A quick fix for a cracked power tube

[Spider-TW]

Need4reebs had a level 5 power tube that was cracked. I used some 3/8 stainless rod and made a reinforcing sleeve with the same inner diameter as the spacer shoulder. I covered it with red loctite and let it setup. It seems to be holding air without noticeable loss of velocity.

This doesn't happen often, but this is a reversible and relatively mild fix for them.

[Cyco-Dude]

sure, if you have a lathe handy... o_O

[need4reebs]

Thank you Spider!!!

[Spider-TW]

sure, if you have a lathe handy... o_O

The other solution is if you have a TiG welder (and talent) handy, so... a slight improvement. This strengthens the tube pretty evenly.

I guess the main point is that old tubes can be saved in more than one way.

Thank you Spider!!!

Let us know if it ever gives up.

[Runamok]

some people have all the fun toys

[Spider-TW]

some people have all the fun toys

You can get a little lathe for about the price of a good emag, if that helps. You would have to use it more than to fix your level 5 power tube.

Lathes have scaled down pretty well, but finding a small, good mill is not so easy.