Making own cables

  • Thread starter Thread starter cincy_kid
  • Start date Start date
I rigged up a block of timber with holes drilled, into which I can insert phono plugs snugly. This holds them in place in an orientation that suits me for soldering, and I just use "helping hands" or similar to hold the cable. You find your soldering mojo pretty quickly.
 
^^ +1

I have a block that includes the innards of a male XLR, female XLR, phonos and TRS/TS. Works a treat.
 
I find it hard to solder these days with the way my eyes have gone. :( I find it hard to solder with glasses on.
Lots of times I find myself soldering from years of experience, kinda letting go and just using the force ... :D ... I can do that with my eyes closed.
 
moresound said:
I find it hard to solder these days with the way my eyes have gone. :( I find it hard to solder with glasses on.
Lots of times I find myself soldering from years of experience, kinda letting go and just using the force ... :D ... I can do that with my eyes closed.
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I wear "Boots" reading glasses. #3 to drive in and #4 to read and type this. #s 3 AND 4 for soldering!

Dave.
 
Re "not a vice": Unless you all have hands like gorrillas you will not be able to twist Neutrik jack cable clamps home.
I put the body in the vice and use big pliers to turn the back bit, holding the cable the while so it does not twist.
Silicone grease is a very useful lubricant here. Get a can of "Back to Black" from Halfords and spray a bit in the cap. The residue will lube a dozen cables and threads and the can last for years.

Dave.
 
moresound said:
Guess maybe my problem are my bifocals.
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I had surgery for cataracts in both eyes a couple of years back, and now need specs for close work. I have a pair of single focal length prescription specs, set for a focal distance of about 30cm or so, which are perfect. I can't do this kind of work with graduated lenses.
 
ecc83 said:
Unless you all have hands like gorrillas you will not be able to twist Neutrik jack cable clamps home.
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Dave, could you post a pic or give the part number for the connectors you use?
 
Thanks Dave. I know what you mean about turning the cable clamps. Great tip about the bumper spray, by the way! I'm going try this at my next cable-fest.

Cheers! Paul
 
PRHunt said:
Great tip about the bumper spray, by the way! I'm going try this at my next cable-fest.

Cheers! Paul
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Just be careful or you'll get the squirts for a couple of days with that silicon spray if you happen to transfer it from hand to mouth!
 
moresound said:
Guess maybe my problem are my bifocals.
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The best investment I ever made was a few years back when I changed to varifocal lenses. They might not be for everyone but, for me, they just work.

(And don't we all sound old?)
 
Just be careful or you'll get the squirts for a couple of days with that silicon spray if you happen to transfer it from hand to mouth!
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Careful is my middle name :drunk:

(And don't we all sound old?)
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You'll have to speak up sonny. Everyone seems to mumble these days...
 
ecc83 said:
Re "not a vice": Unless you all have hands like gorrillas you will not be able to twist Neutrik jack cable clamps home.
I put the body in the vice and use big pliers to turn the back bit, holding the cable the while so it does not twist.
Silicone grease is a very useful lubricant here. Get a can of "Back to Black" from Halfords and spray a bit in the cap. The residue will lube a dozen cables and threads and the can last for years.

Dave.
Click to expand...

dang, really? So is that just for the Neutrik connectors or will I need this lubricant spray and gorilla hands for all assemblies?
 
Well I don't have ape hands. I use Neutrik and I don't seem to have problems. Yet some of the guys here at the studio have a hard time with them. Guess your gonna have to just give it a whirl.
 
PRHunt said:
Thanks Dave. I know what you mean about turning the cable clamps. Great tip about the bumper spray, by the way! I'm going try this at my next cable-fest.

Cheers! Paul
Click to expand...

You are very welcome. You can get silicone spray in many shops. Habberdasheries also keep it. I have had a 100g tube for about 7 years and use it as described and for lubing the tips of a Helleman sleeving tool. You only need the merest smear on the tip of a fine screwdriver.

Dave.
 
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