The Home Machinist!

Welded but some of the beads don't penetrate the sheet. That's the way it appears to me. Denny FYI none of the tube welds penetrate the sheet, smokebox or firebox end. Tom 50 something tube ends welded and none of the welds penetrated the sheets!? If it were me I'd get an experienced boiler maker's...

Welded but some of the beads don't penetrate the sheet. That's the way it appears to me.
Denny

As Bill says, never overload your keyless chuck (s) with end mills or S&D drill bits. There's nothing more heartbreaking than watching a really expensive keyless chuck getting "unlocked" with a pipe wrench.

Thank you guys. I was considering 50 to 60K based on what James posted.
I appreciate the picture, it helps and splitting the jets between 2 "circuits" seems to be the way to go.
Denny

That does help, thank you.
Denny

Hi All, Understanding there are hundreds of variables to contend with is there a way to calculate/educated guess/stab in the dark propane firing BTU requirements for Fitchburg Northern and Chloe size steel copper tubed boilers? I have read the archives but could have missed something. Thanks for any...

As Greg said, "Buy what you need when you need it." You -need- surprisingly few reamers to build a small loco. If you're opening a machining job shop, yes buy sets.

Reamers are far from foolproof. Like any material removing process it takes some education to do it correctly.
Denny

If your mill table has room use your step blocks and strap clamps to hold the rotary table. I believe I saw a step block set in one of your photos.
Denny

Shild, a Google search will bring up hundreds of rc car sites.
Good luck with your project.
Denny

Hi shild, Buying mild 1/8" steel bar is nickels and dimes compared to copper tube. Buy some of the steel stock you're going to need in the future to justify shipping. Many of the online dealers who sell in small quantities have warehouses across the country; there may be one near you so you can avoi...

A typical homeowner's MAP torch on a 14 oz. bottle will heat up a piece of 1/8 x 5/8" mild steel hot enough (dull red) to bend easily. Unfortunately, since you were trying to bend mystery-metal all bets are off. We've all been there at one time or another. Online Metal Supply, Coremark and Speedy Me...

As Bill suggested, bead blast it if you know of one around.
With a coating as tough as you're experiencing it'll be good base for primer and paint. Of course rough it up a little with some emory cloth or sand paper first.
Denny