Baffle tie rods...how the heck???

cjensen · #1 09-01-2009, 10:45 AM

How is everyone getting the steel tie rods for the under cylinder baffles threaded???

I've got mine cut to length, and was trying to thread the first one today...busted it. The rod twists, work hardens, and SNAP! Yes, I am using lube, and the correct 6-32 thread nut...so now I have to find at least one more piece of rod to replace the one I broke, and now I'm afraid to do the rest!

How did you do it?

Frank Smidler · #2 09-01-2009, 11:37 AM

I followed what Danny King suggested to Don McNamara, used a fully threaded rod from a hobby shop. I believe it takes a #4 locknut. I put a bend in it to clear the bottom baffel and used a high temp plastic tube over it for protection. Worked great, no problems after 130 hrs.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

cjensen · #3 09-01-2009, 11:45 AM

Thanks Frank! Great suggestion!!

jrs14855 · #4 09-01-2009, 04:34 PM

4130 rod can be threaded without breaking. Available from Aircraft Spruce. I chuck the rod in a lathe and start the die by pushing on it with the tailstock. Or you can buy the rods from Pitts. I am still searching for some stainless I can thread. The stuff I found so far is too hard.

frankh · #5 09-01-2009, 04:48 PM

I.e safety wire with a covering of 1/4" nylon tube available from your local hydraulics emporium (they call it air brake hose).

just tension by pulling on the pliers and pushing on the baffle....Seems pretty bulletproof. Use a washer at the ends to prevent the wire cutting a groove in the baffle material.

Oh you hvae to use nylon..anything else will melt.

Frank

dhall_polo · #6 09-01-2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjensen

How is everyone getting the steel tie rods for the under cylinder baffles threaded???

I've got mine cut to length, and was trying to thread the first one today...busted it. The rod twists, work hardens, and SNAP! Yes, I am using lube, and the correct 6-32 thread nut...so now I have to find at least one more piece of rod to replace the one I broke, and now I'm afraid to do the rest!

How did you do it?

Hmmm. You don't mention that you're using a die. Are you trying to thread the rod with a nut?

deene · #7 09-01-2009, 06:13 PM

Buy some copper coated 1/8th inch welding rod from your favorite welding supply shop (cheap unless they have a min purchase). Thread it and you're done. Been using this for many years with good results. Rod is smooth and doesn't require any covering.

robjohnson · #8 09-01-2009, 07:06 PM

I second Frank's response -- that's what I did on mine. The 'ol safety wire covered in nylon tubing with a couple washers to prevent cutting. After 73 hours, no indication of chaffing or the safety wire cutting through anything. A whole heck of a lot easier than messing with those rods....

cjensen · #9 09-01-2009, 09:04 PM

Thanks all! I think I'll go with the easy peasy safety wire!

Webb · #10 09-01-2009, 09:50 PM

It can be done. Thin the end on using your grinder so you can get the die on it. Otherwise, it is pain get the die to bite since the rod is stainless. Liberal machine oil and slowly tighten and back off by 1/2 turns.

I couldn't get it threaded until I gave the die a chance to bite. If you are trying to use just a nut, you are guaranteed failure.