source of gauge glass

I am trying to source 1/8" gauge glass. I have looked at the usual suppliers with no success. 5/32" seems to be the smallest dia now available but is a bit clunky for 3.5" gauge models.

You can get 3.5mm diameter watch ace magnifiers if that's any help:

**LINK**

Otherwise I suppose you could turn down the 5/32 by spinning it against a diamond grit jammed with tailstock support and doublesided tapes?

pgk

David - are you after pane glass or round tube water gauge glass? Microscope slides might be worth considering but if it’s water gauge tube - I’ll have a look in my miscellaneous glass tubing box and I’ll get back to you.

John🙂

Umm, gauge glass is normally tubing, so not practical to 'turn down'

1/8" diameter will not give a very good water level reading so a slightly larger diameter is preferred.

Regards

Thanks for the replies.

To clarify it is glass tube I need for the boiler water level gauge.

I am aware of the problems of small bore gauge glass giving over optimistic readings of water level but still think it will work satisfactorily. Should the loco ever be completed it will be an entertainment for myself not a general use heavy hauler for club running.

At one time this diameter, (1/8" was available from the usual suppliers but I suspect the safety nazis have once again protected me from myself.

Dave

I think 4mm is the nearest you are going to get now Dave.

I might have some 1/8" dia from repairing Bing boiler glasses, how much do you need?

Regards

Edited By FMES on 31/12/2018 16:50:32

you can get 3mm quartz tube from **LINK**

at least they list it, a phone call would confirm stock and minimum order, and whether it is suitable for gauge glass

and http://www.glass-solutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Glass-Solutions-Tubing-and-Rod-Price-List-2018.pdf

list 3mm borosilicate (pyrex) but they seem to want to sell an awful lot at once, again a phone call might extract an odd bit as a sample

However the hole up the middle is only 1/16" so as others have said I wouldn't rely on it giving the right reading, capilliary rise will be substantial before you start on bubbles.

Edited By duncan webster on 31/12/2018 17:29:31

Edited By duncan webster on 31/12/2018 17:31:07