affixing an aluminum bronze bushing to steel

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AllenH59
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Joined: Wed Mar 16, 2011 1:26 pm
Location: Prince George BC Canada

affixing an aluminum bronze bushing to steel

Post by AllenH59 »

Gentlemen... I want to make some new larger area centering rods for the steady on my lathe. I have some aluminum bronze to tip them with ( it is bushing stock, not welding rod), firstly, is this a good choice? and secondly, how will I attach it?. Thanks.
Allen
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NP317
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Re: affixing an aluminum bronze bushing to steel

Post by NP317 »

Blind drill and thread them so they are replaceable.
AL-Bronze can be difficult to solder.
RussN
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Harold_V
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Re: affixing an aluminum bronze bushing to steel

Post by Harold_V »

A comment on threading. Under adverse conditions, it would be possible for a threaded insert to loosen. That could prove to be a real problem, as it would load the part, attempting to prevent rotation of the spindle.

The question is, would that happen?

Hard to say, but if it was up to me, I'd avoid threads. It's easy enough to make a press fit, which would also allow for replacement as required, assuming the body of each jaw was through drilled.

I can't respond to the degree of success one would achieve using aluminum bronze as a bearing, but it is very tough material. I suspect it would be an acceptable choice. Keep the steady jaws properly adjusted and lubed and I suspect it will serve admirably.

H
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rkcarguy
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Re: affixing an aluminum bronze bushing to steel

Post by rkcarguy »

What kind of equipment do you have access to? I have TIG welded on a layer of silicon bronze "SiB" to steel on many occasions for it to act as a bearing material or just so it's easier to grind down than a steel TIG weld.
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