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Author Topic: Johnson Desk Kilowatt Restoration  (Read 3954 times)
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WD4LUR
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« on: April 24, 2023, 08:07:37 AM »

I just picked up a Desk Kilowatt that I am going to restore. I am wondering if anyone knows exactly what material Johnson used for the desk top covering? It looks like some sort of a hard vinyl and not Formica. The material on it now has dry rotted causing it to crack. Does anyone know of a source for that material?

I see some people just paint it and leave it at that. But I would like to keep it original if possible.

Thanks,
Dan
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TX: BC-610
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Amp: Homebrew 4-1000A, 160-10m, tuned input, 6500vdc on plate
W1ITT
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« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2023, 09:09:26 AM »

Dan...  That covering is good old linoleum.  A company called DwellSmart is the US distributor for Forbo, a Brit company that makes linoleum desk covering material.  It isn't cheap and applying it is probably more art than science.
https://www.dwellsmart.com/products/forbo-furniture-linoleum-33565
73 de Norm W1ITT
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WD4LUR
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« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2023, 09:30:40 AM »

Thanks Norm!

Yeah, it looks like by the time you get the adhesive and enough linoleum it will be about $124 plus shipping. But it will be worth it to have it looking good and original.

Thanks again,
Dan
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TX: BC-610
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w4bfs
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« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2023, 11:16:38 AM »

I had the desk part at one time.   If you set something heavy on it with small feet the feet will sink into to vinyl and leave a dimple.  use a spreader ....
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Beefus

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to see ourselves as others see us.
It would from many blunders free us.         Robert Burns
WB6NVH
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« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2023, 12:50:24 PM »

The desk itself was supplied by Steelcase, wasn't it?  They seem to still be in business in Michigan.  I wonder if they might have that material still in stock, but I suppose itf they did it wouldn't be any cheaper than the source already quoted.

The top of mine had plenty of dimples in it from the feet of receivers and accessories...
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Geoff Fors
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« Reply #5 on: June 01, 2023, 12:23:44 AM »

I have #641 with added Peter Dahl plate iron from the estate of Irb W2VJZ. it gets a nice 1100 watts carrier out without the desk. Don't know how much more power the desk will bring.
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KL7OF
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« Reply #6 on: June 01, 2023, 08:56:09 AM »

I had desk # 13 and the top looked like it has been used as a workbench.  I traded it away several years ago and the amplifier has been rebuilt and I have heard it working very well on the air.  The ham that has it planned to recover the top although I haven't talked to him in a while so I don't know.  Good Luck and let us know how it goes....  Steve
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Tom WA3KLR
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« Reply #7 on: June 01, 2023, 09:04:33 AM »

It's nice to know where Irb's Desk Kilowatt went. I was afraid he was buried with it, HI.
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73 de Tom WA3KLR  AMI # 77   Amplitude Modulation - a force Now and for the Future!
KB2WIG
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« Reply #8 on: June 01, 2023, 02:24:00 PM »



I was worried that the Insurance Mafia would have it sleeping with the maple trees.

KLC
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What? Me worry?
KL7OF
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« Reply #9 on: June 01, 2023, 08:52:20 PM »

or jefferson?
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W3SLK
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« Reply #10 on: June 02, 2023, 05:01:54 PM »

KB2WIG said:
Quote
I was worried that the Insurance Mafia would have it sleeping with the maple trees.

KLC
Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin
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Mike(y)/W3SLK
Invisible airwaves crackle with life, bright antenna bristle with the energy. Emotional feedback, on timeless wavelength, bearing a gift beyond lights, almost free.... Spirit of Radio/Rush
kb9r
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« Reply #11 on: June 03, 2023, 05:34:34 PM »

I don't know how bad your top is, but I put a piece of plate glass on top of my Linoleum and that looks good.  I actually slid the schematic under the glass, so that and the rigs on top hide the dents.

Joe - KB9R
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WD4LUR
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« Reply #12 on: June 04, 2023, 11:43:25 AM »

The top linoleum is in bad shape and I will have to replace it. I was thinking about using glass as well to keep the receiver from making indention's in the new linoleum.

Dan
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TX: BC-610
Rec: National NC-183D
Amp: Homebrew 4-1000A, 160-10m, tuned input, 6500vdc on plate
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