Adam Stouffer wrote:

: I used a 12AT7 and 6L6 instead and got excellent results. Heres my
: progress so far:
:
: http://24.53.190.127:808/~tesla/amplifier.jpg

Are they standard banana plugs on the anode leads? Safety?
Good idea for metering, I suppose (but maybe not "childproof":-)

How is the "brushed" look achieved, or is it just a trick of reflection?
Is it just an orbital sanding effect? The reflections of circular objects
seem magnified, giving it an almost circular sanding effect there.

This reminds me of deep "holographic" effects I've seen deliberately created
on "art" metal furniture, at an interior design show. Might be neat to do...
I've read since that "3D effects are intentionally produced on steel
surfaces through use of a wire-brush power tool. The larger the diameter of
the brush, the deeper will be the apparent highlights."

That reminds me of earlier reading this page, just as a general overview
http://www.amasci.com/amateur/holo1.html
and, from a link off it, a remark on the abrasive effect, at the bottom of
http://www.rgmwatches.com/engine.html
As an aside, have a look at the amazing patterns he-) Chassis decor?
http://www.rgmwatches.com/engine99.html
Too hard over large surfaces though, I bet, but quite extraordinary.
[Doesn't affect the sound, anyway, either!]

Regards, RdM