Elmers #33

[Rolland]

I am in the process of building a #33 and have a question on the steam chest valves and plate. Has anyone that made one used gaskets between the valve and valve plate or for that matter between the cover plate also. I have lapped them as smooth as I can but still wonder if gaskets would help. If so what did you use.

 

[Swifty]

Do you intend to run it on steam or compressed air? If using air, I wouldn't worry about gaskets.

Paul.

 

[Rolland]

I will run it on air for now, no plans for steam at this time

 

[kiwi2]

I have made one of Elmers engines with the valve setup you have. If I were to do it again I think I would be tempted to soft solder the steam chest onto the engine. I had a problem when setting up the position of the valve by observing it with the cover off. The same screws hold the cover and the steam chest in place and there is a tendency for the steam chest to move when putting the cover back on which stuffs up the valve alignment. This would also give one less joint to seal.
Regards,
Alan C.

 

[deverett]

The chances are there may be small leaks at the joints. Maybe you can live with that, but if you want to use gaskets, thin brown paper coated in oil is the traditional material for models.
What about a gasket compound instead - e.g. red Hermatite, which is non hardening so that the joint can be broken if required?

Dave
The Emerald Isle

 

[Blogwitch]

I have made a few of Elmers slide valves and have always used 0.005" thick virgin PTFE sheet (the etched sheets are no good as they will leak) for the gaskets.

Showing the type of gaskets in use

Very easy to cut to shape

It always separates nicely and can be reused with no problems.

I have seen the results of using a goo type compound on steam engines and if it ever gets on the sliding faces, it soon destroys the seal between them.
Off a Marcher engine I restored, in places the scoring was about 0.003" deep.

Just another way of doing things.

John

 

[vascon2196]

I have used paper gaskets on my Elmer's...but I only use compressed air.

 

[Rolland]

Blogwich
I have made a few of Elmers slide valves and have always used 0.005" thick virgin PTFE sheet (the etched sheets are no good as they will leak) for the gaskets.

I looked that up and found a company that sells 12 inch sheets in various thicknesses so I will order some, thanks for the information ,The company is http://www.eplastics.com Still have a ways to go its like working on a watch after some of the other projects that are in the shop.