On Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 10:34:46 PM UTC-4, Clifford Heath wrote:
What fails outside of paper capacitors is that anyone still gives a ****.



There is that. But, let's start with the wax: A mixture of beeswax (small amount), paraffin, and petroleum jelly for handling. Does anyone here know how old pure beeswax candles were made? Beeswax was dissolved in warm water, and the wicks were dipped multiple times into the solution, picking up a bit of additional wax each time. the keyword is *DISSOLVED*. Even paraffin wax holds water, and beeswax is directly water-soluble.

Now, the paper: Rather thin waxed paper purchased from the lowest bidder. And the wax, as above, was subject to moisture damage leading to paper damage.

And, of course, the foil. As above, without the wax.

And, there are multiple sites dedicated to reproducing these beasts for audiophile/phool purposes. Go figure.

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA