Hey, thanks for the inspiration. I used some early 1930s radio tubes for this idea. I drilled a hole in the center of the bakelite base, just large enough to accommodate a 3mm 9-12V led and glued it in place. The glue I use dries instantly without odor. The finished effect looks nice and is ready to mount in a one of my retro futurist designs.
@@santherstat, I am a Found Object sculpture artist. Which means I repurpose the unwanted discards of our throwaway society. I used 1930s tubes because they have a great retro look. A visual appearance that more modern tubes do not possess. Plus, I have no radio gear from that period that uses them. And even if I did, old tubes have a shelf life. They wear out. Hence, why they need to be replaced in older equipment. Old worn out tubes are of little use to someone who is restoring old radio equipment. There are plenty of old worn out tubes out there to be had. I rescue them and other vintage items before they get tossed in some landfill. Then, I do my best to use that which no longer has a functional purpose, in my Retro Futurist designs.
A 90 degree USB connector and lead allows it to be sat on desk and plugged in to laptop. Very nice work mate. This is why I nod up with boxes and boxes of " stuff" awaiting conversion and up-cycling. Old TVs , radios, clocks, instruments, car and motorbike bits etc. I made a beautiful USB power port hub from an old and worn out racing carburettor that lights up and stores pens and pencils, every petrolhead should have one!
Enjoyed this video. Some serious injury occurred on that thumb and possibly your hand at one time. I am growing my right middle finger nail out now from a November 2016 log injury. Great vid, thanks.
Thanks! Yes, the thumb was cut about 12 years ago and never grew back the same. My finger got in the way of my chisel a few weeks ago and I had to stitch it up.
They look absolutely stunning but my only reservation would be the amount of extra leverage strain they would place on the Mac or PC USB sockets? I have caught a few USB sticks over the years ferreting about the computer and have accidentally mashed the USB sockets in the process necessitating replacement. Only use these on easily replaceable front panel auxiliary USB sockets that plug into internal MoBo headers for this very reason as you will be stuffed if you trash the PCB mounted ones. Have fun and play safely guys as these do look really cool!
thank you for sharing and for letting us sell a few. I will never be a threat to your market but few for me will give me money towards other projects which on my fixed income is a very big deal and I have subscribed. thanks again
those two exposed copper traces at the top of the usb drive are for powering an led you could have connected the led to those without a resistor. Doing so will also make your led flash when the drive is working
I do some electronics from time to time. I made a TARDIS and wired up some sound and an LED for the light. What is the resistor for, to step down the voltage for the LED I am assuming? Which direction, too hard to see do you wire the resistor?
Ik they draw a lot of current, but couldn't you have powered the tube filaments so that it looks like the tubes are doing something? Or would the current draw be too much?
Something deep in my core wants to know if you tracked whether or not the blue-cased USB drive became the blue-lit drive and thus the same for the red.
Watching intricate work puts me into a trance. After five or six minutes, I discover I'm sitting there with my mouth hanging open like a drooling moron. Beautiful job.
It's called a step bit. they're designed to drill thin stock like sheet metal or other sheet materials. they're great to have in your tool set. Here a link to a good one. amzn.to/2kbXIiJ
Nice work! You can go further and put the LED inside the tube and a higher resistor value to simulate the filament glowing. Check audiofile forums to get cheaper burned tubes
It looks great! my only comment is that you could have used the inside of the bulb and wired in more storage space for the drive, and made the whole bulb light up while you're at it! Actually... I think I'll just do it myself! Thanks for the awesome idea! So, where do you get those bulbs?
I think Iv'e ruined 2 or 3. Only because they in a case where I couldn't see size of the chip. If you by the type I used in the video you shouldn't have any trouble.
Make Build Modify yeah I'll have to give it a try but, haha i don't have the same confidence that you have. also did you just bulk order your clock parts?
How do I buy one and how much do they cost? I’m curious about why there’s nothing for sale on your website.... You could sell stuff like these, have plans/drawings with parts and tools for sale in a pdf for $1 or something. You could make a killing!...
I sold these for a little while a few years back. There really wasn't enough demand to keep making them. The few that did buy them really liked them though.
Great job! Is there any danger in using vacuum tubes? I've read that they could still have power stored in them. I have a huge one that I found in the trash, I would like to use in a project.
I don't think there is a way for them to hold a charge. But you should do some research on your specific tube to be safe. You can always test the electrodes with a volt/ohm meter. Thanks for watching!
Make Build Modify Sometimes I don't think of the obvious, you're right about testing for voltage. I think what I read was they still may have voltage when off, but that's when they were still in their device.
