Table maintenance

[bricktip]

A price would be good, and used ones would be fine as long as they are in good usable condition. Although the hex bolts would probably be better, I think taking the current bolts out could be asking for trouble

Are the hex bolts the same length as the original slotted types as used in the BCE's?

[maryfield]

I have used ones available or I can get from Peradons. You would need 12. I can get you price for postage unless you wanted to arrange it?

[bricktip]

Surely easier to deepen the holes slightly using a forstener bit or a suitable size spade bit to accommodate hexagonal head bolts which can be tightened with a socket set. The barrel nut in the frame will have the same thread as the new bolts which can be purchased new for around £ 2 each. Job done and very little faffing about with bits etc.

Where would they be available? I was looking at both types of bolts for sale on a website sometime ago when i was just browsing around for other stuff, but i don't remember where.

[philip in china]

I suppose it is a little recherche bUt I am what I am.

[bricktip]

Well as an amateur blacksmith I would heat it in my forge!

This is very common - and I hear it numerous times every day )

[philip in china]

Possibly so but if deciding to make the tool that is the way to heat treat it.

[maryfield]

Surely easier to deepen the holes slightly using a forstener bit or a suitable size spade bit to accommodate hexagonal head bolts which can be tightened with a socket set. The barrel nut in the frame will have the same thread as the new bolts which can be purchased new for around £ 2 each. Job done and very little faffing about with bits etc.

[philip in china]

Well as an amateur blacksmith I would heat it in my forge! A gas ring would be hot enough to get a good red colour. You are looking for a sort of bright cherry red.

If you don't have success let me know- it will be due to the level of carbon in the steel. So if too soft (it bends) or too hard (it breaks) PM me and I will give you more extensive heat treating instructions but if the bit is about the carbon level I suspect you should be fine.

[bricktip]

Sounds good Phil. What would you heat it with in the first place?

[philip in china]

To finish off the tool you are making first of all heat the end to cherry red and quench it in oil. (Any oil will do- old motor oil, chip fat or whatever). If you quench in water it will probably crack. You then need to temper it by putting in an oven at about 220 celcius and allow it to cool gradually. That should leave it a dark blue colour. You will have drawn some of the hardness that way and it will be ready to use.

[DeanH]

C/H = central heating I think he means, i.e. very dry heat in modern heating systems.

[bricktip]

Quote: "the wood on youre table has shrunk over time with C/H ?"

I don't know what you mean Geoff?

[Geoff Large]

[QUOTE=bricktip;607550]

You will have to make a bit from an old arbour bit from ebay

I just went to the diy shop to see if there is anything that could work. They had something that looked something like the bit you mentioned, for making rebates in wood. I don't know if that would be hard enough though - and I think could twist out of shape. Are the arbour bits you're talking about very hard?

yes they are hard , you need the chuck grab shank on the ends of them , the modern spade bit drills are soft and no grip shank on the other end , you also need the carpenters brace , they are very cheap on ebay and i doub't that you would pay over £10 for the whole lot , sometimes only 99p , the wood on youre table has shrunk over time with C/H ? and the screws are now proud of the wood , they will require nipping up now and again .

[Geoff Large]

Interesting. Was there ever a special tool for these bolts, or was it always a case of improvising?

yes but the outlets that supplied them have all disapeared replaced by B&Q so no one sells them anymore , just make one like I explained , you may be lucky and find one allready made on ebay , I have seen them but very rare to find these days, our last batch of 6 was made by a blacksmith we got two each but one of mine snapped , but I have my back up brace with one of the home made ones as described .

[Ex Enbild Fitter]

Try and get the biggest spade (flat) bit you can and if you have access to a bench grinder you can fashion a slotted bit that will do the job, grind the point and cutting edges off and try that.