Anbody want to get in on an order for ferrule material?

[Woodmolds]

I've been doing some shopping (using some of the info that Gary supplied). A 48" long piece of brass tubing, .875 od and .700 ID, would cost us about .73 per 7/8" long ferrule. That's 21 bucks for the tubing, and $14 bucks for shipping. Unfortunately, this seller did not have any other brass tubing appropriate for ferrules, if they did shipping could be grouped and we would save more.

On the other hand, Lee Valley sells some pre-made brass Ferrules, approximately the same diameter is .76 in quantities of 10 or more (plus shipping - the raw brass tubing cost includes shipping). Plus, the Lee Valley Ferrules have a slightly flared base to make installation easier, and it appears that the end towards the tool is rounded over.

Unless we find a smoking deal on some brass tubing at a scrap yard, it may make more sense to get a group order together for Lee Valley so that we can take advantage of the 10+ discount.

Thoughts?

Scott

Scott,
The Lee Valley ferrules are fairly thin stamped brass. I bought some of the smaller ones to use on some handles for a set of needle files. You are correct about the flair on one end and roll over(in) on the other. Packard has some heavier ones, but a little higher. http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Mer...de=packard&Product_Code=103362&Category_Code= Brass tube is the cheapest way to go, but shipping is a killer.
Tony

 

[scsmith42]

Scott,
The Lee Valley ferrules are fairly thin stamped brass. I bought some of the smaller ones to use on some handles for a set of needle files. You are correct about the flair on one end and roll over(in) on the other. Packard has some heavier ones, but a little higher. http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Mer...de=packard&Product_Code=103362&Category_Code= Brass tube is the cheapest way to go, but shipping is a killer.
Tony

Hmm... if they are faily thin, we may be better off with the brass tubing. I have to make a run to Sanford in the next week or so; I'll try to stop by the scrap yard and pick up any deals that they may have.

 

[Mike Davis]

I think I'll stick with the brass compression fittings. They cost more but I am very happy with the results.

 

[Glennbear]

No, what i use are Brass compression nuts 1/2 , 5/8 , and 3/4 inch outside of pipe sizes. So they fit the wood just a bit over the size of pipe they are sold to fit. Always make a test piece using the same wood that will be in your handle and fit the brass nut to it because the hardness of wood will make a big difference in the way it fits the internal screw threads of the brass compression nut.

See the second item on this page link.

http://www.plumbingstore.com/compression_fittings.html

I have yet to make my own lathe tools but reading your post I thought back to my days in a wholesale parts supply house and wondered if there would be an advantage to using a long flare nut. This outfit may not have the best prices but using Google it was one of the first to show a decent picture of that which I speak.:wsmile:
http://fittingsandadapters.com/flarenutlong.html

 

[scsmith42]

No, what i use are Brass compression nuts 1/2 , 5/8 , and 3/4 inch outside of pipe sizes. So they fit the wood just a bit over the size of pipe they are sold to fit. Always make a test piece using the same wood that will be in your handle and fit the brass nut to it because the hardness of wood will make a big difference in the way it fits the internal screw threads of the brass compression nut.

See the second item on this page link.

http://www.plumbingstore.com/compression_fittings.html

Mike, that's a neat idea, especially due to the fact that the end is finished (unlike brass pipe, but similar to a copper pipe cap). Do you remove the threads from the inside of the nut or just turn down the outside?

 

[Mike Davis]

I force the threads onto the wood and turn the outside round.

Keep meaning to post a picture, but mild Alzheimer's :dontknow: gets in my way. :swoon:

 

[DavidD]

Scott,

If you are still looking for some stainless scraps, you could stop by Chatlee boats while you are in Sanford. I believe that they do quite a few boat top installations.

 

[Mike Davis]

Glenn, I think that long flare nut would look great on certain tools.

 

[Mike Davis]

I found a blog that explains very well the same way I make ferrules.

http://www.wkfinetools.com/contrib/jThompson/restore/nutFerrule/nutFerrule1.asp