The TO-6 is a handy thing to have, especially if you have any inclination towards electron flow control devices made from evacuated glass rather than the more pedestrian sand-filled variety so common today. Things like capacitors can be more sieve-like than desired at the higher electrical pressures such devices operate at, and it's nice to be able to hit them with said pressures to ensure their integrity. 
Yep, and I've got that BK 177 and HP 200CD as the first candidates.
As for the handle, leathercraft may not be necessary unless you're striving for originality rather than simply utility. If a handle is all you need, flat webbing is an option - I have an old HP VTVM lurking about here somewhere where the dear departed leather strap was replaced by a loop of webbing that was doubled over and, IIRC, pop riveted.
If you'd like I'll hunt for it and post a pic.
That'd be great. Thanks, Pat. The original handle's design used ears that keep the handle from slipping out of its holders, which doesn't inspire confidence. I'd rather have it slip through and riveted like that used for luggage. Another option might be to braid a handle with leather lacing, though that can be quite time consuming.
Handle peeksures. It's nylon webbing that was looped through three times, then lapped at the end and pop riveted as I remembered. The sheet metal retainer used on the TO-6 might be a bit more cut-y than the round bar used on the HP, but knowing how hard that stuff is to cut when you
want to, I doubt it would be a problem unless you're planning to carry the Sprague with you everywhere you go...
Should have cleaned my fingernails! A hand model I'll never be!
-Pat
Home
Help
Search
Login
Register
