Member postings for Graham Porcas

I need to make some new rings for my 1500 Speedy, when I took it to bits there was virtually nothing left, just a few slivers of string!!

Coming from G1 I have used PTFE rings backed with Viton O rings which work very well, in my opinion much better than the long recommended graphite yarn.

I have a nice piece of filled PEEK which I was thinking of experimenting with, anyone have any experience with this compared with graphite filled PTFE?

For 5" I intend to make one piece rings as proposed by Artisan, any comments about how these compare with my G1 experience?

The PEEK clearly has some carbon loading, it's black, but whether this is enough to give good abrasion resistance I'm not sure, the cylinders are bronze so I'm concerned about wear.

The part was left over from an F1 application where wear was unimportant, as long as they made it to the finishing line!

The alternative would be to get hold of some 25% or 35% graphite filled PTFE but it looks like I have to buy a meter or two when I really only want 150mm max, and it's expensive.

The fallback option is braided graphite square yarn which a lot of friends still swear by.

Thoughts?

Mike

You are right but I object to the prices usually asked for 14" blades on eBay, they never seem to be cheap when I look!

16" blades are much cheaper and more readily available, so perhaps I should try shortening them?

Graham

Gentlemen

Thank you for your unexpected welcome back!

I had forgotten exactly what it was I posted about before and am glad to see that it was nothing too embarrassing although I have gone off carbide tips and am back to HSS.

The rear tool post is still in daily use and sworn by rather than at, I don't understand why this should even be a discussion point as it makes parting off such a simple and satisfying process.

I didn't buy the Blackgate as I eventually found an old (very old) Rapidor which I saved from the scrap yard when I heard about one being thrown out during a purge, also in near daily use and much appreciated although finding 14" blades is a problem. Might be a topic for a new thread? How to make donkey saw blades?

Best Wishes

Graham

I used to be a member on this forum but fell off the edge some years ago, there must be few old posts of mine knocking around somewhere.

Now back because I am actively looking to purchase a running 5" tank loco, must be GWR