recycling germaniums....

[Toney]

Has any one had success had any luck in pulling germaniums from old equipment ?
One thing is unclear, do germs "age in use", do they have a "use by"?
Have read up GEO etc , now I wanna build a Fuzz.....

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Yeah, plenty of Ge in some old organs (from the 60s) and early transistor radios. Note that it is easier to damage a Ge transistor when unsoldering.
If you are REALLY worried about heat damage, you could always just nibble the board away from the legs!!
Whether a given recovered Ge is right for a circuit is a matter of luck. Some circuits (eg the classic Fuzz Face) are much fussier.

[MartyMart]

Thats right Paul, I've "cut" out parts from old boards that are too delicate to simply remove with heat -  way too easy to ruin them !!
You can "dremel" around the part also, thats quicker than de-soldering anyway  !

Marty.

[Triffid]

I've read a couple reviews of analog mans sun face that said he got the germs from a stove, what ever works... lol

[petemoore]

What's the matterwith heat sinks ? Seems like Ge's could safely be removed with alligator clips..provided the legs are long enough to facilitate a.clip appliaction.
 I've got an old radio with 8 Ge's in it...I just don't have the heart to tear it apart...that radio has a tone to it...I think it's cool just having those Ge's where they are...yeah I know, I can get improved radio performance in a new radio for almost nothing...but not with a vintage leather carrying case...lol.

[Dragonfly]

...yeah I know, I can get improved radio performance in a new radio for almost nothing...but not with a vintage leather carrying case...lol.

100% agreed !