Steam dome from gunmetal

[MACParticipant @mac53652]

Hi.

My loco plans call for a steam dome made from GM and copper – this being a GM flange silver soldered onto a copper tube.

Would it be OK to turn this dome entirely from hollow GM bar (obviosuly with a lid silver soldered on)? There are two reasons for my query 1) I can't source the required OD copper tube and 2) It makes more sense to me to turn it from one piece.

Also – what about wall thickness? Would I use that stipulated for copper tube, or increase this for GM?

Thanks in advance.

Mike.

Edited By MAC on 25/06/2012 00:13:49

[MACParticipant @mac53652]

[Another JohnSParticipant @anotherjohns]

I'd say to keep the wall thickness about the same, or slightly thicker. It's the "hoop" stresses you are worried about. I'd EXPECT that gunmetal is stronger than copper here, but do not quote me on it.

I have also seen people rolling up a little cylinder of copper in these situations, a little bit more work, but not as wasteful on the swarf front.

Another JohnS.

[MACParticipant @mac53652]

Thanks John,

GM hollow bar on its way to me.

Regards.

[Author]

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