The Art of Making a Nixie Tube

Link to my website: www.daliborfarny.com
Our newsletter: www.daliborfarny.com/newsletter/
The nixie tube is a vintage display device which had been used until 70s when it was replaced with LED displays. The complex knowledge of manufacture of nixie tubes literally died with tube factory's engineers, glassblowers and machine operators.
I discovered nixie tubes in 2011 and since then, I've devoted all my time to studies of nixie tubes and its manufacturing processes. After years of intensive work, with help of many people, I eventually succeeded and have revived the knowledge and equipment for production of nixie tubes.
Dalibor Farny
Read more on:
Our website: www.daliborfarny.com/
Facebook page: / daliborfarnycom
Thanks for attention!

[@jerrydaugherty4657]

Dalibor; I am an electrical engineer - and I would simply like to say that this is NOT a tube! It is a masterpiece work of electrical knowledge, material science knowledge, glass-blowing skill, artistic ability, creativity, attention to process discipline, attention to process detail and craftsmanship in so many disciplines that just so happens to culminate in the form of a tube! Very well done! I can't convey just how impressive it is to watch your video!

[@solomonflavius24]

Jerry you said it all, very well said and Dalibor needs such appreciation and encouragement. Thank you Sir.

[@mozzart6565]

Это лучший комментарий для этого восхитительного видео!

[@asolutioncompanylimited9518]

Cant add a single word... just wow

[@bike105bike]

I can add a word or two... as an Industrial Engineer (with automated machine prototyping/fine-assembly experience), CNC Machinist/Programmer, Welder and Special Effects Technician in the Vancouver film industry. I would like to recognize the scaling master-craft of the facilities and the production value put into the video quality and flow. Damn I wish I was European sometimes. It sometimes feels like I live in the woods in Canada. All my great bosses of the past were Europeans/Asians that lived here.

[@thomasjohnson3333]

All that just for it to probs break

[@alejandrobailon1761]

This man had to begin from the ground up in order to find a way to produce these tubes after years of trying, and now thanks to this video if by any reason he ever stops production someone else will have the bases with clear steps and explanations of why things are done that way. Much respect, thank you for doing this.

[@steinskotmyr2194]

I take my 100 hats off for this guy. Incredible what he has achieved from the tiny shed to a super clean and fully fledged production lab. Even if I don’t use Nixie tubes myself, I truly wish he gets all of them sold . I wish him a prosperous future. And thanks for the great video.

[@typewriterplants]

Everything about this is beautiful, from the revival of the nixie tubes, to the pristine lab, to the nixie tubes themselves.

[@The8BitGuy]

I had no idea it was this involved. I would have thought more of the process was automated. I guess there isn't' enough demand for a large nixie tube factory?

[@McBochi]

Nice to see you here! ;) Now just Techmoan still has to stop by^^

[@kaylons]

Ah yes.... Techmoan

[@TMINXX]

Is it just me or does his website look FANTASTIC?

[@ebutuoy6463]

This guy has the knowledge of a scholar, talent of a sculptor and the patience a saint.....a true craftsman, nice work!

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

and the hands of a surgeon!

[@GraemeSPa]

It is good to know that someone has revitalised these old techniques. When I was a child, every electronic device had vacuum valves - I remember looking through the vents of the portable record player, seeing the orange glow of the tube (for our US friends) heaters and wondering how the music came out. These were the days when tubes/valves were made in bulk - sadly most are gone now. I remember the small nixie tubes too - my school had a sixth form physics class build a clock with them. Silicon is great, but tubes have heart.

[@AndrewStick77]

I am a vacuum electronics technician by education. I understand every step, I know what and how you are doing. I could not even imagine that this knowledge would be in demand in the modern world. Thanks for sharing. It reminded me of years of study and practice at the plant. BTW greetings from Russia.

[@tomk.williams1186]

No wonder the clock that tech moan reviewed was £1000 seems like a reasonable price now ...I admire your patience and work ethic 👍👍

[@Anon54387]

Damn you, Dalibor! I bought a whole bunch of these figuring they'd hold value for my retirement! Now you are making more of them. Seriously, though, this took some perseverance. It's admirable.

