: Edges of Transformer Lamination Stack - do they rust?
Post by: Paul Birkeland on June 23, 2018, 02:26:55 PM

Applying black paint to the edges is a good idea.  Be sure it's not water based though.

I've found that black lacquer (from the hardware store) or VHT (from the autoparts store) get the job done pretty nicely. 

Title: Re: Edges of Transformer Lamination Stack - do they rust?
Post by: fromnowon on June 23, 2018, 02:32:47 PM

thanks!
I just figured out that the those "honeycomb" lines are going to face to the front so yeah I think I will brush on some black Rustoleum enamel I have sitting around.
Is it necessary to clean the edges with some lacquer thinner for adhesion?  I suppose so . . . I read elsewhere not to sand the lamination edges.
I appreciate it.

Title: Re: Edges of Transformer Lamination Stack - do they rust?
Post by: Paul Birkeland on June 23, 2018, 04:28:27 PM

You can clean the edges with a scotchbrite pad and some alcohol.  I would not use lacquer thinner on the stack. 

Rustoleum enamel will work OK, that stuff just takes ages to dry.  The last time I tried using some I think it took about a week before the paint had cured.  Instant dry spray lacquer dries in about 5 minutes.