Having an engine alignment bar made, what kind of metal should I use?

[projo198]

A friend is going to lathe one for me, should I be using aluminum, steel or brass?

Thanks,

 

[Don S]

Re: Having an engine alignment bar made, what kind of metal should I use?

Steel. Alum, Brass are too soft and wouldn't last long.

 

[projo198]

Re: Having an engine alignment bar made, what kind of metal should I use?

Gotcha, made a few calls and it looks like it is still cheaper to just buy one. Thanks!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Having an engine alignment bar made, what kind of metal should I use?

A friend is going to lathe one for me, should I be using aluminum, steel or brass?

Thanks,

While you might be able to use brass, you might bend it "jerking" the gimbal bearing around, a piece of brass the right size would be pretty expensive to buy and then if you're going to actually pay your "friend" to make it the cost wouldn't be worth it.

It took me about 30 min to make my own on my friends lathe.......he's a "good" friend. He didn't charge me anything to use his lathe nor did I expect him to...... I would expect a friend to make the thing for nothing more than a 6-pack or 2...............

 

[projo198]

Re: Having an engine alignment bar made, what kind of metal should I use?

While you might be able to use brass, you might bend it "jerking" the gimbal bearing around, a piece of brass the right size would be pretty expensive to buy and then if you're going to actually pay your "friend" to make it the cost wouldn't be worth it.

It took me about 30 min to make my own on my friends lathe.......he's a "good" friend. He didn't charge me anything to use his lathe nor did I expect him to...... I would expect a friend to make the thing for nothing more than a 6-pack or 2...............

My friend was unable to do it because his lathe only accepted 3/4 stock. He was only going to charge me for the metal.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Having an engine alignment bar made, what kind of metal should I use?

My friend was unable to do it because his lathe only accepted 3/4 stock. He was only going to charge me for the metal.

Sorry about that! Your best bet will be to just buy one on ebay etc. If you actually have to pay someone at retail, it will cost a LOT more!


Cheers,

Rick

 

[projo198]

Re: Having an engine alignment bar made, what kind of metal should I use?

Sorry about that! Your best bet will be to just buy one on ebay etc. If you actually have to pay someone at retail, it will cost a LOT more!


Cheers,

Rick

No prob!

I'm getting one for around 45 shipped, just have to wait until payday to order it. I am getting new bellows and some adjustment plates all at the same time so I can knock it all out at once.

Thanks!