Quoted from zarco:This class of consumer AM radio was popular for many decades and were
used safely. The key is the chassis is well insulated from the outside world
and its important to keep it that way. Don't do things like replace broken plastic
knobs with metal ones for instance. These didn't have fuses so its a good
idea to put in a 1 amp to keep things a bit safer. A big no-no is to replace the
line cord with a 3-wire grounded type unless you like fireworks.
I've been collecting radios of all sorts since 1975 and have far more that I'd
like to admit. Mostly very early (spark era thru early 1930's). Its a fun and
inexpensive hobby so easy to fill up your house with them. You can cram
a whole bunch under pins!
I repaired/restored 3 tube radios, a genuine labor of love.
Using tube amps for guitars started seeking out supplies of Old Stock tubes. Answered an ad from Craigslist and a fellow that must have been near 100 answered the door.
Lived in an old Mansion. He listened to what I needed and said "Follow me"
Honestly thought he would fall and die on the crooked stairs leading down to the basement.
Once there it was an amazing sight!
German tube radios from both Wars. Shortwave consoles big and small.
4 (!) tube testors, all in working condition.
Along every wall stacked to the ceiling in bookcases were American-made tubes.
I mentioned how rare Western Electric stuff was, he showed me his WE "section"
Out of all that mess he knew where every tube number was. Found the 3 I was looking for,
plugged them in the Tester and explained heat ranges and a whole bunch of stuff I can't remember.
Wish I had bought more, stayed longer,went back.
Those hand picked tubes made my old Fender scream!
Getting him back up the stairs was rough. So much knowledge in that one guy.