Tube base replacement.

[glennn111]

I have seen on various sites, replacement bases for both octal and 4 pin tubes. I have a pretty good idea of how to do the replacement having made a octal power cable before. But what type of cement is used for a tube? Any other tricks or advice would always be appreciated as well.

[2wo]

RTV works pretty well...John

[glennn111]

Thanks John. That's a pretty straight forward answer. I was somehow expecting some exotic potion, but RTV seems pretty obvious.
Thanks again.
Glenn

[Jim R.]

Also, I think tube monger, Antique Electronics Supply, and thetubestore.com sell base cement, though the  RTV should be fine too.

-- Jim

[Grainger49]

There are many versions of RTV out there now.  You will want one that withstands heat.  In the beginning all were high temp, but not today.

[coca]

The Rtv that is sold at automotive supply stores is meant for high temp. application.

Bernie.

[glennn111]

Thanks to all for your input. I think I will go with the RTV (high temp). Availability being the main factor, but also I think it should work quit well.
Thanks again.

[John Roman]

Perhaps a dumb question here, but can you actually replace the base without compromising the vacuum?

[Jim R.]

John,

Yes, in octal tubes and others with bases, the connections to the internal structures are done via flexible leads that have the glass sealed around them, and then the base is attached with the leads pulled through the pins in the base, soldered in place to the pins, and then the base glued to the glass.

HTH,

Jim