Source for Cast Iron

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namonllor

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Hi guys,
Well, I've decided to go for the gusto and attempt to make an NGEZ-1. Getting the materials for it and would like a good source for the class 40 Cast Iron needed for the cylinder liner.
I'll be using 2024 T351 for the crankcase and cylinder head and have ordered it from Online Metals but when I went to Metal Express for the cast iron, their shipping prices were rediculously high and thought I'd throw it out to the group.
Thank you,
Ren
 
Hello Ren, I must admit that I had to do a net search on NGEZ-1 to find out what it was you were speaking about as I had no idea what it was. A neat little diesel for model aircraft usage (or display ;D ). To take a page out of Bogstandard's book of suggestions, you might want to source an old window sash weight at a flea market or yard sale. They would provide more that enough material for several of those engines and still have stock left. Just a thought, It would be a fun exercise and save you a bundle on shipping as well, besides, you might run across that talking "Billy Bass" you've been pining for in the process Rof}


BC1
Jim
 
Well, Looking through other posts on this wonderful sight I saw mention of Enco.
Now it's not that I don't like your advise, I truly do, but here in Florida, most of what you find is those roll out type of windows.
So with that I'll order a 12" stick of CI from Enco and keep my eyes open at the flea markets for that sash weight.
Thank you Jim and be well,
Ren
 
Ren,
I think Enco lists it under "grey iron" on their website.

Enco almost always has several promotional codes running for free shipping or other discounts and that really helps on things like cast iron stock.

One current code is for free shipping in the contiguous 48 states on orders over 25 dollars and under 125 pounds. The code is WEBJF9 and expires 8/31/09.

Gail in NM,USA
 
I wouldn't spend too much time looking for sashweights. Unless you're remarkably lucky, the cast iron in sashweights is absolute crap. Foundries typically made sashweights out of the dregs of a pour. Now, you might get a good one, but odds are much higher that it will be total junk.
 
Some of those sash weights are truly evil - we put one on a big lathe and with two people leaning on the toolpost it wouldn't even touch it. I've heard tell that others cut like butter though.

Good luck!
 
Well, so much for that theory. I must have gotten lucky as set of weights I got from a friend was of good quality and had no air pockets in them. I never really thought about Florida not having that style of window as is/was predominate here in the Midwest. Besides, an Enco item would be newly founded stock. Best of luck to you Ren.

BC1
Jim
 
I recently ordered cast iron from Speedy Metals online and was pleased with service and price. You can order it by the inch.
 
how about crank shafts from an auto engine. maybe one source
 
As far as a car crankshaft they are made out of cast steel and hard to machine. There was a guy I think his name is Ozzie46 said he got some tractor weights that worked great. Cliff.
 
Actually a great many cranks are made out of cast iron. I worked in Ford's foundry where we made many different cranks. I'm sure there are alot of production steel cranks out there but you shouldn't have any trouble locating an iron one.
gbritnell
 
I have seen tips in older magazines IIRC villiage press projects in metal that iron pipe fittings can be a good source of CI some may actually be steel . but if you can find ci fittings a pipe coupler could make a cylinder liner a cap will make a nice piton a plug would be a handy little chunk . I seen to get a few miles from McMaster Carr a few times a year sometimes I actually am prepared to order stuff and pick it up.
Tin
 
Hi vehicle brake master cylinders and slave cylinders are close grain cast iron ,generally any hydraulic part made from cast iron is good close grain stuff and can be used for liners and piston rings.
Rob
 
Ren, try Small Parts http://www.smallparts.com/

They used to have up to 3 inch in diameter in short lengths, e.g., 3-, 4-, 6-inch etc.

M.

Darn, checked their website and they seem not to have it now. Too bad, it was really nice quality and inexpensive.
 
It might be pretty hard to find any hydraulic cylinders of any kind in some places as they carry a 'core charge' of $20 and sometimes much more. The autoparts rebuilders want them things back fo sho.

A visit to a brake shop might be helpful though, as many times the cylinders become so pitted that they cannot be sleeved and those get tossed into a pile, sometimes even outside of the business. Brake drums would be a good find and they don't carry any core charges as you only replace when they are worn out completely.

(Kid worked at Midas for a summer) :D

Edit: I had to google the NGEZ-1 as well. Whoa! :eek: I'm way out of my weight class around this place.
http://www.geocities.com/joby19672002/NGEZ-1/NGEZ-1.html
 
Ren
MSC and Mcmaster carr both have warehouses in Atlanta. so that may be a possibility. I do like enco for the better prices and free shipping deals but the other two have fast shipping and better selection on many items.
I can get overnight service from either at UPS ground rates as long as I order in the morning. Depending where in Florida you are it might be 2nd day shipping for you. Might be worth a look. I did a little browsing at mcmaster carr they do carry some malleable Iron pipe fittings that could save some machining time. If you have an old fashioned harware store they may stock some.
Tin
 
Not a "traditional" source and certainly no guarentee of success, but I have picked up odd pieces of cast iron along railroad tracks. Spark test the pieces to verify it isn't cast steel scrap. And no, I don't mean: spikes, tie plates, switch frogs, splice bars or the like. This stuff (scrap) had obviously spilled off a gondola car when the load shifted.
I will add a vote for Speedy Metals. Their price was reasonable and they didn't gouge me on shipping.
 
Ren,
I have used Metal Express many times and always satisfied with the service and prices, comparitively speaking. I don't recommend using their website to order material, however. Phone prices are considerably less than website pricing. I have found some prices to be as much as 50% less. UPS shipping has always been reasonable. I have used their class 40 cast iron for cylinder liners with excellent results, but using DOM steel tubing for liners saves a lot of work. That's what I am using currently.
Jeff
 

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