The Steamboating Forum

No insulation under the wood, this boiler's diameter is quite large already, adding 2 or 3 inches to it's diameter is not something I'd want to do. .080" (.076" 14 ga) thickness would more than likely require a different style end, other than a simple 90 degree bend- in other words, more labor. Plus a sheared would need to be deburred and radiused.

For online metals, have a look at Speedy metal. They will ship any length I think. Can get almost anything. Shears, burnouts etc.

http://www.speedymetals.com/

-Ron

Here's another company that has everything:

http://www.farmerscopper.com/

They shipped me odd-sized silicon bronze when Atlas and others were out of stock. Mike, your cup runneth over.

Hi Mike

Sorry for the silence this side of the Pond. I have only just picked this topic since I am now in the place where you were.

I will be asking around so will come back with any info that I get, although I appreciate that you job will be long finished by then.

Regards

Pete

How about using a coil of 3/8 or 1/2 inch copper water tubing, rolled into a flat? My Harbor Freight sheet metal rolls/brake/shear can do this in a couple of passes, starting with a soft type L coil of 3/8 tubing. The flattened tubing does not have the sharp edge to catch clothing and fingers.

I don't know if you have made a choice of material but I have a quantity of spring phosphor bronze about 1/2 hard. I think from memory it is about 1" wide and about .040" thick. It is coil stock, lies flat when released from the coil, it is a light bronze color similar to silicon bronze, not brassy.. If this is of interest to you pm me and I can check on the exact dimensions.

Steamboat Mike

As you guessed, I have finished that part of the job. I chose mild steel painted black. Dirt cheap and I don't feel bad if I need to change anything.

Thanks for the thoughts,

Mike