[@kevinamundsen7646]

This video showcases a good man and master craftsman of a lost art. My father and I built a seven-segment Nixie Tube clock in the 1970s which sat in a place of honor on top of the television set for at least 20 years. Our original TV was 100% vacuum tubes including the tuner and 3-electron gun shadow-mask cathode ray tube that was a marvel of vacuum technology at the time. In 1975 I worked in the Motorola television factory in Chicago where they were still using vacuum CRTs. By then, all else had been transistorized and the first integrated circuits were coming into use.

[@PlasmaChannel]

This is really something special

[@yannikmuller2195]

Holy moly jay, it’s getting creepy.. you have commented on literally every single video I’m watching :D Guess we have the same interests or you’re just absurdly active on this platform :D

[@moonmatthew]

Hello

[@pazetto]

Wtf Jay, you here!?

[@jacksonlefteye]

am i the only weirdo that just absolutely fell in love with that little spot welder? what a neat little tool

[@Andromenova]

Nah it’s not just you man 😂☺️ I don’t even weld, and I need me one of those!!

[@ralphritter9173]

A real craftsman! I respect a man who takes pride in his work. I grew up when everything used tubes. Now integrated circuits and transistors have taken over.

[@hendriklubbe]

Greetings from a retired pharmaceutical chemist/microbiologist in South Africa. Your laboratory and production equipment is to die for. Your attention to detail, consistency, craftsmanship and skill shines for all to see. You are a master alchemist/craftman/technician par excellence Dalibor! RESPECT!!!!

[@bozobuckets785]

As a neon bender for 12 years I can fully appreciate the craftsmanship in the detailed processes that make this an art.

[@jimmytheslacker]

"I needed more room so I moved from the garden shed to a local castle." :) Now that is style...

[@thomasgargano8813]

I seen these tubes when I was a kid,back in 50-60 all the tv had them in, but I didn’t know it took so long to produce these tubes. Thanks you so much for keeping this old Art alive,very good work,lots of patient and a steady hand, Thanks again!!

[@antoniobragancamartins3165]

I'm an specialist electronic technician formed at the 70's years. This is simply amazing forever and ever!

[@lucadorigo1813]

“I moved from the garden shed to a local castle” - how can I also move from my garden shed to a local castle? Also, most fascinating video I’ve watched in a long time.

[@Akula114]

Utterly stunning. I was transfixed, not only by the intensive effort and artistry that went into creating these masterpieces but also by the incredible Cinematography. Every detail was clearly photographed, complex and tiny details lovingly illustrated. The lighting was expertly designed to be perfect in the details and in portraying the beauty and artistry of the process. In effect, the creation of this video, as well as the unspeakably brilliant execution of making the nixie tubes themselves is a performance art piece unto itself. My congratulations!

[@pacman10182]

37:26 the top left tube's #6 is dead

[@cdoubleu8719]

Learned something new today! Absolutely mind blowing how much time and effort you have spent to learn all these production steps and to turn it into a business. Respect 👍🏻

[@gizmo1252000]

this man has worked his arse off ,and deserves all the success he gets :) i salute you

[@zaharEU]

There's only one man and a huge way from beginning. Hats off!

[@angzarr9584]

hopefully this craft never dies...

[@hopefilledsinner3911]

I suspect this wasn't done for money. I think money was outweighed by curiosity passion and the tenacity of problem solving. And I'm simply amazed by the pursuit of near perfection for this one thing. Awesome achievement.

[@yssing]

So you just decided to try and make them yourself and build a small business based on the production of the nixie tubes. That Sir, is truly amazing!

[@matthiasnicolai8306]

One of the very rare videos, where I - a craftsman myself - experienced crafting proceedings that were completely new to me. I watched nearly breathlessly and with the highest respect for your outstanding skills. Thank you!

[@404-UsernameNotFound]

I used to wonder why these were so expensive. Now I wonder if the price is too low. 😉 Amazing work

[@hamdifouzai4713]

incroyable ! au début , avant de lancer la vidéo , je me suis dit "j'ai cette vieille calculatrice a tube nixie des années 60 qui est dans mon grenier... voyons comment ils ont fabriqués ces tubes! " mais là je me suis vite rendu compte que c'est plus qu'un processus industriel c'est de l'artisanat un chef d'œuvre bravo

[@davidquirk8097]

Fascinating process to watch, thank you for sharing this. As an Engineer I can watch each step and know that there were a huge number of hours that went into developing each, seemingly simple, part of the process. You have obviously put a lot of effort into this and I wish you every success.

[@Anon54387]

It is fascinating. The only thing I didn't understand is what those micrometers were for at the 29:48 mark.

