Chassis bench jig

[MarkusBass]

I think someone mentioned this PDF file but not sure if it was posted here?

I was going to say that I found drawings for the cradle. I found it few years ago (I think it was posted on the forum) and built it. It's very good.

Mark

[TomCarlos]

To work on my Peavey Encore 65 and inspired by galaxiex in post #4 and and nevetslab in post #19, I built a jig using a stack of three 2x4s with a back brace. If I need extra height, I can put a couple 2x4s going across the bottom. If you have a wider amp chassis, you simply cut and use longer back braces.

I discovered you might need some extra height if you are using Bias Probe sockets and need to have some breathing room for the power tubes.

Thanks for the ideas!!

[Jon Snell]

My jig is adjustable. I use a few pieces of 4" X 2" and a couple of 2" X 2".
Ideal and cheap. One size fits all.

[Chuck H]

Me too. My personal book case is in my shop/bench room. We have three other book cases throughout the house but these are "my" books. Electronics, amps, music, mushrooms, fishing, etc. So I just grab a stack of books to prop ends where needed. It works remarkably well because books come in many different thicknesses My projects can run long though. So there has been a few times when I spent time looking for a book only to find it under the amp chassis on the bench after looking at the book case for twenty minutes

[The Dude]

I'm right there with ya, Chuck. You'd think after all these years, I'd have something a bit more professional, but I just use whatever I have laying around. It might be a stack of VCR tapes (yes, they still have a use ) or whatever. I find that I rarely need to bother. Much of the time, you can set the chassis at an angle so that it's not resting on the tubes. Easier to see into and work in the chassis that way, too.

Edit: I usually just tilt the Fender types as I said, but the Marshall types I tip the cabinet on its face and use the blocks that hold the rear grill to support the chassis.

[Chuck H]

Much of the time, you can set the chassis at an angle so that it's not resting on the tubes. Easier to see into and work in the chassis that way, too.

Yep. That's what I find using the stacked books. I can stagger them a little to clear tubes and still have more secure support under the chassis.

I've seen so many variable needs with amp chassis that I believe I'd spend a lot more time trying to make a "one size fits all" chassis jig/rig work than I do just with the books. Plus, how practical is it really just to have pivot and angle options? Especially if you have test leads, sig genny and probes already connected The idea of a purpose built tool for the task is charming, but more novel than practical IMHO.

[SoulFetish]

My jig is adjustable. I use a few pieces of 4" X 2" and a couple of 2" X 2".
Ideal and cheap. One size fits all.

If you want to really treat yourself, grab some Douglas Fir scraps (or UK equivalent, as it's native to N. America )

My father had some scrap from a recent project, so I snagged some for my bench. Now I just feel spoiled.

[dmeek]

These are very simple to make

https://music-electronics-forum.com/...1&d=1585791396

[TomCarlos]

I like that design!! Much simpler than what I came up with. A dado cut in the base would help strengthen the upright support legs.