steam cylinders

[cessna]

Hi, I am going to make two steam cylinders for the donkey engine I am building, is there any reason they cannot be made from steel rather than cast? Cast is just not very available to me.
Thanks
Terry

 

[Tin Falcon]

while steel would work there are advantages to CI
have you searched for dura bar?

http://www.dura-bar.com/distributors/index.cfm
there are a coupel of distibutors in vancouver and a couple more in Kent Wa.
Have you tried them


Team Tube LTD
Coquitlam, BC V3K 6B5
www.teamtube.com
Toll Free: 800-663-3515
Phone: 604-468-4747
Fax: 604-464-0341


ArrowEncore Metals
Delta, BC V4G 1H1
www.encoremetals.com
Phone: 604-940-0439
Fax: 604-940-0451

ArrowCastle Metals
Kent, WA 98032
www.castlemetals.com
Phone: 253-372-5640
Fax: 253-854-7401


ArrowEMJ Company
Kent, WA 98032
www.emjmetals.com
Toll Free: 800-323-5852
Phone: 253-872-0100
Fax: 253-872-8552
Good luck

 

[cessna]

Thanks for the reply and info.
Terry

 

[dparker]

Cessna: Speaking of cylinders, I have a couple of old drum break wheel cylinders that I have been eyeballing with the thought of making them into little engines. So far just thinking, but you might stop by a auto repair shop or wrecking yard and see if they have any. Good cast iron (if not too pitted) and even has a couple of mounting holes. Just a thought.
don

 

[Tin Falcon]

Terry : the other thought I had was see if they are willing to give names of local machine shops that use dura bar.
Maybe those shops will sell you a few end pieces at scrap price.
Tin

 

[cessna]

Thanks for the replies, I have tried the two local machine shops, the wheel cyls is an interesting idea. I will try the suppliers you listed, I hate to bug them for a small sale.
Terry

 

[tel]

Steel fabrications, with either CI or bronze liners, would be fine.

 

[cessna]

Thanks tel, that I can do.
Terry