[@iCanHazTwentyLetters]

I´m just happy to live in a world where a man can _move to a local castle and make Nixie Tubes_

[@SynthoidSounds]

A genuine artform, exceptionally well executed. The craftsmanship and patience demonstrated for producing these is truly remarkable.

[@tanzanos]

I am at a loss for words. As one who builds miniature engines and designs drones; all I can say is you sir have my utmost respect. Greetings from Greece.

[@daliborfarny]

Guys, thank you very much for positive comments, this motivates me to come up with another videos in the future!

[@iosef3337]

How it makes light?

[@kimjonglongdong3158]

+iosef 333 if I'm not mistaken, it's like the filament in a light bulb. the individual numbers become hot, producing a glow, and which one lights up varies depending on the voltage (or maybe some very clever circuitry systems). Either way it's pretty damn awesome.

[@FilipTruta]

Not only you are self tutored in this engineering feat, but the patience level and trial and error you must have gone through (breaking some of those tubes) is off the charts. The amount of work and specialised tools that go into this craft is beyond reason. Bravo, dude! Bra-vo! I also liked you didn't fill the clip with music or blabber. It's the kind of stuff that is best backed by the blow torch and electric motors and all the machinery working with you side by side to create this awesome piece of art. And it is, by any account, an art.

[@brianasbury8315]

Mr. Farny, as I watched this video of you making Nixie tubes, I sat absolutely spellbound. This is fascinating, incredible. The immense skill, the attention to detail, the nerves of steel, and the patience, oh the patience! Placing those numeric cathodes with such precision, shaping the glass envelopes with the skill of a true craftsman. This was awesome, and I thank you for sharing this with the world sir. Your Nixie tubes look fabulous, true works of art. Old technology perhaps, but so new. Best of success to you Mr. Farny.

[@trulyinfamous]

If making nixies by hand is this complicated, I wish I could see one of the old factories for them back when they were operating.

[@dreggory82]

I've watched this 2 times previously throughout the years, but I watched it again for the 3rd time with the same enthusiasm.

[@rabik_dev]

Who else noticed the tube on the very top left of the testing rack is not displaying #6 ? But i must say, this is an amazing production video, i totally under estimated the complexity of make a Nixie tube. Incredible work!

[@notchagrandpa8875]

You're quite possibly the only person living ready, willing, and able to manufacture nixie tubes, nice work, all too often knowledge is lost once the next generation of technology is introduced, I for one am glad that you decided to revive this lost art, and have taken on this substantial task.

[@timbaumann9046]

AWESOME... SIMPLY A.W.E.S.O.M.E.!!!!!!! This "WAS" a lost ART, UNTIL NOW!!! This brings back that "HI-TECH" look going back to the days of the Apollo Space Race Era from the 1950's - 60's!!! It's as ARTISTIC as it is BEAUTIFUL to behold!!! THANK YOU FOR NOT LETTING THIS ART FORM PASS AWAY FROM US!!! While I'll NEVER be able to afford one of these beautiful Nixie Clocks, I can ALWAYS admire all the work & EFFORT it took to make this WORK OF ART!!! Again, SIMPLY AWESOME!!!

[@clarefreeman3909]

Hello I am watching this in 2024 so I hope you are still reading your comments as I would like to say that the skill, precision and knowledge you demonstrate is to be applauded. You have achieved a wonderful blend of art and engineering kind Regards Clare

[@AndersonPrototypes]

That was the most impressive craftsmanship I have ever seen. WOW. As a machinist myself, I am super impressed. Thank you for your dedication to reviving a lost art form.

[@QurttoRco]

I moved from garden shed to a local castle... Ok then that's a normal thing I guess

[@martinbudinsky8912]

Welcome to czech republic it almost is normal here ;)

You can get one too, if you have the will and time to make it useful again, state will even sponsor a big portion of money needed for the renovation... (castle in every town and nobody is willing to put up with the upkeep)

[@BloodyMobile]

Right at the beginning of the video, I thought "these tubes look rather 'new' (for the lack of a better word)...", seeing that you made them explains why. And makes it even more impressive.

[@prestonashworthmusic]

This is high art. I'm hoping in the time since the release of this video you've been able to procure more tooling to automate more of what is obviously a painstaking process to ensure a high quality product. As it stands, this was oddly emotional to watch-like some small resurrection of a forgotten elegance. Thank you for doing it.

