Tapping head clutch

So, I have myself a nice Archer tapping head.

The snag is, the clutch is totally mullered. I would like to replace the material but what would be suitable? You can see from the pics that the clutch has been overtightened and this is the result:

There are parts of the lugs remaining on one of the plates but the others are completely stripped. I remember when, back in the mists of time, you could actually buy replacement brake linings complete with copper rivets so you could re-line your own brake shoes. I don't think they do now though

graham.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#friction-material/=qqxvsl

McMaster in USA have various thicknesses and friction levels in sheet form. Not sure if they ship to UK or what costs would be, but they have the products.

You might try looking at truck clutch rebuilders locally, or clutch rebuilders. Suppliers to antique car restorers will likely carry it too.

Good luck JD

I have one of these that had similar problem, if used properly I don't think there's much heat involved, I used some very thick and very stiff card, and to be honest I think its the same or very similar stuff that was originally used, its red in colour and about the same thickness, it has a waxy feel to it, and can be cut with a fret / junior hacksaw, its the stuff used to make clamp bands on electrical wires like in the old type 3 pin plug, I think I still have some kicking about, you are welcome to have some, for the price of postage if I can find it, if your interested let me know and Ill look.........

HTH

Shaun

Try this guy :- **LINK**

He helped me with sone parts for my D'andrea boring head just before christmas, a very helpful guy.

Nick.

Hi Graham

It might pay to contact R H Nuttall in Birmingham ( link ). From their website they do all sorts of fibre material, that looks very similar to the red fibre washer material. They can probably advise you, and they sell off cuts.

No connection, never used them but spotted them in a search.

Keith

Is the red sheet stuff called 'Vulcanite' ? Its like thick red cardboard.

Clive

.

Great link, Keith ... Thanks

Off Cuts of decent materials

MichaelG.

Apparently it is indeed Clive. That link is very worthwhile too.

I am off back into the BatCave to measure up and see if Shaun has a big enough chunk to help out. Fortunately the new pack of fine toothed blades for my Fretsaw arrived yesterday

graham.

Can you use this as a replacement for tapping head clutch: **LINK**

Well, yes and no. I could throw my Chuck in the bin and replace it, but I would much rather repair it. Besides, I want to use it in the Lathe tailstock.

So, thinking about this Jens I think you may have confused Clutch with Chuck, two different things. Please excuse me if I am wrong.

graham.

So, with many thanks to Shaun I fixed the chuck. He kindly sent me some material and half an hour with the fretsaw and it is now all back together, good as new!

Once again, my thanks to Shaun and those that identified the material. I have enough of the stuff now stashed away that I could repair it again, AND again if I get too over enthusiastic with it.

graham.

Hi Graham,

is it a reversing clutch or just a slipping clutch?

Neil

It is a slipping clutch Neil. However, it had been tightened way beyond acceptable and the lugs on the clutch plates torn off or damaged beyond repair. I have now made new plates and it will be fine.

graham.