Engineering expertise advice please

[Laundryman]

Okay, I admit I'm a bodger. I try to do things the right way, with the right kit but sometimes I need to improvise. Like now!
I'm about to install my new Quick Rider Windlass and I have lost the key that fits in the shaft key way. Now I know that to obtain an original replacement is going to take time so I'm looking to improvise (that's a posh bodge). I have found a piece of metal that fits the bill perfectly in size and fit that is. Problem is, is it man enough for the job? You know the piece of square bar that fits between the 2 door handles on an internal door, well that's my new key. What do you reckon

My concern is that I think the bar is probably cheap chinese mild steel and the shaft is probably stainless. The windlass will get very,very light use. So go on, tell me. Do I do it , or shall I put the fitting on hold while I source a replacement part? If I have to ask the local engineering shop to make one for me, what spec? Thanks. Alan

 

[pampas]

Go to your nearst metal stockist, get a piece of Bronze bar and file to fit or keyway steel, plenty of gease will stop it rusting.

 

[danielefua]

Okay, I admit I'm a bodger. I try to do things the right way, with the right kit but sometimes I need to improvise. Like now!
I'm about to install my new Quick Rider Windlass and I have lost the key that fits in the shaft key way. Now I know that to obtain an original replacement is going to take time so I'm looking to improvise (that's a posh bodge). I have found a piece of metal that fits the bill perfectly in size and fit that is. Problem is, is it man enough for the job? You know the piece of square bar that fits between the 2 door handles on an internal door, well that's my new key. What do you reckon

My concern is that I think the bar is probably cheap chinese mild steel and the shaft is probably stainless. The windlass will get very,very light use. So go on, tell me. Do I do it , or shall I put the fitting on hold while I source a replacement part? If I have to ask the local engineering shop to make one for me, what spec? Thanks. Alan

You can find some information here:
http://engineering.union.edu/~tchakoa/mer419/MER419_keys-and_couplings.pdf

Regarding the possibility of doing it yourself, if you are good with a file, there are no specific counter indications; regarding the material I would strongly suggest using the same metal of the two parts or, at least, of one of the two.

Daniel

 

[Seajet]

Laundryman,

you have done well finding something to fit - are you sure it is exactly the right size ?

If so, google engineering workshops in your area, to get something strong enough; the door shaft might be good for one go but might leave you in the lurch.

Then again don't get a bionic stainless or ultra hardened shaft, as it would be preferable to have a knackered handle rather than socket - case hardened steel would be ideal if you can get it, or something similar off the peg while awaiting the pukka item - get a couple or more made !

 

[Norman_E]

Second attempt. The New forum just ate my first reply.

Proper key steel is harder and has better shear resistance than the mild steel used for door handles. Look up your nearest bearing supplier as they normally stock it, and make sure you get the correct size, which must not have any side to side play in the slot in the shaft, though it should allow a small (few thousandths of an inch) vertical clearance.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

The key should be slightly harder and slightly tougher however what you have will do the job providing it is a good fit with no slack after all this is the part you want to shear if and when there is a jam or siezure.

 

[Laundryman]

Thanks to everyone that replied. Norman E saved the day with his advice to try a bearing stockist. As it happens I have a bearing stockist close by. They measured the key way and had specific key steel in stock. Thank you Norman. And thanks to everyone for not ridiculing my attempted bodge. Alan.

 

[Nicholas123]

Okay, I admit I'm a bodger. I try to do things the right way, with the right kit but sometimes I need to improvise. Like now!
I'm about to install my new Quick Rider Windlass and I have lost the key that fits in the shaft key way. Now I know that to obtain an original replacement is going to take time so I'm looking to improvise (that's a posh bodge). I have found a piece of metal that fits the bill perfectly in size and fit that is. Problem is, is it man enough for the job? You know the piece of square bar that fits between the 2 door handles on an internal door, well that's my new key. What do you reckon

My concern is that I think the bar is probably cheap chinese mild steel and the shaft is probably stainless. The windlass will get very,very light use. So go on, tell me. Do I do it , or shall I put the fitting on hold while I source a replacement part? If I have to ask the local engineering shop to make one for me, what spec? Thanks. Alan

Sounds perfectly alright to me,I would'nt worry about it.Qualifications:Apprenticeship with British Aerospace & many years bodging myself

 

[Seajet]

Nicholas 123,

which bit of BAe were you with ?