[@mhgscrubadub9917]

glass lathing is now my favourite thing.

[@parkwayconcepts8758]

I've got a few comments to make. As a craftsman, it is easy to tell when someone is "next-level". You are certainly that! Also, I just watched a 37 minute video on KZbin and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Heck of a job, man. You should be very proud of your craft and talent. How in the world did you end up finding a client base that needs nixie tubes on a scale that can justify your operating costs and profit?! My mind is blown.

[@lymancopps5957]

As a child I remember cash registers and calculators with Nixie tubes. They were commonplace then, but still would catch your eye.

[@nitrousman8882]

you've really built a marvelous business. Creating a need for a long obsoleted technology... and done it with amazing artistic skill. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@abe1kelubi]

Done: 1. Laboratory in local castle 2. European accent 3. Lots of unknown scientific equipment To do 1. Hire an Igor 2. Laugh maniacally now and then 3. World domination.

[@daliborfarny]

LOL

[@rusticagenerica]

I decided to nominate this video for the prize of the most award-winning mechanical labor.

[@spyveemcspyvo5619]

Well, now I'm 40 minutes off schedule because I couldn't stop watching this video!! 🤣 Fascinating stuff!! I want one!!!

[@nicomariani2914]

I agree, mesmerizing...

[@seancrowe3353]

This is artisanship at its finest. As someone who likes to make things and is a bit of a geek.... this is stunning. I take my hat off to you sir

[@nathanolvera9696]

To see this nostalgic yet key part of our electronics evolution is inspiring! Especially from some one so young. We must not forget where we came from. What technical feats of engineering spawned our current hi tech society. This clock will start many conversations about electron flow with ones who may have never been interested in electronics. Thank you for showing fortitude and endurance in make this a reality.. Nice work my friend.

[@tylerjackson4168]

i have so much to do today but.... i had to watch this entire video, i couldn't help it once in started i couldn't stop.

[@earlycuyler2295]

THE NUMBERS, MASON!

[@cristinascandurra4751]

What an excellent craftmanship. Bravissimo!

[@CseriGraph]

One word: Craftsmanship

[@albertbuksnis5167]

Beautifully Done Video To Match The Beautiful Work. Thank You For NO MUSIC Just The Natural Sounds Of The Skilled Work Being Done.

[@yanwo2359]

10,000 thumbs up from me! If you want music, turn on your own!

[@F1owns]

I had no clue this was such a complicated process. This takes some serious talent.

[@chrisanderson8298]

I purchased a PVElectronics clock featuring a Daliborfarny tub. The kit arrives tomorrow. I loved this video and can't wait to build it!

[@alowicioustoollootsuoiciwo7283]

This gets my vote for BEST content of any you tube video . I was absolutely enthralled and oblivious to anything going on around me for the duration . I am absolutely amazed at the craftsmanship and would skip the handshake and go immediately to the man hug brother ! Spectacular does not even begin to describe . Thank you.

[@livedandletdie]

Only in Europe, can you hear someone say, I didn't have room in my garden shed so I moved to a castle.

[@nikki5399]

I’ve never been more impressed watching someone make something before. You literally do every single step of the process by yourself. Might as well go mine the ore for the metal while you’re at it, lol. After watching this I absolutely have to buy something from you. I’ll go check out your website now.

[@abx42]

That's amazing no hopefully we could drop the price on them I just didn't realize how much intensive work there were

[@raffia16thblaze10]

soooo many haters unable to appreciate the old technology. sure expensive as hell but its still a nice thing to have as an art piece at the very least.

[@Rhodanide]

Holy shit, no wonder they're $145 each!! This is really complex!

[@andregross7420]

Its a bargain!

[@michaelk_aus_L]

This is one (if not THE) most mesmerizing video I ever saw about craftsmanship on YT. I am absolutely a fan! Thank you for showing off such a sophisitated technique to us! Was pure joy to watch! 👏🏻😊

[@tolkienfan1972]

The incredible level of consistency is amazing! What a labor intensive process! The end results are beautiful and impressive!

[@SONGSTICKS]

I worked for EEV (English Electric Valve Company) for 17yrs as a stock controller and it always fascinated me how clever some of the technology and techniques were for making tubes. I used to Love watching the glass tube man turning glass on a lathe or the guys who used to grow carbon grids for the Klystrons that were as fine as a spiders web ! I think there was also a dept that made Nixie tubes of sorts, as well as the LCD screens. Clever people all of you :O)

[@carlohuberable]

This is a great video of how beautiful things can be created with passionate work. And thank you for NOT ADDING MUSIC! I enjoy the sound of tools, machines and materials. It's like ASMR to me.

