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Post by mmaidnz on Jun 3, 2006 5:39:29 GMT
Hi,guys.What is to stop me from using steel for the cylinders on my sweet pea? Is there any particular property of cast iron that makes it essential for cylinders  After reading the recent post on cast iron window weights,I bought 2 of what i thought were cast iron,only to find they are steel(4 1/4"diam). If I can't use this for cylinders,it will be used for a rotary table,so it won't go to waste  . |
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Post by Tel on Jun 3, 2006 7:10:50 GMT
I've seen steel used for cylinders, and it seems to work OK, but CI is generally aknowleged to have better wearing properties. If I was going to use steel I'd be thinking about CI or bronze liners
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Post by ron on Jun 3, 2006 10:18:53 GMT
Cast iron is a better bearing metal than steel, I would tend to agree with Tel, you really need a liner.
Ron
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Post by alanstepney on Jun 3, 2006 10:20:50 GMT
Cast iron has self-lubricating properties, or more accurately, water is an ideal mubricant for CI.
Also, it doesnt rust anywhere near as easily or quickly as steel.
As Tel said, with steel bores a liner is pretty-near essential.
Overall, I would stick to CI.
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Post by chameleonrob on Jun 3, 2006 18:10:42 GMT
If you can use continuously cast iron bar then use that, I get mine from mallard metal packs, where the iron is comparable in price to his BDMS, and it machines really well. if its a choice between steel and iron then choose iron.
rob
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Post by chris vine on Jun 3, 2006 18:26:36 GMT
Don't use steel whatever you do!!!
It will rust like a rude boy and will not hold the oil like cast iron will.....
Chris.
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Post by mmaidnz on Jun 3, 2006 22:45:03 GMT
Thanks for the info,chaps.I think i'll stick to CI for the cylinders,and use the steel for other projects  . |
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