Wire Preference

[Reece86]

Hey all

Spent some time on here before, then I took what I learned and built a fuzz pedal and took apart the amp I was making... Starting it again from the populated turret board and going to do a completely new lead dress.

Before I get into that project, I was just wondering what wire selection people are using? I am making a 5F1(ish) build, and was thinking cloth wire could be a fun throwback.

So what are your thoughts? Wire, PVC, Teflon, Solid or Stranded?

Thanks all!

[dynaman]

I like stranded teflon. Good memory and holds up to heat well.

[ToneMerc]

I like stranded teflon. Good memory and holds up to heat well.

Same here, my first two builds I used cloth wire and I have never returned to it. I have no plans to return to it either. I did use solid PVC in my Express build though.

TM

[Milkmansound]

I've been using cloth covered mojotone wire exclusively for years. For the ground and higher current power supply stuff I use the CE 18ga cloth wire.

looks great, stays put, and sounds right for Fender stuff

[David Root]

20 ga. solid, silver plated, teflon insulation. From Steve at Apex Jr., best price there is.

Cloth covered wire is for restorations only IMHO.

[Randall]

+1 for the Mojotone cloth solid. Good stuff IMHO. Also have some of the Apex teflon 20g for newer stuff.

[sepulchre]

20ga solid teflon is what I've been using. Stranded is okay too; I just like working with solid.

Tried cloth but how good it is really depends on where you get it - some has over sized insulation, others look too small. I've not tried Mojo's though.

I'd like to try some high temp PVC just because it's recommended by Ken Fischer, Howard Dumble too, I think. But not sure where to get it.

20ga for all except entering power and heater wires. 18 for the heaters, at least to the power tubes, then sometimes go down to 20 for the preamp tubes.

Here's a gauge table for current capabilities: http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

[davent]

For heaters 20awg Belden PVC solid core and for pretty much everything else, stranded 22awg PTFE (Teflon) from Apex Jr.

dave

[M Fowler]

I don't use one type of wire on a build. Use 20 ga solid pvc for mini toggle wiring and under board wiring, 20ga topcoat stranded pretinned for most connections, 20ga PVC stranded on switches, and 18ga pretinned for filament.

I've got a bunch of different types of wire rolls, PCV, Topcoat, Teflon and some unknown stuff. I think I bought too much wire actually.

[labb]

20 ga. 600volt, pvc, tinned copper solid


Ga. capacity
18 16 amps
20 11 amps
22 7 amps
24 3.5 amps
26 2.2 amps

All data from 1978 ARRL Radio Amateur's Handbook or computed from data there

[sepulchre]

Hey Mark, when you say 'pretinned' do you mean stranded?

labb - where do you get 600V PVC? All I can find is 300V.

[labb]

McMaster Carr. They will sell in minimum lengths of 25 foot. Have almost every color.

[sepulchre]

Thanks buddy!

[M Fowler]

Hey Mark, when you say 'pretinned' do you mean stranded?

It is stranded but the wire is tinned during manufacturing process before jacket is applied to the wire. I just prefer working with it.

[sepulchre]

Thanks Mark. I've used pretinned wire before, in fact I think that's about all I've got right now. I just didn't know if you meant stranded. It might sound obvious but I do have some solid that's pretinned too.

I might try some of the irradiated PVC stuff that labb recommended. It comes pretinned as well and is not too pricey.