Post by paul on Oct 16, 2008 22:11:08 GMT
I made this little connecting rod (other end unfinished at present) yesterday. As there's a 'round bits on straight bits' thread running in 'General' I thought I'd post it, not so much because it has any relevance to loco connecting rods but because it was the first time I'd managed to make a good joint using the tiniest speck of silver solder!
As it's pretty small (the rod is 3mm dia) I decide to make it 'bi-metal' rather than use a separate bearing material.
Turned and reamed the brass journal (4mm hole) and made a 3mm threaded hole. Made the rod from BMS with about 2mm of thread on the end so it wouldn't impinge on the bearing hole. Set it upright in my miniature hearth with a tiny speck of solder (<pinhead size, lost two pieces while trying to set it up!) and heated everything but the joint! The solder bounced around on the flux a little but then settled down and made a super neat fillet when it ran.
Satisfying!
As it's pretty small (the rod is 3mm dia) I decide to make it 'bi-metal' rather than use a separate bearing material.
Turned and reamed the brass journal (4mm hole) and made a 3mm threaded hole. Made the rod from BMS with about 2mm of thread on the end so it wouldn't impinge on the bearing hole. Set it upright in my miniature hearth with a tiny speck of solder (<pinhead size, lost two pieces while trying to set it up!) and heated everything but the joint! The solder bounced around on the flux a little but then settled down and made a super neat fillet when it ran.
Satisfying!
The cannister is a good idea... dunno if I've still got one though!