Vance Bass
Sun, 13 Feb 2005 21:33:51 -0800
Henner notes that you don't necessarily need bronze bushings, since copper can now be tapped with modern cutting fluids. Please, don't take this to mean that you don't need bushings, only that they don't have to be bronze. There was a long discussion recently on the G1MRA list about boilers -- including some from well-known Japanese loco builders -- with appliances threaded directly into the backhead plate, without bushings. I'll spare you the details, but will summarize the thread thus: yes, it can be done. No, it's not a good idea. The original post was looking for a source for bronze bushings. I'm not sure where you'll find copper for bushings, either. Do not use brass under any circumstances, as it will deteriorate in a matter of a few years and become unsuitable for holding pressure. You can buy bronze rod from McMaster-Carr's web site. regards, -vance- Vance Bass Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA Small-scale live steam resources: http://www.nmia.com/~vrbass