Hi to all,
to add to the conversation....
Vacuum, final goal is 10 minus 8 Torr minimum for a good, long-life vacuum. Reaches 10 minus 9 Torr after Getter flashing (in sufficient quantity).
Pumps: like a rocket, 2 stages.
Centrifugal "roughing pumps" removes most of air down to minus 3/4 Torr.
Then a Molecular diffusion pumps gets you down the rest of the journey.
Preserving cut neck tubes before processing: i seem to remember RACS pumping inert Nitrogen if tubes were to "sit" a few days, otherwise just a protective plastic sleeve over the open neck.
Sometimes miracles happen:
The one & only 15GP22 rebuilt was an ETF "floor sweep" i picked up.
Phosphor dot plate only had a few tiny defects.
Rebuilt tube Color Bars display :
http://www.earlytelevision.org/2010_...tion_racs.html
Many more photos here, especially the last two, (ETF Convention 2010), Thanks! to old_tv_nut (Wayne B.):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/old_tv...ith/4556079347
Best Regards
jhalphen
Paris/France