Simplex Model PB - Casting Four Knobs

In this episode, I reproduce four knobs using the one that was left behind.
In the last episode, I placed the new grille cloth and backer in and a few other housekeeping items, in addition to creating a silicone mold to replicate the one knob left behind and in conclusion tuning across the BC/SW bands after reinstalling the chassis back in the cabinet.
In addition, check out my earlier video and others where I introduce the Simplex, model PB mini-cathedral dual-band receiver I acquired about nine years back that's been in storage. The seller at the time told me the radio was from a family in the Charleston, SC area; other than that, I don't have any other information on the history of the receiver with the exception of the Simplex factory was located in Philadelphia, PA then later moved to Sandusky, OH where the company was purchased by Philco and the plant was closed shortly after.
The playlist for the Simplex Model PB restoration:
• Simplex Model PB | Res...
Thanks for watching and subscribing to my channel on vintage radio repair and other related circuits.
#restoreoldradios
#Simplex

[@armandcorpolongo]

Don: The knobs turned out great. Some excellent tips- thanks for sharing.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Armand - thank you. Hope you and your family are doing well. All the best. Don

[@davido.hamilton3254]

Great job Don! Thanx for showing us all the products you use.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. Best, Don

[@monteceitomoocher]

Thanks for that, I've got some perdio knobs to make, the brass insert is genius.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thank you. I’ve used some heavier metal tubing as well in the past as called out in my earlier video at: How To Mold & Cast Vintage Radio Knobs kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXmrZ4p-g9R_pas Best, Don

[@josephmagedanz4070]

Another great tip...thanks for sharing!

[@RestoreOldRadios]

You are welcome and I’m glad you found it helpful. Best, Don

[@normanwalz8636]

Nice. A modified paint pressure pot will eliminate the bubbles in silicone mold and the epoxy castings. Lots of KZbin videos on how to make one. Also you can add paint when you mix up your epoxy casting material and obtain a very nice coloured knob without having to paint after. The paint additive will result in a slightly softer casting that will take 2-3 days to completely harden after you remove from the mold. Believe it or not Testors model enamel paint works best for me.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thanks for the tip! I may need to break down and piece one together. I’ve used dye and other.. to tint the knobs in the past as well and it does take them longer to cure for sure. Thanks again for watching and reaching out. Best, Don

[@greggsvintageworkshop8974]

They look great Don!

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thank you Gregg. Best, Don

[@OldRadioAl]

Really nice Don. Back when I was restoring all the time, I never had to fabricate knobs, parts were more readily available. Now, I usually automatically eliminate any missing knobs, on the few sets I pick up these days. I have so many, I can be picky what I choose, I guess. Great job, as usual, Don.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Al, thank you bunches. My Dad has a bucket full of knobs I need to go through too as time permits. It’s great to hear from you and I hope this finds you doing well. Best, Don

[@OldRadioAl]

@@RestoreOldRadios Doing great Don. Dusting and maintaining radios, same as always😂. I still have a bucket of knobs, too!

[@torau5817]

Ganz große klasse !! Great job !

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thank you, I appreciate it. All the best. Don

[@hestheMaster]

Your knobs look great Don. I think the hardest part is drilling a perfectly straight hole so when you turn the knob by hand it doesn't wobble. I think a small drill press would probably aid in getting it just so. As for any objectable air bubbles could they be filled in by a filler like color matched Timbermate perhaps?

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Steve, I agree the drill press would increase the accuracy of the center point/angle, etc.. and I may try some wood filler on one of the knobs as well. Thanks again for your input. All the best. Don

[@saturn5tony]

😃

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thank you Tony. Best, Don

[@saturn5tony]

​@RestoreOldRadios awsome way to recreate such a hard to find knob! Loved it 😊