Now here is a rare, err, gem. I think

Is this one of those scam (professional) electric tweezer systems that came out in the 70s? (It has a copyright date of 1976 on the back, and even alleged FCC approval.) I have to say, it looks like a well-built unit. It even has an odometer on the back, that is something I have never seen before.

http://cgi.ebay.com/RFD-model-101A-electrolysis-machine-as-is_W0QQitemZ270251319386

Oh, it sure looks like a scammy thing that is not even worth one penny, unless there is some copper in the "innerd's".

You are correct, The RFD model 101a was a Radio Frequency Device (get it? RFD? Not Rural Free Delivery as in Mayberry, whoa, now my age is showing :D) it was an "Electric Tweezer" that purported to "send RF energy down through the hair and destroy the follicle while you needed only to grasp the hair and hold on to it until it fell out", and as such, is only fit to be modified to hold a probeholder that accepts electrolysis needles/probes and therefore actually provide permanent hair removal. As we have discussed elsewhere, hair does not conduct heat very well, and certainly doesn't conduct radio frequency down the shaft and dispence it to the structures below the skin. Since it is made based on professional units, getting a pro probeholder with a cord that fits this attatchment would be as easy as calling Texas Electrolysis Supply 1-800-626-6025 or sending a picture of the unit and probe holder connector to Texas Electrolysis Supply 16627 Sea Lark Rd Houston, TX 77062


Actually, at the price this system is going for, it would be better than some of the home unit garbage people buy for similar prices, but since it is actually a radio frequency unit, when it was converted with the new probeholder & cord, it would be a thermolysis unit, instead of a galvanic and you know we would rather have galvanic or blend units in the hands of the unskilled, so they can minimize the lasting effects of their mistakes.

If you asked nicely enough, the people at TES would take this machine and add a galvanic current, and an extra foot pedal, and one could have a nice blend machine for pennies on the dollar.

It looks like the BNC connector Instantron uses for their probeholders (though I can't tell if the little bumps on the side that secure the connection are there.) I have never seen a phono plug for the footswitch before though. The power cord also needs to be replaced according to the seller.

I don't have a background in industrial design or anything, but I swear there is something about those Vector and Aaverex devices that subtly says "cheaply made". This one struck me as different, and makes me wonder if they actually believed this thing worked as claimed when they built it.

And on the other end of the spectrum, another Apilus unit makes an appearance on eBay, the Senior II.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Electrolysis-Apilus-Senior-II-Epilator-w-Accessories_W0QQitemZ140246321093

Another Proteus machine makes an appearance on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Proteus-EP-2000-Electrolysis-Machine_W0QQitemZ150269099834

Our friend from Mayberry, RFD is back

As we have already discussed, this machine was made by someone who thought it would work for professional level work, witness that it has lasted this long. While the cord is listed as in need of replacement, from the pictures, I would say that the unit probably fell of a table, or was lifted up and moved past the cord's slack point and the cord was pulled out of the moorings. As long as the solder points are not broken, one needs only push the plug back into place, and maybe add a little glue into the hole to add extra security from the cord being pulled out again if it is every yanked again.

Of course, all that would be attended to while the machine were being converted to a blend unit by Texas Electrolysis supply, if one were interested. $20 for this machine, is a way better bargain than those flimsy things sold for many times more money.

Radio Frequency Device 101a RFD Model 101a

There is no way this used machine (the Proteous)is worth $800.

Once they pay Ebay listing fees for zero bids a few times, they will relist it at $1 first bid, or $100 first bid and finally sell it.

Again, this is a good machine to have Texas Electrolysis Supply ad galvanic current to and have a blend machine for less (that is once they are willing to sell it for a reasonable price)

The One Touch can be had for cheap however (I have seen it for $15 with shipping) and it actually can work. It is a good way for someone to get their feet wet with electrolysis I suppose, and if you feel confident with it you can upgrade to a pro machine. However, the unit does not last long, the treatment options are very limited, it requires batteries, and the probe it uses is huge compared to normal electrolysis probes. Replacement probes are expensive and difficult to find.

If you are absolutely sure you know you want to try DIY electro, just buy a pro machine that is capable of all three modalities and go from there.

A great DIYer setup, including a Bono book, some Ballet needles and a Softblend (blend) epilator
http://cgi.ebay.com/Electrolysis-Machine-TAPEOGRAPHY-Softblend-T80-Epilator_W0QQitemZ260265973165

And an old Kree 1001 thermo only unit, in amazing shape! And only a switch and two sliders on the front, doesn't get simpler than that.
http://cgi.ebay.com/KREE-Model-101-Electrolysis-Hair-removal-Unit_W0QQitemZ190239243072