20AWG solid core Teflon wire - A plug for ApexJr

[Normster]

Based on a recommendation at ampage, I ordered some 20AWG solid core Teflon from Steve at apexjr (http://www.apexjr.com/wire.html). He has it in 7 colors and his prices are the best I've seen anywhere. $12 for a 100ft roll is pretty hard to beat. (You can also purchase shorter lengths at $0.13/ft) That's half what I paid for Beldon PVC. Pretty fast shipping as well.

I don't work for Steve, but thought some of you folks might have had the same difficulty I had in sourcing Teflon wire at a decent price.

[Omar]

Does Steve have a minimum order requirement?

Omar

[mlp-mx6]

$20 minimum order.

[Icetech]

I only hear good things bout steve.. but til there is a online order page ill keep buying my teflon wire from turretboards.com

[mlp-mx6]

turretboards.com does not appear to sell solid-core wire, only stranded. I definitely prefer solid-core wire.

[Icetech]

ah good point:) I havn't tried solid core myself.. so didnt think bout that..

[Bob-I]

I've tried Teflon once and found it hard to strip and work with. Lately I've gone to stranded 20AWG PVC and I like the way it dresses. It does become an issue re-working joints as the strands seperate but if that happens I just replace the piece.

I've found that if you just cut the insulation with the stripper, then pull the end off with your fingers twisting as you go, then tin it, it's easy to work with and dresses out nicely.

Of course that's this month, I may try the apex wire again.

[dogears]

Why not just use the Alpha solid core? Already tinned, no stranding issues, and easy to strip.....

I've tried Teflon once and found it hard to strip and work with. Lately I've gone to stranded 20AWG PVC and I like the way it dresses. It does become an issue re-working joints as the strands seperate but if that happens I just replace the piece.

I've found that if you just cut the insulation with the stripper, then pull the end off with your fingers twisting as you go, then tin it, it's easy to work with and dresses out nicely.

Of course that's this month, I may try the apex wire again.

[Bob-I]

Why not just use the Alpha solid core? Already tinned, no stranding issues, and easy to strip.....

I figure the only way I can develop an opinion on this topic is to try several types of wire. Unfortnately when you buy several rolls of several colors you have enough for lots of amps.

[Tdale]

I've mainly used stranded wire, and have been happy with that. I did use some solid core too, for heaters mainly.

Solid core breaks more easily I think, at least if you, for some reason, bend it a few times, which you of course don't really need to do..

What are the advantages of using solid core in your opinions?

Tommy

[Allynmey]

Hi all, one more plug for steve. I buy all my wire from him. I've bought PVC and stranded Teflon. I now wire all my amps with solid core 20awg teflon. Get a good stripper (no pun intended) and the stuff is heaven. It stays where you bend it and it fits in preamp socket loops without elongating the slot. Heater wires twist and stay neatly

Allynmey

[Tdale]

Do you guys use 20awg for all the wiring, heaters included?

Tommy

[Normster]

I like solid core for the same reason that Allynmey stated...it's easy to work with and it stays put. I wanted to try Teflon because it provides a little extra insurance against burning the insulation when soldering adjacent wires.

As for gauge, I use 18AWG for power tube filaments, 20AWG for everything else. I sometimes use 22AWG for wiring mini-toggle switches just to make life easier.

[Bob-I]

Do you guys use 20awg for all the wiring, heaters included?

Tommy

I actually use 22AWG for everything. It has plenty of current handling and is finer for fitting into the tube sockets and pot holes.

[ayan]

Do you guys use 20awg for all the wiring, heaters included?

Tommy

I actually use 22AWG for everything. It has plenty of current handling and is finer for fitting into the tube sockets and pot holes.

22AWG is probably good enough for all of an amp. Here are some quick calculations for heater requirements in a typical ODS type of amp, if anyone is interested:

a. 3 x 12AX7, at 0.3A each = 0.9A

b. 1.5A per EL34 = 3A for a 50W amp and 6A for a 100W amp

c. 0.9A per 6L6 = 1.8A for a 50W amp and 3.6A for a 100W amp

Best case scenario: 50W amp with 6L6s = 2.7A rating required
Worst case scenario: 100W amp with EL34a = 6.9A rating required

22AWG current rating for chassis wiring is 7A, so it should be fine even if EL34s are used. I personally like to use 18AWG teflon wire on the filaments, and agree that it's an overkill.

Cheers,

Gil