Capacitor Tester and Reformer Unit - Stefan Niewiadomski

[Yorkie]

I'd certainly agree with Gary - I wouldn't consider trying to reform caps in pre-war radios - I'd re-stuff them. Most (not all) radios only use a two-section smoothing/reservoir cap plus an audio valve cathode bypass cap, as often as not, 25uF 25V. The later are invariably duff even on 1960s radios. Modern equivelents are puny in size so to preserve the appearance, depending on whether the set is worth the effort, I'll re-stuff the original one.

If the internal physical appearance of a set is considered worth conserving - and most who restore pre-war sets would assert that it is, you can get very compact electrolytics with good ripple ratings ffrom Farnell which comfortably fit inside the old can - every three section ones.

If you look under 'where to get sets and part' and 'caps for restuffing' you'll find at least one thread where thosse caps are discussed and their specs stated.

If the appearance isn't considered that important, the BVWS sells 'period sized' upright can multisection caps, as do other suppliers.

Most of the sets I've restored have been post war and apart from three Ekxo A22s have been of no great value. For such sets, a reformer has almost always done the trick for me.

Hope that helps.