Don't be embarrassed. They are a novelty item. The brass and the vacuum tubes are for decoration and the memory chip is for storing computer files. So in the end they are just a decorated USB memory stick. Thank for asking and for watching!
After watching this what a brilliant idea and will message you soon. I wondered if you thought of or tried wiring from the USB socket directly onto the Tube Heater Pins providing they are 6v as some pre-amp Tues are 12v ....just a thought as the Tubes themselves would glow!
that's pretty freakin' COOL! how many times have i burned my fingers fiddling with the old tube radios years ago, but hey, these ones are safe to handle, lol. nice job!
I'm not selling them any more. But if you're really interested there are some other artists that have since started selling them on Etsy.com. Just do a search and you find a bunch of different types.
Great project, and lots of other tips I picked up along the way such as using tape for a mixing surface and some of the solder techniques. One thought, please don't drill into your hands, they are too talented. Get a vee block or make a jig.
Thanks! I think you're talking about the bit that held the gear in the beginning of the video. If so, it's a large center punch tool. I had to grind the larger portion round so it would fit in my drill press. The tapered shape allows for a tension fit.
Good question. It helps when the glue gets on my fingers. Otherwise I get epoxy finger prints on the glass. That way I don't have to stop to clean my fingers.
I use to sell them on Etsy, but not anymore. However, you probably can find somebody selling them on Etsy now. There where a lot of copycats after I did the video.
Great use for a box full old TV tubes. I like the Andrew Wilson's's idea about the right angle connector. Nice work. Are the USB drives still functional after the molestation? I've subscribed.
вопрос: зачем надо было припаивать светодиоды к контактам usb, если на флешке было предусмотрено под него. эффект был бы куда лучше, чем просто он горит
Awesome work man! More than knowledge what you need is love ( and patience) to do this sort of stuff. Would you consider to make a computer in an old vintage radio? There are some in you tube, but watching this video I guess yours would be really cool.
Hey, thanks for the inspiration. I used some early 1930s radio tubes for this idea. I drilled a hole in the center of the bakelite base, just large enough to accommodate a 3mm 9-12V led and glued it in place. The glue I use dries instantly without odor. The finished effect looks nice and is ready to mount in a one of my retro futurist designs.
Nice work!
why would you use 30s tubes man. waste of rare equipment
@@santherstat, I am a Found Object sculpture artist. Which means I repurpose the unwanted discards of our throwaway society. I used 1930s tubes because they have a great retro look. A visual appearance that more modern tubes do not possess.
Plus, I have no radio gear from that period that uses them. And even if I did, old tubes have a shelf life. They wear out. Hence, why they need to be replaced in older equipment. Old worn out tubes are of little use to someone who is restoring old radio equipment.
There are plenty of old worn out tubes out there to be had. I rescue them and other vintage items before they get tossed in some landfill. Then, I do my best to use that which no longer has a functional purpose, in my Retro Futurist designs.
Just discovered this channel - the quiet background is refreshing!
Thanks for the feedback Karl!
A 90 degree USB connector and lead allows it to be sat on desk and plugged in to laptop. Very nice work mate. This is why I nod up with boxes and boxes of " stuff" awaiting conversion and up-cycling. Old TVs , radios, clocks, instruments, car and motorbike bits etc.
I made a beautiful USB power port hub from an old and worn out racing carburettor that lights up and stores pens and pencils, every petrolhead should have one!
Sound like a cool project.
post pictures.
Enjoyed this video. Some serious injury occurred on that thumb and possibly your hand at one time. I am growing my right middle finger nail out now from a November 2016 log injury. Great vid, thanks.
Thanks! Yes, the thumb was cut about 12 years ago and never grew back the same. My finger got in the way of my chisel a few weeks ago and I had to stitch it up.
This Channel should be MUCH bigger than it is. Fantastic content. Great job Justin.
Thanks for the vote of confidence Derek!
They look absolutely stunning but my only reservation would be the amount of extra leverage strain they would place on the Mac or PC USB sockets? I have caught a few USB sticks over the years ferreting about the computer and have accidentally mashed the USB sockets in the process necessitating replacement. Only use these on easily replaceable front panel auxiliary USB sockets that plug into internal MoBo headers for this very reason as you will be stuffed if you trash the PCB mounted ones. Have fun and play safely guys as these do look really cool!
Yes, you do have to be careful.
I like this build. Always did like tubes. Just a new twist on a old product. Fantastic. I will build one for my desk. thanks
Yeah, I love the look of old tubes too.
Thanks for showing us your workflow and links to parts and supplies. Excellent workmanship.
