The PHILCO Phorum
Philco Alignment Tool - Printable Version

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Philco Alignment Tool - Steve Davis - 10-09-2018

A year or so ago I bought an alignment tool on eBay. It had a clear acrylic handle with a nylon cap screw in the end of it. It was OK but there was room for improvement. I bought a lathe a few months ago and I'm always looking for a project to make on it, so I decided to make a better alignment tool. I bought an inexpensive screw driver and used the handle. The shaft is 1/2 inch nylon rod with a nylon cap screw in the end.

Drilling the nylon rod for the cap screw

[Image: https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1925/44296131475_8eba3a5a94_k.jpg]Philco Service Tools by Steve Davis, on Flickr

Tapping the nylon rod

[Image: https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1912/44296131505_088bc39c52_k.jpg]Philco Service Tools by Steve Davis, on Flickr

Drilling the head of the cap screw for clearance

[Image: https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1936/44296131615_fbad1c8ed4_k.jpg]Philco Service Tools by Steve Davis, on Flickr

Reducing the shank diameter so the tool will fit through the holes in the chassis


[Image: https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1938/44296131515_507f56512b_k.jpg]Philco Service Tools by Steve Davis, on Flickr

Drilling the handle

[Image: https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1923/45157264492_de21d44129_k.jpg]Philco Service Tools by Steve Davis, on Flickr

The shank has been installed in the handle using a swinging press

[Image: https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1946/44486268344_5d85d2e6a2_k.jpg]Philco Service Tools by Steve Davis, on Flickr

[Image: https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1919/44486268274_d658ec5958_k.jpg]Philco Service Tools by Steve Davis, on Flickr

[Image: https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1911/44486268184_18f25ba09b_k.jpg]Philco Service Tools by Steve Davis, on Flickr

Steve

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - klondike98 - 10-10-2018

Very nice Steve!  About 5 years ago I posted how to make those on the Phorum.  I don't have a lathe so it was less polished but it got the job done.  Similar ones started showing up on ebay but they are pretty easy to make.  Yours are like your cabinet reproductions...outstanding!

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - TV MAN - 10-10-2018

Steve, are you planning to offer any to the us Phorum members? Icon_smile I too purchased one off Ebay, but as you mentioned, there is room for improvement.

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - Steve Davis - 10-10-2018

Tim, If there is some interest, I will probably make a few and offer them. I am also working on a tool set for restuffing bakelite condenser blocks. I will try to get something posted on that in the next day or so.

Steve

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - sam - 10-10-2018

steve
I would take two  if you do them

sam

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - Jhunt - 10-10-2018

Here is one I made out of PEX tubing, and a picture of me using it. I always wear a suit when I am aligning a radio!

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - morzh - 10-10-2018

Just make sure that suit's buttons are not metal. Icon_smile

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - OldRestorer - 10-10-2018

Im in for one too, and the bakelite block set..

Icon_smile

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - Steve Davis - 10-10-2018

I have posted an ad in the "For Sale" section.

Steve

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - tym - 01-11-2024

I know this is an old thread, but I used the tips on this forum to make a couple of alignment tools today. I used PEX toilet supply line and heated it so that I could thread a metal 5/16-18 bolt into it. I then removed the bolt and used my newly formed threads to accept a 5/16-18 nylon socket head cap screw. This allows the screw to be replaced if need be. The oak dowel stiffens the PEX tubing and extends the handle; it can be cut to length as needed.

I still have to drill into the head of the nylon screw a little.

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - David - 01-11-2024

Being the proud owner of a MGB understand about making tools. Good Job. Icon_clap

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - tym - 01-11-2024

Thanks! May your tools keep the Prince of Darkness at bay...

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - Steve D - 01-12-2024

David,

Didn't you love the feeling of brake fluid dripping on your right foot when the master cylinder failed? My first new car was a 741/2 MGB in harvest gold. That was the first of the black bumper models but still with the twin SU carbs. I loved that car but hated the constant problems and home re-engineering to solve design issues.

Steve D

RE: Philco Alignment Tool - David - 01-12-2024

Nothing like a leaking master cyl. This is part of the family everybody needs a bad habit!  https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=23467&pid=186992#pid186992