[SEL] Old plumbing

[Rob Skinner]

On Jul 11, 2008, at 5:09 PM, Jim O'Hagan wrote:

> Hi everybody ,I’m going to re plumb an old engine in the future that
> deserves original type plumbing fittings. They range from ¼” to ¾”  
> “hub less
> type fittings. Des a source exist for these old style pieces? I can  
> salvage
> some but not all of the originals. Thanks for any help .Even raw  
> castings
> would be a start. Thanks in advance, Jimmy O’Hagan 415 892 0236

Hi Jimmy,
If you can't find enough originals, you can make pretty good  
reproductions.  Chuck up a short nipple in the lathe, screw on your  
fitting, and turn down the "lip" until it is straight.  You can also  
use a radius tool to make a more rounded radius on the lip, if that's  
the look you're shooting for.

A grindstone in a Dremel tool is good for finishing up those areas of  
the pipe fitting that you can't reach on the lathe.

Birchwood Casey Plum Brown solution gives a nice brown patina.  I also  
like to use electrolysis to MAKE rust, as opposed to the more common  
technique of using electrolysis to eliminate rust.  Check this: http://engines.rustyiron.com/electrolysis

A hint:  Start with American made pipe fittings.  Most that you find  
at Home Despot and Ace are made in China.  It machines very badly.  In  
electrolysis, it doesn't so much rust as it pits.