Our 'New' 1950's Geo. Stevens Pickup Winder



Awhile back I got a most interesting email...

It seems a Ham radio operator died and left behind an incredible collection of old
school radio equipment, including this early 1950's Geo. Stevens Model 210B
 handguided radio coil winder.

His family found Angeltone in a Google search on Geo. Stevens winders, and
decided to see if I would be interested in buying it. I was, but I admit I was
more interested in what is in front of it in the photo - a complete set of the
"unobtainium" traverse transmission gears for my other Stevens coil winder!

When I finally got it home, it was in a serious world of hurt.

The original motor (shown below) was burned out, the main bearings were junk,
and the wooden base was soaked in oil from the winder's leaking oiling system
and burnt insulating varnish from the motor. Worst of all, the 'clock type'
turn counter could only count 25 maximum turns!
Despite all this, I saw its potential and decided to totally rebuild it.

The photo is how the winder's AC motor was originally controlled - a Variac
to control the motor speed and the switch mounted to the box at top
controls the motor's direction. Unfortunately, like I said the motor
was ruined and parts for this winder are impossible to find.



It's been rebuilt specifically for pickup winding with new main bearings,
a new Formica covered base and combination armrest and wire pretensioner,
  a Red Lion industrial turn counter and high speed optical sensing system,
  a modern DC motor and speed/direction control system that can use either
a 'hand' speed control knob or a foot pedal operated speed controller
like a car's gas pedal, and a lighted magnifier for working with very fine wire.



I was going to repaint it, but decided not to because to me it just looks like it's been
used forever... maybe because it was. It must be the artist in me,
but I think it's beautiful just the way it is.


This is what an actual Angeltone pickup looks like during a wind
from the winder's point of view. I designed this winder so I can see
everything I need to see at the same time and still be able to concentrate
on winding the pickup.

At the bottom of the photo you can see the Formvar covered wire
I'm winding onto this bobbin!



This is a photo of the cover of the operating manual Geo. Stevens supplied
with their coil winders. They may also have a brown cover.
If you have a copy of this book or any Geo. Stevens coil winder
parts and would like to sell it please email me at findyourtone@angeltone.com