Looking for a gunmetal ring casting

[MACParticipant @mac53652]

Hi,

Does anyone know of a loco design (I'm guessing it'll be 3.5" ) that incorporates a gunmetal ring casting that will allow the following sized ring to be machined:

 

ID = 3.7"

OD = 4.3"

Depth = 0.375"

 

Or alternatively if anyone has a ring this size they want to sell.

Regards,

Mike.

Edited By MAC on 16/06/2012 22:14:01

[MACParticipant @mac53652]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Could you not use a slice of hollow cast bronze or gun metal? M-Machine do 4.5ODx3.5ID bronze or 4.5ODx3ID gunmetal.

J

[MACParticipant @mac53652]

Hi,

Had never heard of M Machine, nor had I thought about using hollow bar – which would have come in handy in months gone by!

Just been flicking through their catalogue, they sure do have a great range.

Many thanks.

Edited By MAC on 16/06/2012 23:17:11

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I was not at my PC last night so could not post this link to another way to get your ring. I've done it before with brass but you have to be very carful but if you get a strip of GM or bronze section that should bend a lot easier.

See how this flywheel rim was done.

The hollow bar is very useful and does save turning your money into swarf.

J

[MACParticipant @mac53652]

Great link – thanks. I might have a go making a brass one……for the price I think it's worth a go.

Thanks again for the pointers.

[julian atkinsParticipant @julianatkins58923]

this sounds like a smokebox/boiler ring, and Reeves/ Blackgates etc will have a gunmetal casting in stock to suit. though a slice off some cored bar from a non ferrous metal stockists will save a lot of machining and time and probably be cheaper. my local stockist has been very helpful with such odd requests ive made! also far cheaper via this route for dome bush material etc than buying castings from the ME suppliers

cheers,

julian

[MACParticipant @mac53652]

Hi,

Yes Julian, it is a smokebox/boiler ring I was initially considering (my smokebox is complete, but I want another ring for a related use).

But then Jason pointed me towards the hollow bar (which would be great, but similar in price)…..so the idea of making one from brass bar is appealing.

Regards

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Mac in my reply about the fabrication method it may not have been clear when I said "you have to be very careful"

The problem with most brass bar section is that it is one of the harder brasses, nice to machine but when it comes time to bend it there is a high risk of it fracturing, I have a few part made rings to prove it!!

If you can get a softer brass, GM or bronze section to bend it from things will go a lot easier.

J

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