Taper pin reamers

[AndrewP]

The motion on my Rob Roy calls for 3/32 taper pins in several places which I haven't come across before.
The pins are no problem, about 25p each commercially but the reamers look silly prices to me.
Assuming I can turn (or grind?) some silver steel to the right taper (1:48) and mill off nearly half to make a sort of tapered D bit would that work after step drilling or am I going to have to put my hand in my pocket yet again?

frugally, Andy

[drjohn]

I may be wrong, Andy, but to my mind, the tapered hole has to be just as precise and smooth as the pin to get the taper lock effect. Any slight inaccuracy of turning, milling and the likely distortion of hardening a piece of silver steel might well make a hole in your beautiful Rob Roy, which would then have to be re-machined.

Even as a canny Scotsman, I did buy one taper reamer. ;D

[alanstepney]

I have made taper-D bits in the past, but it is far better to use the correct reamer.

Try Tracy Tools. Their prices are reasonable.

[jgb7573]

One of my friends had trouble with taper pin in the motion of his 5" Hunslet. He replaced them with roll pins and had no subsequent trouble. It might by worth considering.

[AndrewP]

Thank you gentlemen,
If DJ bought one then surely I will - they must be essential
Tracy Tools do look distinctly reasonable, thanks Alan, I thought £30 was steep. They seem to have the 3/16 side and face cutter I am looking for as well.
Thanks for the thought John, as a first engine I am building exactly to drawing as a starting point (except for the drawing errors of course).

[Prowe]

I know I am lucky as I bought my taper reamers 40 + years ago when they were probably 15/6d (75.5p) each!
However I have found that fitting and more importantly removing taper pins on loco motion relatively easy. Roll pins can sometimes need a great deal of pressure to remove, I once bent a link on my Spencer due to removing a tight roll pin and I swore I would never use them again.

[gee]

Hi All,
I have the following small taper pin reamers in stock.

1/16"..7/64"..1/8"..9/64"..11/64"

All unused

[e-mail]

Grahame.

[AndrewP]

Following Alan's tip I rang Tracy Tools and spoke to a knowledgeable chap who pointed out that I could have a set of 10 tapered reamers for the cost of 4 individuals (I had requested 3), admittedly it may be a while before I use a 7/16 taper pin but you never know.
Add in a 3/16 slitting saw I wanted for the eccentric rods for £3 and the total bill came to about the same as one supplier wanted for 1 taper reamer.
They are all British made, well apart from one American but that's all right, and arrived this morning.
I suspect I will be using them again.
No connection etc. etc.

Cheers, Andy