Cloth wiring

[Mick61]

New to the forum.  Thanks for the add.

I'm putting together a Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe clone amp, with upgraded 6l6 power tubes.  I'd like to replace all the modern, plastic coated wires with the equivalent cloth covered vintage wires.

I'd like to follow a green (heater, high load), yellow (connections) and black (ground) scheme.

However, I need some guidance in doing so w.r.t.

1) solid or twisted core cloth covered, with or without insulation under the cloth,

2) wire gauges (18, 20 and 22, or??)

In other words, does Hoffman put together the proper pkg of wire I would need.

Thx.

[tubenit]

I'd like to replace all the modern, plastic coated wires with the equivalent cloth covered vintage wires.

Why?  Are you anticipating that this will change the tone somehow?


With respect, Tubenit

[Mick61]

No.  I like the look and ease of use and installation. A good quality cloth covered wire from Hoffman would fit my needs perfectly.

[sluckey]

Just follow the wire/cable link below this message and order as much as you want.

[PRR]

> does Hoffman put together the proper pkg of wire

No. He'd rather run his dog than sit in the corner putting wire-kits together.

Anyway he'd either put-up too much or too little wire for your particular project. Half the buyers would say "not enuff", the other half would yip "too much!"

[Mick61]

Thx for the replies. OK, how does this sound to those in the know?

18ga Green for filaments and load,
20ga Green for preamp,
22ga Yellow for board connections,
22ga Black for grounds

All twisted strand, insulated, cloth covered.

[acheld]

Your heater circuit carries what, about 2A?   No need for 18AWG wires for that, and your fingers will hate you when you try to wire your tubes.  It can be done, and I guess it isn't that bad, but it is certainly not necessary. 

22AWG wire will carry 7 amps without heating significantly.

The only place I use 18AWG (or heavier) is for speaker wiring.

[EL34]

Wire is listed in the Part list for all my boards
Just replace the PVC wire in the list with cloth wire

You will have to guess at how much wire you need
There is no exact amount



https://hoffmanamps.com/MyStore/catalog/PartsListIndex.htm




https://el34world.com/schematics.htm#Hoffman_5E3_Tweed_Deluxe_

[Mick61]

Wire is listed in the Part list for all my boards
Just replace the PVC wire in the list with cloth wire

You will have to guess at how much wire you need
There is no exact amount

Thx.  That's what I'm after.  I'll be in touch to order. Thx all 🙏

[EL34]

5E3 is pretty small so you don't need much wire
Maybe only a couple feet each of 3 or 4 colors