By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more
Forum sponsored by:
Forum sponsored by Forum House Ad Zone

Gib Strip Material

All Topics | Latest Posts

Search for:  in Thread Title in  
WALLACE27/05/2011 19:28:50
304 forum posts
17 photos
Any view / thoughts on the 'best' material for new gib strips ? Can see pro's and cons for brass, mild steel or even something a bit tougher but all the commercial tools I've come across are steel of an unknown grade - do they know something or is it a cost thing ??
 
The slideway they'll be up against is cast iron.
 
 
thanks !
 
W.
 
Pat27/05/2011 19:55:43
94 forum posts
1 photos
With the other side being cast iron on cast iron and with the tail part of the dovetail being the minor contributor to the friction - friction I suggest is not the selection factor. IMHO brass is not that suitable as it bends very easily and the function of the gibb is to spread the pressure uniformly from the adjusting screws to the tail. For this reason I try and use well finished steel. The gibbs I have removed on big machines appear to also be hardened as they do not scratch easily.
 
Regards - Pat
ady28/05/2011 00:11:26
612 forum posts
50 photos
Posh machines use hardened gibs.
mgj28/05/2011 09:26:40
1017 forum posts
14 photos
Soft material will surely load with abrasive dust and become a lap?
KWIL28/05/2011 11:40:25
3681 forum posts
70 photos
Flat Ground Stock is hard enough untreated, but you can easily harden it if you wish.
Tony Pratt 128/05/2011 16:42:41
2319 forum posts
13 photos
Flat Ground Stock untreated is a good suggestion but if you harden it you may get flatness problems.
Tony
Pat28/05/2011 17:16:37
94 forum posts
1 photos
If you use gauge plate this will not distort when heat treated for all intents and purposes. After all this is why gauge plate is used for making dies and gauges which require further heat treatment but where further machining (grinding) costs which would negate the premium demanded by gauge plate manufacturer/supplier. The packet / label in which gauge plate is supplied gives the instructions for various hardnesses. Since gauge plate is harder than the cast iron further heat treatment should not be necessary but polishing might be good if you can do so without destroying the flatness.
 
Regards - Pat
WALLACE28/05/2011 22:48:37
304 forum posts
17 photos
Thanks everyone - it all makes sense and sounds good - gauge plate it is !


Wallace.

All Topics | Latest Posts

Please login to post a reply.

Magazine Locator

Want the latest issue of Model Engineer or Model Engineers' Workshop? Use our magazine locator links to find your nearest stockist!

Find Model Engineer & Model Engineers' Workshop

Sign up to our Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter and get a free digital issue.

You can unsubscribe at anytime. View our privacy policy at www.mortons.co.uk/privacy

Latest Forum Posts
Support Our Partners
cowells
Sarik
MERIDIENNE EXHIBITIONS LTD
Shopping Partners
Subscription Offer

Latest "For Sale" Ads
Latest "Wanted" Ads
Get In Touch!

Do you want to contact the Model Engineer and Model Engineers' Workshop team?

You can contact us by phone, mail or email about the magazines including becoming a contributor, submitting reader's letters or making queries about articles. You can also get in touch about this website, advertising or other general issues.

Click THIS LINK for full contact details.

For subscription issues please see THIS LINK.

Digital Back Issues

Social Media online

'Like' us on Facebook
Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
 Twitter Logo

Pin us on Pinterest

 

Donate

donate