"Paul Hubbard" <jessnet (AT) ntlworld (DOT) com> wrote

Providing of course that they own or have access to a lathe, and have some
suitable diameter copper rod.
I doubt it's a practical suggestion for most who subscribe to this n/g.
Mike.

"Mike G" <metier (AT) lycos (DOT) co.uk> wrote

If the op is that much into vintage cars then they should be self sustaining
or know somebody who can do te work required. I have to maufacture to
standards parts to maintain two 600hp marine diesels. Being at least 50
years old in design terms, you have to make your own stuff due to this
stupid march towards enforced metricism.

Besides, what sort of company puts ally washers at road level where the road
salt is going to knock the bollocks out of them...........oh yes, a german
one.

Vorsprung Krap Technik I think.

PDH

In article <45fb3459$0$8746$ed2619ec (AT) ptn-nntp-reader02 (DOT) plus.net>,
Mike G <metier (AT) lycos (DOT) co.uk> wrote:

It wouldn't occur to me to make washers on a lathe. I'd use sheet and
Q-Max punches. Although probably influenced by my big selection of
these.

--
*Real women don't have hot flashes, they have power surges.

Dave Plowman dave (AT) davenoise (DOT) co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

"Dave Plowman (News)" <dave (AT) davenoise (DOT) co.uk> wrote

I would get the nearest slightly smaller ID metric one and use a fine round
file. Now pretty well everone could do this.

A certain Italian motorcycle manufacturer comes to mind also.
Aluminium is a lot cheaper than copper, so provided it lasts the warranty
period, there are savings to be made. What manufacturer cares what happens
later?

"Brian" <blecnospam (AT) tesco (DOT) net> wrote

I have an assorted box of metric copper washers at work. It's surprising how
innapropriate they are for converting into imperial sizes. Especially to
suit 1/4" BSP and above.
Increase the bore size for one to fit, and the width of the washer can
become too narrow, because in many cases the o/d's is just not big enough.
Mike.

"Paul Hubbard" <jessnet (AT) ntlworld (DOT) com> wrote

I agree, but that wasn't my point. Which was that few DIY home restorers
have access to machine tools like lathes, mills, etc. A few might have a
bench drill, but not many would have the room for anything much bigger.

I have to maufacture to
I'm aware of that, as apart from repairing and making mould tools, in my job
I maintain about 2 dozen plastic moulding machines. From 15 to 80 tons
capacity. Plus other machines like dryers, scrap grinders etc. I often have
to make parts to keep them running, as although spares are still available
for most of them, they can be horrendously expensive. Not to mention the
lost productivity in waiting for them to arrive, which could easily
represent a loss of as much as £100 a day.

I have the key to a well equiped machine toolrom. With a lathe, pedestal
drill, universal mill, surface grinder, honing machine, arc welder, MIG
welder, etc etc. which I can use at any time I want, but I doubt that many
in this n/g are as fortunate.

Even with such facilities, as you must know. Making a small items like
copper washers yourself can be expensive if you haven't the material in
stock.
Buying a piece of suitable rod can incurr a minimum order charge as high as
£50.
Expensive if you only want to make a few washers.
Mike.

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 13:55:21 -0000, Mike G <metier (AT) lycos (DOT) co.uk> wrote:

Perhaps a box of non-metric ones would help
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/copper-washer-...QQcmdZViewItem

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 10:19:12 +0000, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

Copper can be a complete bugger to turn anyway. Or cut generally.

Ian

"Ian Johnston" <ian.groups (AT) btinternet (DOT) com> wrote

Not the easiest of metals to machine I would agree as it tends to be sticky,
but IMO parting off is the only op that really needs care to avoid a broken
tool, or clag up. To use a technical term. :-)
Mike.