belt tensioner -- rebuild possibility

[the ferret]

Jim, There are a few different grades in the black as well, you need the one that turns off like cast iron turns, a bit powdery, some will absorb oil or water and swell. How do you reckon Phosphor bronze would stand up to the load?
Cheers, Ferret.

[claw45]

Crikey Ferret , you must be a mind reader was just now scrounging around in the scrap bin for a piece off-cut of bronze-- reckon it would be bees knees. Since retiring I have really enjoyed getting back at machining really shows how much you don't remember ( left m/c shop 1973 -- mec eng & mining eng then till2005 ) looks /sounds as though you are at it professionally & do some design/fab as well. What type work do you do -- is it similar to Tony . All on hold till I get sample part from Tony. -- have you considered constructing exchange service in WA.? -- May not be feasable for some of reasons as you alluded to in previous post. The Black that I have turns beaut but still runs a stringy swarf so it must still be a grade or two softer than optimum -- will call by old shop & see what offers there. Cancelled my professional indemnity in surance 30 june so no more charge out jobs for me .-- still do some design at arms length ( pays for toys etc. LOL. )-- GREAT SITE THIS --soooo helpful & participants are so generous of spirit . Regards Jim.

[the ferret]

Hi Jim,Nah, my days under the bonnet are long gone, I just work on my invention, The Ferret deflator.
I also make light brackets and bibs n bobs, use the lathe most days, lots of welding etc and hang'n out on this forum,
Yes they are a great bunch on here fer sure.
By the way, phosphor bronze is self lubricating whereas normal bronze isn't, but as a machinist, you would know that.
Don't be misled by the soft swarf on the acetal, it'll take a finger off as quick as stainless.
Cheers Rod.

[claw45]

G/Day Rod, Yep up to speed on the bronze - used to spec as seals on hyd cylinders ( 900 ton) in coal mining .
O/T do lots caravanning & have discovered a design fault in the suspension system as used by thousands of vans ( happened to mine) so dropped it into repair shop ( van specialist ) & was alarmed at the proposed repair technique -- stopped the process , enquired as to why a much simpler & hugely superior fix was not used& he said that they hadin the past, tried to accomplish the repair, as I wanted ,but in so doing had about 12 shop hours invested so aborted & just went with the accepted fix. could not accurately drill necessary holes) -- I held repair over pending solving his problem.
I have subsequently designed & am in the process of building a jigging system to do the job properly -- will have working prototype next couple weeks ( been into house renos last 8weeks ) & he will test run on my van -- if successful I will build a few & sell to selected dealer/repairers.
Where I am going with this is that you may be interested to build a few & add to your inventory-- just keeps the m/c's going & when on the move can call on a dealer/repairer or two ,keep ya young !!! ha ha -- I don't want any $ would get satisfaction that poor unsuspecting van owners are getting propper job done ( there are literally thousands on the road who don't know why their tyres scrub or springs are breaking !!! yikes -scary to me -- will keep u posted on result of test run. BTW thought Tony may be interested - his dad can knock up the jig & he can go from there.
Regards Jim

[the ferret]

Hi Jim, I would be interested in the workings of it, altho I dunno if I have the time to build them.
You could register the design and sub them out to a Machine shop/fabricator.
Don't flash it around at all as you may need to patent it.
Cheers Rod.

[claw45]

Hey Rod. Been down that patent line in another life -- but as I said if it works as expected ( i'm sure it will ) only too happy to pass it on to deserving persons especially if will be of benefit. M/C is simple -- only one piece of precise turning but a miller is also reqd to dress one face -- could do it on larger ( big ) lathe & flycut. Really just enjoying using owm m/c's &solving the problem. Regards Jim

[claw45]

Rod , an off topic but of interest -- was nearly a close neighbour of you -- bought canal block in Sth Yunderup abt 6 yr. ago to be closer to my kids (Perth & Albany ) but I could'nt get a builder to start on construction for 2 years & would not fix completion or final costing -- what a schmozzle so we ditched the idea & sold the block . Was looking to catching all those crabs from my jetty . Small world really. Catch ta later Jim.

[kroski]

claw45, I sent you a pm, have a look. Cheers

[the ferret]

Rod , an off topic but of interest -- was nearly a close neighbour of you -- bought canal block in Sth Yunderup abt 6 yr. ago to be closer to my kids (Perth & Albany ) but I could'nt get a builder to start on construction for 2 years & would not fix completion or final costing -- what a schmozzle so we ditched the idea & sold the block . Was looking to catching all those crabs from my jetty . Small world really. Catch ta later Jim.

Well, tie ma face to an ant hill and smeer ma ears with jaym, small world,
Plenty crabs in the summer, if yer over this way, call in fer a crab fest, I'll show ya ma 1949 Rapson and Dutton lathe, ya probably done ya time on one.
Cheers Rod.

[claw45]

G/Day all -- Quick update -- made some replacement bushes today -- the unit appears as new -- the material was supplied by another member but as I recollect it was Nylatron -- will make some more from Acetal nuw that I have reqd. dimensions. Jim.
PS. this is in no way a major refurbishment .. just need access to lathe. ( provided journals are not worn.)