[@The559Jake]

Thank you for this video and for keeping the art alive!

[@victorkalbskopf]

No wonder they're so expensive. I had no idea of the tools and effort needed. Nice work! Very nice work...

[@user-kh8ez5si8p]

This really is one of the best put together longer videos I have ever watched. The first time I checked how much is left was 30 minutes in.

[@gabriantolegend]

Thanks KZbin recommendations. See you in 10 years

[@GiGaSzS]

Huge respect for sharing your manufacturing process! I hope all types of glass-filled tubes will never die to cheap/nothing special transistors.

[@trademarkuk01]

The journey and effort in re-creating these beauties is a fantastic story. I thought nixie tubes were gone forever. Well done ! Must be worth a business award.

[@joshuabrumback9681]

This guy put a lot of hard work, research and money into this. What a cool and interesting way to burn your house down.

[@pobembe1958]

Lol, it's not his house, it's his castle.

[@steve-o6413]

I would have thought he would have burned fingers a few times touching the hot glass...

[@yusufgulden2490]

5yus5yeuytyu

[@DeadDrop6109]

LMAO

[@Grandpa_Joe]

best 37 minutes spent on youtube yet.

[@flimz5199]

i love how everything is insanely clean

[@ralphgraham8564]

Acetone in tube manufacturing is your friend.

[@will_der_dude]

I WISH I COULD GO THERE AND DO EVERY STEP AND MAKE MY OWN SET BY HAND LIKE THIS!

[@Furbysz]

Same Imagine, the same way you can go to glass museum and get out with your own glass medal, but with extra steps

[@Oborowatabinostk]

37:25 the top left "6" is out.

[@jackjohnson5123]

Hopefully it was a solder issue and was fixed.

[@omermagen824]

@@jackjohnson5123 Yeah. After watching this video I can imagine the devastation if it is an unfixable problem

[@MM-gw4zg]

I don't always need more room to work, but when I do, I just go to my local castle....

[@skyline3071]

Hahahhhhahhaha it was mint

[@shanedecoteau427]

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[@shanedecoteau427]

9o9o

[@montecrysto33]

Meme lords out there

[@teddykgb1042]

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[@mgwaite10]

Wow that’s a complex process, I’m immensely impressed. I hope IKEA have supported you through product placement here ! Well done.

[@cokdnlokd1238]

Excellent work. I am amazed at the many processes able to be done in a bespoke manner.

[@nutz4gunz457]

Not sure what is cooler. The Nixie tubes or the mini spot welder. I need both in my life.

[@NaughtyKlaus]

I only came here to find out what a nixie tube is, and I'm impressed.

[@RJHElias]

Now I understand why they are so expensive.

[@Txloganc]

they shouldn’t be though they used to be mass produced and now just because one guy makes it its all expensive

[@shark473]

​@@Txlogancmanifacturing vs mass production. Do you copy?

[@tomatexelon]

It would be neat if when you crimp the glass onto the tungsten wire, that the tool would maybe have a symbol or something melted into the glass. This would show as being an original work of art! Great Job!

[@brenno3735]

This is one of the most amazing videos I've ever seen on KZbin. To recreate the entire manufacturing process of nixie tubes is the pinnacle of the Maker Movement. I'm extremely proud of you. Well done!

[@nureinkanal3821]

this video is 3 years old and I see comments from 3 hours ago

[@matejnemergut]

legendary and very good videos never die, and this is absolut masterpiece . dobrá práca dalibor

[@samsaverino8159]

Wow the dedication it must have taken to learn how to make these yourself must have been crazy

[@atakan23ful]

The numbers Mason !!

[@AcesVV]

"I moved to a local castle" - King Arthur

[@macspud28]

Cool video, well done. Just shows how labour intensive it is. Also after all that hard work, it looks like you have a faulty 6 on the top left tube @ 37:26

[@rav3nx33]

Wow. You make an incredible thing to a stellar standard. It's art and a electrical engineering masterpiece. Nice work.

[@balajinarasimhan5346]

this is the 5th time im watching this video our the course of few years. i must say this is some rolls royce level attention to detail