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Post by Garry Coles on May 23, 2006 20:59:26 GMT
>:(hi everyone
I see from one of the other threads, that some of us have had bad service from Blackgates. I sent them an order back in Dec 05, and I am still waiting for 4 outstanding items, they said they were going to send them to me a month ago, still waiting. One of the items that was on order was rolled and silver soldered smoke box. It's taken them 6 months to tell me they can no longer supply these, (crap service) I will not be giving them any more of my hard earned cash.
So to my question. Can anyone point me in the right direction to have a brass smoke box made for me. I would attempt to do it myself, but at present, I do not own any bending rollers.
Cheers
Garry
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Post by steamjohn248 on May 23, 2006 21:38:02 GMT
Garry
Contact any of the boiler makers that advertise in M.E and other Mags. They all have rolls otherwise they could not make boilers and they are all pretty good at silver soldering for the same reason. Other wise buy a bit of brass tube the right size and do it yourself.
Or, you could try Polly/Bruce or Live Steam, We always find them excellent as regards prompt supply and generally good service.
Steamjohn
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Post by ron on May 24, 2006 10:38:12 GMT
Don't try Brunell, I asked for a price and delivery for a boiler kit at the beginning of April, still no answer, two emails saying they are working on but nothing else!
Ron
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Ianb
Member
Posts: 8
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Post by Ianb on May 24, 2006 19:46:22 GMT
Hi all,
Living as I do within easy calling distance to Blackgates, I have had nothing but excellent service from them (usual disclaimer). What you might not know is that they are moving shop to Dewsbury about 5 miles or so from their present premises. Their new address will be: Unit1, Victory Court, Flagship Square, Shawcross Business Park, Dewsbury, West Yorks, WF12 7TH. Phone 01924 466000, Fax 01924 488888.
Ian B
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Post by Garry Coles on May 24, 2006 20:29:18 GMT
Hello steamjohn
I would do it myself, but the finished size is 4 1/4 dia. If I knew where to buy some 4 1/2 dia brass tube, I would. Can anyone tell me.
Garry
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Post by steamjohn248 on May 24, 2006 21:57:08 GMT
Garry
Try Smiths, Non Ferrous Metals. they'll probably have tube in metric these days, if its a bit big hack a bit out and re solder it.
Alternatively get a bit of brass and trott round to your nearest jobbing engineering firm or even your local blacksmith.
Sets of small hand rolls are like ........, everone's got one and it wont take two shakes to roll your bit of flat brass into a tube, don't forget it needs to be longer than the circumference, rolls always leave the bit at the end flat (I've just noticed you live in the Channel Islands, last time I was down there there was a tinsmith in town making pots and pans to order out of brass, tinplate and copper).
John
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Post by Nigel Bennett on Jun 7, 2006 12:00:37 GMT
"if it's a bit big hack a bit out and re solder it."
I tried that - but the other way, letting a piece in. Brass tube (Usually CZ126) is hard, nasty stuff, and getting it round again afterwards was a pain. It's still not as good as it ought to be!I think I could have made just as good a job bashing a piece of sheet round a suitable piece of round bar.
Or you could do what one of my pals did - turn a Sweet Pea smokebx out of solid - but don't try it on a Unimat!
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markt
Active Member
Posts: 17
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Post by markt on Jun 7, 2006 16:43:44 GMT
Best non ferrous prices in the country are P&P non ferrous based West Midlands/Manchester. I'm sure they deal with small quantities but not certain as i use them commercially and order large quantites. Usual disclaimer, i have nothing to do with them or their business etc etc blah blah  |
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Post by Nexuas on Jun 9, 2006 10:44:50 GMT
I have recently purchased all the copper for my RUSSELL boiler from a company in Birmingham called Edward's metals they seamed quite cheap compaired to Reeves etc... Over £150 cheaper infact, they also stock silver solder and rivets etc... Give them a google search...
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Post by baggo on Jun 9, 2006 12:05:16 GMT
Out of interest I priced up the copper for a 3-1/2" gauge Britannia boiler last night, mainly because a complete Brit less boiler appeared on Ebay!
From Reeves it would cost about £330, from GLR about £200. I also looked at Macc Models and their copper prices seemed cheaper still. It certainly pays to shop around. Reeves seem to be very expensive for materials and I only buy from them if I can't get something from elsewhere. Saying that though, I have always found Reeves to be very quick on delivery.
John
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2006 19:02:26 GMT
I am living in now living in France after moving from the Bristol area, in all my dealings I have nothing but praise for their service. Admitedly some parts were not available when first oedered but they always turned up later, but no more than 4 months. Regarding the cost of copper and bronzes it must be remembered that the cost on the international market is beyond Blackgates control and they may have to wait for their supplier, who may be speculating, before they ( blackgates ) are in a position to give a Price. However if you are trying to forward plan expenditure I do offer my sympathy.
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