Joiner's Musings

Dynaco SCA 80Q Some time ago I wrote about doing some updates to this 45 year old stereo integrated amplifier that I built from a kit in the mid seventies. The Dynaco SCA80Q appealed to me at the time because it was a low cost solution to satisfying sound from a good quality amplifier. I used it exclusively for about 10 years and eventually like anything old it found it`s way to the basement where it was turned on only occasionally through the years. Last year I thought, heck lets bring the old amp to the cottage. At least there we can enjoy the sound of this antique treasure every day, Well, it was fine for a few weeks but its age started to show and show it did!  A mild, unobtrusive hum slowly developed into a loud and annoying one. I thought it might be the pots and switches and perhaps they needed a little cleaning spray to fix them but I soon discovered that it was much more than that. I did a little research online and discovered that the old capacitors had seen their...

From the class of 2015-2016 Well, retirement had to come sooner or later and the end of January seemed to be the perfect time. My hour had come, so they say. I was invited into the classroom; wait a minute I thought. Is something happening? A few seconds later they presented this very timely gift, a memento of my retirement, a clock. I have to give them a big hand! The second year class whom I had taught for nearly two years knew that I had an interest in clock collecting and repair and thought that a timepiece would be appropriate as a retirement gift. And it was and I was touched. They even had it inscribed. An appropriate memento Interestingly enough it is probably the most accurate clock in our home. I have 25 mechanical clocks, all shapes and sizes and not one can maintain the accuracy of this small clock, such is the state of modern technology. I looked on top and said, "what in the world is this? And it spins too. I thought my wife and I could use it to ...

Masked and ready for trim painting There was not be as much work to do on this project as I had thought. Firstly, the side panels are in very good shape. I though it would be a real shame to strip it all down. I have seen disastrous results of wholesale stripping and I did not really want to go there.   I did some light sanding and applied clear lacquer to the existing finish to fill in small scratches and gouges. The results were very positive. I then applied a clear polyurethane coat over the top of the sides and front to bring back the original finish and that glossy look. Following side renewal I decided to do something a little more radical on the trim sections. Most of the unsightly damage was to those sections; the base plate sections were the worst.   I had two options, sand those sections down to the bear wood and recover them or cover over them with paint.  I selected the second option and after a good cleaning, taking the grease and oil off...

I have had this Westinghouse console radio with chassis number 512  for a number of years and now that I have the extra time it seemed appropriate to fix it up. I don't know what model number it is but as is the case in many of these old radios and Westinghouse is no exception, the 512 chassis found it's way into a lot of radios, consoles and tabletops alike. If you happen know the model number please let me know. I do know that it was made in 1936. Westinghouse console radio I thought it needed total redoing but a couple of things concern me. In the photo you can see a view of a geometric-style design (upper part of the clock along the sides) which might be very hard to duplicate, so let's stay with a mild rejuvenation rather than wholesale stripping.  This design would be very difficult to duplicate It also looks like someone (not me) tried to spruce it up by applying a new coat of lacquer(?). Not unsightly but I can work around that. Some...

My office for many years No one told me about the last ten minutes It was my very last day as a faculty member. After 18 years with the organization it was time to say goodbye and begin the next chapter of my life. Yes, there were some tough years but by and large it was a very sweet gig and a tremendous period of growth and development for me personally. My wife was a great support all through this transition process. I could not have gone through all of this alone. <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1337403531080766" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <!-- joinersmusings_page_body_Blog1_1x1_as --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1337403531080766" data-ad-slot="1853062240" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins> <scr...

Cuban National Flag It was a good time to visit Cuba. We spent a glorious and sunny 11 days at a resort in Cayo Santa Maria. We felt that it was a good time to visit since we think it is the calm before the proverbial storm. By that I mean that once the Americans arrive after the thawing of relations between the two countries, Cuba will never be the same for us Canadians. Cuba is (or was) our refuge. Point of Sale cigar humidor The last time we were in Jamaica (2015) the resort we stayed at had a number of Americans. Many were quiet and simply enjoying their vacation but some were somewhat loud and obnoxious. I don't mind Americans in general but do some have to announce their presence (and superiority) by draping their flags over the balconies and wear American flag bathing trunks on the beach? No doubt the same will happen in Cuba and that is when we Canadians will likely find peace and serenity elsewhere. Ernesto Che Guevara Memorial Site Back to our vacation. ...

Mauthe Horse Crown Wall Clock Some time ago  I decided to focus my clock hobby on a separate blog which can be found here . I felt  that I needed to spend more time explaining why I collect clocks and I wanted to explain my journey towards the repair and restoration on my clocks, so, a dedicated blog was the best way. For example, above is my latest acquisition, an 1895 Mauthe Wall clock that I picked up not 45 minutes from where I live. More about that clock and many others can be found at https://ronaldjoiner.wordpress.com/ You will continue to see postings on this blog but I will concentrate on my other varied interests. I will continue to post things that intrigue me and of course I will chronicle my travels around Canada and the world. Thanks for stopping by and take the time to visit my other blog, If you have even a fleeting interest in antique clocks you will find it to be quite informative.