I had the misfortune to be at the positively Dickensian Kingston - 1978 - before getting the break of a lifetime and transferring to photo technician apprenticeship at Dunsfold, which was fantastic until the accountants who didn't know an aeroplane from an Aardvark - and didn't care - took hold 14 years later so I left...

 

[macd]

Make special note of Norman E's reference to vertical clearance. The shaft absolutely should not bind on the key.

Nothing wrong with bodging, by the way (or we'd have nothing to sit on). But botching...that's another matter

 

[colhel]

I've key steel at work in various sizes. Let me know if you want a bit lobbed off.

 

[Nicholas123]

Nicholas 123,

which bit of BAe were you with ?

I had the misfortune to be at the positively Dickensian Kingston - 1978 - before getting the break of a lifetime and transferring to photo technician apprenticeship at Dunsfold, which was fantastic until the accountants who didn't know an aeroplane from an Aardvark - and didn't care - took hold 14 years later so I left...

Not BAE seajet but British Aerospace the manufacturing division in Hamble.When I started my apprenticeship it was Hawker Siddely Aviation & Hawker the founder I believe was a garage mechanic originally.
Can't imagine that now.Now you need fancy qualifications just to be able to change the loo rolls.

 

[Seajet]

Not BAE seajet but British Aerospace the manufacturing division in Hamble.When I started my apprenticeship it was Hawker Siddely Aviation & Hawker the founder I believe was a garage mechanic originally.
Can't imagine that now.Now you need fancy qualifications just to be able to change the loo rolls.

Nicholas 123,

I joined just as Hawkers were becoming BAe.

I knew Hamble, they / you produced canopies and a lot of other things, I was a techinical photographer on the development of the Harrier GR5-7 and various Hawks inc the first 200 series single seaters and 100 series souped up jobs as well as the 60 series to various places.

Our Operations Controller in the Pilots' Tower, Mike Oliver, a WWII Spitfire pilot inc the relief of Malta + a racing driver, was a senior Test Pilot on the Gnat, a Hamble / Chilbolton product; he's a great guy and supplied me with some excellent photo's of the Gnat, PM me if you'd like them.

Andy

Sorry for the thread drift everyone else !

 

[Nicholas123]

Nicholas 123,

I joined just as Hawkers were becoming BAe.

I knew Hamble, they / you produced canopies and a lot of other things, I was a techinical photographer on the development of the Harrier GR5-7 and various Hawks inc the first 200 series single seaters and 100 series souped up jobs as well as the 60 series to various places.

Our Operations Controller in the Pilots' Tower, Mike Oliver, a WWII Spitfire pilot inc the relief of Malta + a racing driver, was a senior Test Pilot on the Gnat, a Hamble / Chilbolton product; he's a great guy and supplied me with some excellent photo's of the Gnat, PM me if you'd like them.

Andy

Sorry for the thread drift everyone else !

I don't know what you mean by Hawkers becoming BAe.I don't want to become pedantic here but Hawker Siddely Aviation was Nationalized along with every other aircraft corporation half way through my apprenticeship I think it was in 1972.On the Hamble site the operators were AST-Folland-Hawker Siddely Aviation-British Aerospace & then I think it was Aerostructures.Not sure what happened since then there seem to have been any number of Companies & it has all got very complicated.
Maybe Plessy's became BAe I'm not sure.Now the whole shooting match seems to have become BAE,Is'nt that the same mob that took over Pompy Dockyard & are now producing those carriers?
Plessy's have wound up being Eton.