Glad it was helpful!
thank you for sharing and for letting us sell a few. I will never be a threat to your market but few for me will give me money towards other projects which on my fixed income is a very big deal and I have subscribed. thanks again
Your welcome!
It's certainly great to watch a craftsman at work and the device on your drill that makes metal holes
larger is a great bit of kit.
Yes, they make short work of the task.
amzn.to/2kbXIiJ - DEWALT Step Drill Bit Set
those two exposed copper traces at the top of the usb drive are for powering an led you could have connected the led to those without a resistor. Doing so will also make your led flash when the drive is working
Wow! That's good to know! Do you know the output voltage for that location?
First time i see someone tidying up in tutorial. Nicely done.
Thanks!
This is about as good as "to-the-point" tutorials get. Thanks for the upload.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
Love SteamPunk, great idea, thanks.
;)
Gonna add these cool creations to my Custom Whiskey Dispenser. I just completed to cool ones 👏👏✅
Very cool!
I do some electronics from time to time. I made a TARDIS and wired up some sound and an LED for the light. What is the resistor for, to step down the voltage for the LED I am assuming? Which direction, too hard to see do you wire the resistor?
Here's a calculator. www.digikey.com/en/resources/conversion-calculators/conversion-calculator-led-series-resistor
Thanks!
i appreciate not having stupid music over this. i've been playing my own instead.
Haha! Thanks!
This is thing is a child of every era - true steampunk!
Thanks!
@@Makebuildmodify you’re welcome! I love steampunk although I haven’t built much of it (as in any) I still like seeing projects, and this is top notch
Ik they draw a lot of current, but couldn't you have powered the tube filaments so that it looks like the tubes are doing something?
Or would the current draw be too much?
Yup, too much.
Something deep in my core wants to know if you tracked whether or not the blue-cased USB drive became the blue-lit drive and thus the same for the red.
Ha! Let's just say I did. ;)
why is that sound of the video so satisfying and calming 😂
Ha! Thanks!
You can use power from usb to light up and LED to simulate glowing of tube. Just needs a dim LED and a resistor!
Yes, that is what this video is all about. Thanks for watching!
Not gonna lie...That's BADASS!!
Thanks!
**
Watching intricate work puts me into a trance. After five or six minutes, I discover I'm sitting there with my mouth hanging open like a drooling moron. Beautiful job.
Ha! Thanks!
What a great mix of old and new materials to make something useful. Very creative.
Thank you!
I love steampunk and found your video rather therapeutic. I must say you work extremely fast. :P
Ha! should I slow down?
I made this and I get so much attention from it when I use it at my highschool. Thanks man😂
Awesome! That's great to hear! Thanks for letting me know!
+Make Build Modify no problem, thanks for making me popular. Keep up the great work
I'm dumb and new to building and making things, so I'm sorry for my dumb question, but what is that cone drill bit he keeps using?
It's called a step bit. they're designed to drill thin stock like sheet metal or other sheet materials. they're great to have in your tool set. Here a link to a good one. amzn.to/2kbXIiJ
P.S. You're not dumb. You're just learning a new hobby.
@@Makebuildmodify You're amazing. Thank you beyond my mildest dreams!
I dont know why somebody would dislike this video.....it was AMAZING! Great job.
Thanks!
because its a waste of vacuum tubes
Nice work! You can go further and put the LED inside the tube and a higher resistor value to simulate the filament glowing. Check audiofile forums to get cheaper burned tubes
That's an interesting idea.
It looks great! my only comment is that you could have used the inside of the bulb and wired in more storage space for the drive, and made the whole bulb light up while you're at it! Actually... I think I'll just do it myself! Thanks for the awesome idea! So, where do you get those bulbs?
It's tough to cut the bulbs. But I have seen it done before. All of the tools and materials are linked in the description.
Hope those tubes are either duds or types that aren't valuable. One of them looked like it might be an EF86, a rather sought after audio tube.
Not sure if it was an EF86 but you get them by the hundreds on eBay for about $0.25 each.
A big thank you for this great video - there is a lot of work behind it, which was fully worth it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
It's so relaxing to watch this without having annoying techno music in your face. :)
Thanks for the feedback!
Agreed 1000 percent
That is soooo cool! Whats the resistor and voltage of the led?
The resistor is 100 ohms and the LED 3.3 volts. The links are in the description. Thanks!
So how many usb drives did you break before you got it down right?
I think Iv'e ruined 2 or 3. Only because they in a case where I couldn't see size of the chip. If you by the type I used in the video you shouldn't have any trouble.
Make Build Modify yeah I'll have to give it a try but, haha i don't have the same confidence that you have. also did you just bulk order your clock parts?
