3D printing replacement TV and radio parts

[Resonance1]

Small 3D printers are now readily available for less than $200, but you can plan to spend about $300 by the time you have purchased a small library of different printer filaments in different colors and types of plastic. As a second hobby (in addition to restoring antique radios and TV's) I purchased a low-end 3D printer a couple of years ago and taught myself to use it, and to create 3D models on my laptop.

I have been surprised at how often I am able to print a 3D part to address a problem with an antique. These have included a "spool cover" and space bar for a 1915 Oliver typewriter, a replica #6 battery for an antique micro-volt meter, a pully for an Atwater Kent 1930 radio, a 6-pin vacuum tube base (for a 6-pin to octal tube converter), a "boot" that holds the male pins of a TV power input in place, many replacement gaskets for supporting antique radio chassis, and a replica speaker plug for a Philco radio. I have posted most of my designs on Thingiverse. Most recently, I made a screwdriver specially designed for tuning pots that have 1/4" slotted shafts. You can see it here, if you like: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4851111.

I am considering if I can find a way to make quality knob reproductions. 3D printed parts are, by nature, rough in texture. There are approaches and products that are used to "smooth" 3D prints, but I have not yet taught myself that skill.

Other future plans include printing gears to try to build a coil winder. I would like to be able to produce replacement field coils, either to repair an EM speaker or as a dummy load, so that a PM replacement speaker can be used. I'm also thinking that I could make variable inductor "blanks" for antique TVs. Along the way, I picked up an old Morris coil winder, and I think if I made proper blanks I could wind the required coil(s). Appropriate threaded shafts and cylindrical slugs can be purchased.

it may sound like it, but I'm not trying to boast. I just thought it might be interesting to others in the antique radio/TV hobby to hear examples of what can be done with a 3D printer to support that hobby.