Tapping stainless steel

Hadenough

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I need to create a blind fixing for the two rear fixing bolts of my windlass so that I can remove it without taking the fore-cabin apart. I need to tap a piece of say 40mm x 10mm stainless flat bar to take an M12 bolt in two places 180mm apart. It will be fixed under a teak windlass plinth which itself will be separately though bolted to the deck. Once in, the bar will be in a sealed dry void. Questions are;
1. Which stainless will take a thread best?
2. Where can I get stainless bar (and angle) in the Ipswich area?

TIA
 
I'd ask someone like Mr Stainless at Levington to do it for you.

He's expensive I know but by the time you've sourced the bar, bought a cobalt drill (or two), drilled the hole and got a decent tap that will do the thread you're into a few bob anyway. Will save a lot of cussing :rolleyes:

On the other hand if you're an experienced metal worker used to SS then I'd source the flat bar from http://www.metals4u.co.uk/stainless-steel-flat-bar/40mm-x-10mm-316/79/528/detail.asp
 
I could probably do the job for you if you don't mind covering the postage?

Very generous offer thank you. I need to draw a bolt to confirm the diameter but I have found a template of the windlass footprint so that is a big help. I'll get on the case tomorrow and PM you.
 
Colhel. Bit late coming back but when I lifted the windlass I found a way round the problem using a drilled flat bar, nuts and washers. Many thanks for the offer of assistance.
 
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