Battittite or Casting Compound Putty

FVHRS · **Posted:** Mon May 14, 2012 7:37 pm

As the FVHRS is preparing to re-babitt 5"x9" journal bearings for BCER 1225 I was watching
an upload on YouTube by the Baltimore Streetcar Museum ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hojtemtiSd8) showing a member doing one of their journal bearings. As such I was wondering if someone from that museum, or another knowledgeable person, who has watched the video can tell me: What is in the caulking gun. Is it what is called battitite or what McMaster-Carr sells: Casting Compound putty? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.
Robert Ashton
FVHRS

JohnHillier · **Posted:** Mon May 14, 2012 9:52 pm

I am sorry that I can not tell you specifically what is in the caulking gun, but it is apparent he is using it as a seal for the pour. I would advice that if you want to try something to seal the molten babbitt, make sure it does not have any moisture present. It can flash steam and blow out the seal or pop hot babbitt back in your face.

Babbitrite is a good product I have used numerous times. It can be re-used for a long time if it is taken care of by being kept clean and in a plastic bag to prevent the putty from drying out. I don't think that is what was being used in the gun in the video; it's too thick to squeeze out. If you are planning on doing a small surface area like a journal and in small batches one at a time, a small order should do just fine for you.

http://www.babbitriteputty.com/Home_Page.html

FVHRS · **Posted:** Tue May 15, 2012 7:35 pm

JohnHillier wrote:

I am sorry that I can not tell you specifically what is in the caulking gun, but it is apparent he is using it as a seal for the pour. I would advice that if you want to try something to seal the molten babbitt, make sure it does not have any moisture present. It can flash steam and blow out the seal or pop hot babbitt back in your face.

Babbitrite is a good product I have used numerous times. It can be re-used for a long time if it is taken care of by being kept clean and in a plastic bag to prevent the putty from drying out. I don't think that is what was being used in the gun in the video; it's too thick to squeeze out. If you are planning on doing a small surface area like a journal and in small batches one at a time, a small order should do just fine for you.

http://www.babbitriteputty.com/Home_Page.html

Thank you for your response and valuable information.

steamerdave · **Posted:** Tue May 15, 2012 11:42 pm

When I did the babbiting on the Valley's 3025, I found that using good old High Temp Silicone seal (the copper stuff) best and easiest as it has a stickiness factor and clings to the surface you are applying it to, unlike the battittite. You can use it immediately after applying as the heat of warming the mold/form will partially set it.

Dave Wantz