A problem comming up for many organisations rebuilding or considering rebuilding their locomotives is a source of boiler taps and staybolt taps. Yes, we can buy new rollers and expanders but will need to get the rest of the special tooling needed. Is there a way you could locate a source for taps and other tooling.<br><br>



fwantz@pressenter.com

Boiler taps are generally a slightly different thread pitch than standard pipe taps which require the machining of special plugs. I<br>generally ream out the oddball threads when they are damaged and retap with a standard. Makes it easy to order high pressure steam plugs from<br>McMaster Carr, et al. Better yet, there are 3000 PSI weld-on half couplings pre tapped that give a lot more threads to grab and seal up real well that can be installed on the boilers (assuming there is room). If I need to chase and save old threads, i know I can find the necessary taps within my network to borrow for a short job. <p>I don't much use screwed stays anymore either. There is a bit of a debate but generally I think the reduced diameter of the stay to the thread root, along with the stress riser created when the thread is cut on the stay weakens them compared to a welded in stay. Steven Butler,<br>whom I have a lot of respect for and who has learned his trade from some damn good experts loves his threaded stays though. I can borrow staybolt taps if I need them, but i usually don't, just weld stays in instead. <p>If I were to look for a source of new tools, i would look toward Eastern Europe or the Far East for a source. It may be that Backshop Enterprises<br>or some other supplier will find it useful to generate a foreign source that can furnish them at reasonable cost and import them someday but the<br>market is very small since most new boilers are assembled with welded components and repairs are made accordingly.<br>



davelecount@juno.com

Vermont Tap & Die at Lydonville, Vermont has the origional drawings and specifications for staybolt, boiler stud and washout taps. New ones aren't cheap but are available.<br>Steam Locomotive Services, Inc. also has some new and used staybolt taps from time to time. Right now I have new 7/8" 12TPI "V". (sorry for the commercial message) JDC<br>



jdconrad@snet.net