How do I buy one and how much do they cost? I’m curious about why there’s nothing for sale on your website.... You could sell stuff like these, have plans/drawings with parts and tools for sale in a pdf for $1 or something. You could make a killing!...
I sold these for a little while a few years back. There really wasn't enough demand to keep making them. The few that did buy them really liked them though.
Great job! Is there any danger in using vacuum tubes? I've read that they could still have power stored in them. I have a huge one that I found in the trash, I would like to use in a project.
I don't think there is a way for them to hold a charge. But you should do some research on your specific tube to be safe. You can always test the electrodes with a volt/ohm meter. Thanks for watching!
Make Build Modify Sometimes I don't think of the obvious, you're right about testing for voltage. I think what I read was they still may have voltage when off, but that's when they were still in their device.
Such cool ideas!
I truly appreciate that you list the materials and tools needed. Other channels want to charge.
Thanks! I'm glad you like it!
so embarrassed, but what are these? Just something to look at and enjoy? or am i missing a function they perform?
Don't be embarrassed. They are a novelty item. The brass and the vacuum tubes are for decoration and the memory chip is for storing computer files. So in the end they are just a decorated USB memory stick. Thank for asking and for watching!
27 thumbs up in "Z" formation for this kind, humble response. Need more of this in the world and on RUclips in general.
What are the two gold tabs at the top of the chip for? Were those led connections?
I'm not sure. They might be but I've never tested them.
Jep, gives you the same voltage as the two outer points u used. Just plug the usb stick in a computer and use a multimeter to find the plus and minus.
After watching this what a brilliant idea and will message you soon. I wondered if you thought of or tried wiring from the USB socket directly onto the Tube Heater Pins providing they are 6v as some pre-amp Tues are 12v ....just a thought as the Tubes themselves would glow!
Nice idea but the filament in the tube is likely to draw too much current. Most USB don't provide more than 1 amp at 5vdc.
@@smartguy10000 Most tubes of that size only draw 0.3A- WELL within the limits of a USB port!
Wouldn't the filament get hot if it was used for a long time?
;)
Love it , great idea . Pity you can't supply enough power the vac tube through the USB for that unique glow.
I wish i could too.
That would get very hot, very quickly. A tube that has a 6v filament will get up to around 200 deg F in a few minutes.
Whats the black stuff at 11:38?
It's J-B Weld 8271 KwikWeld: amzn.to/2CWOb8z
that's pretty freakin' COOL! how many times have i burned my fingers fiddling with the old tube radios years ago, but hey, these ones are safe to handle, lol. nice job!
Thanks!
dfo you save all your brass shaving?
Forgive me but what does dfo mean?
I think it's a typo for "do"
Such skill and imagination 😊
Thanks!
Just wondering when you do sell them where could I get one?
I'm not selling them any more. But if you're really interested there are some other artists that have since started selling them on Etsy.com. Just do a search and you find a bunch of different types.
Make Build Modify awesome thank you for letting me know
wicked cool! what'd you do to your finger? looks like you almost lost it
I slipped with a chisel. Looks worse than it really was. Thanks for watching.
Wow. This steampunk light usb datatraveller is cool.
Thank you!
If u connect it to the data line instead of power it'll flash when the usb is being used
Hmmmm. Will is cause damage to the data?
I'd love to see you turn a gaming keyboard turned into a steam punk style with typewriter style keys. Wishful thinking?
Interesting idea, Thank you for watching!
Steampunk-Nerdgasm .... That's freaking cool.
Thanks!
Crazy. I played with tubes in the 60s.
These are probably at least that old. Thanks for watching!
What is this for? Why so much work to light a led?
It's a novelty usb memory flash drive.
Is there a way to make brass that has been polished with sand paper remain shinny for more than a few weeks?
I'm not sure. I think you can put a clear coat on it.
nicely done!
what happened to your right index finger? Looks like a hole saw jumped on ya
I slipped with a chisel. 8 stitches. 😣
Great project, and lots of other tips I picked up along the way such as using tape for a mixing surface and some of the solder techniques. One thought, please don't drill into your hands, they are too talented. Get a vee block or make a jig.
Thanks! I'll be more careful.
Those are just super cool.
Thanks! I appreciate the view and the comment!
Hi, Valves/Tubes are always cool, analog. Very nice steam punk mod. Be good, C.
I will. Thanks!
A tube itself isn't analog though. The were used in digital applications too. Grid voltage zero (0) or saturated (1)
Brilliant! Bonkers and I luv it! Very well made too, thoughtful construction. I assume that is a 100 ohm resistor, looks like it.
Yup. 100 ohms is correct. Thanks for watching!
