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[steamboatmodel]

Piping and fittings
I asked this on another forum and didn't get much of a response, so I thought I would ask here.
I have been working on a boiler and engine that was built by someone else, and have run across some fittings that I am not familiar with. I was wondering what size fittings and pipes everyone is using? Also are you buying fittings or making your own?
Regards,
Gerald.

[Circlip]

Depends where you get them from Gerald. In UK both metric and M/E used. Brit suppliers still hang on to M/E, continentals supply Metric. And then there's America 

   Regards   Ian.

[Patternmaker]

Hi Gerald,

I make all my own fittings, mostly use 1/4" 40 & 1/4" 32 for 5/32" ME which are normally used on boiler bushes.

Regards  Mick

[kiwimodeller]

I use 3/16 - 40 and 1/4 - 40 which I get from PM Research in the United States.
http://www.pmresearchinc.com/store/home.php
 Their prices are very reasonable and the service is good, postage to the other side of the world only takes a few days. They also do a range of accessories such as a whistle and lubricators. They offer both taper and parallel theads on most sizes. I have tried both and gone back to the parallel ones even though the threads need sealant, the taper ones just seemed a bit too tight to do up. Hope this helps, Ian.

[steamboatmodel]

Thanks Guys,
I have narrowed it down to only one set of fittings both identical that I haven't identified fortunately I have removed one and will take it along to the next model engineers meeting.
Most of the other fittings on the engine and boiler appear to be 1/4-32 for which I bought a tap and die set for (didn't read add proper thought it was for a three tap set it was only for a through tap will have to order a second and bottom tap).
The problem has been that I think the builder or supplier has changed some of the fittings from what are called for on the prints.
When I finish I will post a list of what the fitting are on this and some of my other engines/boilers.
Ian I think some of the pipe work on this engine may have come from PM research, I think I am going to order some of there fittings, now that I have the tap for them.
Regards,
Gerald.

[derekwarner]

...I agree kiwimodeller  ...parallel threads are by way far preferable over taper threads for model steam applications

UNEF threadform was/is designed to seal in the valley or root of the thread form without the use of any sealant which is technically sound but  is a  consideration for our 100 PSI applications as the force/torque required to attain this leak free joint will often shear a brass fitting into a bronze bushing.......

Rotational alignment is another issue that cannot be achieved with taper threadform fittings  .............Derek