Boiler Bushes

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Andy G
Engine Driver
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun Mar 31, 2013 11:22 pm

Boiler Bushes

Post by Andy G » Tue Feb 27, 2018 5:54 pm

Hi Folk's
I am ordering some boiler making materials.
The supplier is saying that gun metal has now been generally replaced as modern materials go by bronze.
He is asking if I want
sae660 leaded cast bronze
or
Pb102 hard drawn bronze (90% copper)
To make the
Main steam pipe (smoke box bush),
Main (boiler top steam collection bush).
Main (regulator and other) back head bushes.
Any advice on the choice of material I should choose would be most apreciated
Cheers.
Andy G.
Norm Lorton
No rank
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 6:32 pm

Re: Boiler Bushes

Post by Norm Lorton » Fri Mar 02, 2018 10:00 am

Hi Andy

You should always use PB102 on boiler bushes. It needs sharp tools to cut and will grab on a slightly worn drill. Dormer A002 series drills are the best.

SAE660 is designed as a bearing metal, like Colphos, and the lead content is not a good idea for silver brazing. It does machine more easily.

Having said the above, in the past (and present) lots of people have undoubtedly been using the 'wrong' bronzes and probably got away with it.

Norm
Andy G
Engine Driver
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun Mar 31, 2013 11:22 pm

Re: Boiler Bushes

Post by Andy G » Sun Mar 04, 2018 11:12 am

Hi Norm
Thanks for the reply.
I will now let the supplier know the type required.
Thanks also for the additional information with regard to working with the material and choice of drill etc.
Best Wishes.
Andy G.
ejparrott
Cleaner
Posts: 10
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2016 3:57 pm

Re: Boiler Bushes

Post by ejparrott » Fri Mar 09, 2018 11:53 am

I normally use PB1 for my bushes
Norm Lorton
No rank
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 6:32 pm

Re: Boiler Bushes

Post by Norm Lorton » Sun Mar 11, 2018 5:30 pm

PB1 is good, PB102 is more readily available from suppliers.
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