Yep.. Definitely gonna be making me some of these! Very cool!!
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
Awesome! Hey what did you make your drill bit holder out of?
Thanks! I think you're talking about the bit that held the gear in the beginning of the video. If so, it's a large center punch tool. I had to grind the larger portion round so it would fit in my drill press. The tapered shape allows for a tension fit.
Make Build Modify
No your drill bit "case" @ 3:20
Oh, That's an antique drill bit holder. I think it's from 1905. It folds up too!
Make Build Modify
It's pretty 😎 I wants one. 😊
Great video, like the blue the best
Thanks! I like the blue ones too.
Muchisimas gracias desde Colombia. Very creative work!
De nada.
So is this making, building, or modifying?
Lol!
These are awesome! you would sell out at Maker Faire!
I used to sell a lot of them on Etsy. But the market is full of copycats now. So I only offer them during the holidays. Thanks for watching!
Well done sir. Thank you for taking the time to share and enlighten.
I'm glad you liked it David. Thanks for watching!
Excellent workmanship!
Thanks Jim!
Too awesome for words. All those tubes I tossed out in the Air Force. ::sigh::
Thanks, Jim!
Lovely work man.
Thanks!
Also, was that epoxy you used at the end there to seal up the usb connector to the brass?
Yes, the epoxy is for strength. The USB drive would be too weak otherwise.
Why use so much painters tape on the tube. It seems like a small strip on the bottom of the tube would be all that is needed.
Good question. It helps when the glue gets on my fingers. Otherwise I get epoxy finger prints on the glass. That way I don't have to stop to clean my fingers.
That's AWESOME! Ever considered making a steampunk computer case out of an old sewing machine or something? :D
Yes I have, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Thanks for watching!
What a crackin' build! Just as soon as I get my workshop finished....... ;-)
Thanks! I hope yours turn out great!
this is like watching silent movies the man don't talk, maybe that's part of his steampunk Theory
;)
Next is to make them functional as a usb tube storage flash drive. It can be done.
These are 32 GB.
@@Makebuildmodify ooooohhhhh... So Cool!! 😎 (mind blown!)
Are these for sale?
I use to sell them on Etsy, but not anymore. However, you probably can find somebody selling them on Etsy now. There where a lot of copycats after I did the video.
Very nice! Where did you find the valves?
You can get them on Amazon I put a link in the description.
I had no idea Radio Shack still existed. Also, please tell me those are dead tubes.
I think Radio shack is still alive online and I'm not sure if the bulbs were dead. But they're literally a dime a dozen on eBay.
i have a full shoe box 300 of them if you want to make an offer
Nice Craftsmanship. Subscribed.
Thank you for the Sub and watching.
Great use for a box full old TV tubes. I like the Andrew Wilson's's idea about the right angle connector. Nice work. Are the USB drives still functional after the molestation? I've subscribed.
Yes, the USB still works just fine. Thanks for the Sub!
love that drill bit holder.
Me too. Thanks!
Hi Mod, Had to sub after watching that build, nice. Take care, C.
Thanks for the Sub!
Excellent. Great Ideas. Many thanks.
You are welcome!
Pretty innovative! Impressed.
Thanks!
вопрос: зачем надо было припаивать светодиоды к контактам usb, если на флешке было предусмотрено под него. эффект был бы куда лучше, чем просто он горит
это был дизайнерский выбор.
Awesome work man!
More than knowledge what you need is love ( and patience) to do this sort of stuff.
Would you consider to make a computer in an old vintage radio?
There are some in you tube, but watching this video I guess yours would be really cool.
Thanks, A vintage radio computer would be pretty cool!
Inspired! Creative and beyond :)
Thanks!
was one of the tools you used a soldering iron?
Yes, I have it listed in the description.
Make Build Modify I hate using the soldering iron
Adam Cleary blowtorch it.. mini ones
AMAZING and BRILLIANT !!! Awesome job man !!
Thanks Kavah!
Great vid, thanx. Especially for listing all the parts so well😀
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
how much you sell em for
I was selling them for about $120.00. But the market is now full of knock offs. So they're not worth making to sell anymore.
Sweet idea dude!
Followed you over from the video creators comments . . . . . . stalker ;)
Nice! Thank you for taking a look at my videos!
Pleasure man, looks like you make some cool stuff. Will check out your other vids too :)
measured and precise engineering....😂
Thank you?
These are great, nice work! 🤓👍🏼
Thank you!
Great job. Thanks for sharing the video.
Thanks for watching it!
So.. what are the steps?
No steps, just a video.
Love this video. Great idea!
Thanks so much 😊
nice. and they only take 15 mins to make. awesome
Lol!