Over the last few weeks, along with spinning a few other plates, I sent out for some stainless parts for the boiler. I decided to go with an all stainless construction because, even though it is more expensive than copper alloys, it is far simpler to get the parts made. A copper and brass assembly would have required at least one, possible as many as three separate castings, plus a whole lot of hand fabrication; expensive and time consuming. The laser-cut stainless parts were delivered in seven days after I placed the order.
Clockwise from the top right - the flange to connect the group to the boiler, the boiler flange, bolt circle flange and the fixed end flange.
First the group flange has to be drilled out to the correct minor diameter and then tapped. Starting with the tap held in the drill press to make sure it goes in straight and then finishing by hand.
The brew reservoir that sits behind the group flange to provide preheated water for the chamber is made from a small section of schedule 40 stainless pipe. The square end is cleaned up on the mill and then a radius is added to the opposite end which is rough cut at a 30 degree angle.
Then we fire up the tig welder to put a structural fillet on the outside of the joint and surface butt-weld to seal the inside. Welding, I am convinced, is good for the soul. A little buffing with a wire brush and the part is ready to receive the lugs than will hold it to the frame. Then the assembly can be welded onto the boiler tube. I also realize, while writing this, that I am missing a hole in the wall of the reservoir tube to provide an inlet for the water from the HX. 😶 It wont be terribly useful without that.
Clockwise from the top right - the flange to connect the group to the boiler, the boiler flange, bolt circle flange and the fixed end flange.
First the group flange has to be drilled out to the correct minor diameter and then tapped. Starting with the tap held in the drill press to make sure it goes in straight and then finishing by hand.
The brew reservoir that sits behind the group flange to provide preheated water for the chamber is made from a small section of schedule 40 stainless pipe. The square end is cleaned up on the mill and then a radius is added to the opposite end which is rough cut at a 30 degree angle.
Then we fire up the tig welder to put a structural fillet on the outside of the joint and surface butt-weld to seal the inside. Welding, I am convinced, is good for the soul. A little buffing with a wire brush and the part is ready to receive the lugs than will hold it to the frame. Then the assembly can be welded onto the boiler tube. I also realize, while writing this, that I am missing a hole in the wall of the reservoir tube to provide an inlet for the water from the HX. 😶 It wont be terribly useful without that.
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