Stainless Steel Gas Spuds

[the penguin]

For a job in Northern Vermont, for a maple syrup co-op, I had to make some gas spuds for the (2) 750 hp boilers that will run on propane, or about 33 million BTUs. The spuds are a form of gas jets, there are 20 of the spuds in each boiler and I had to replace 1/2 of them in one boiler and all of them in the other, for a total of 30, in this configuration. So I took some pictures of the work in the shop, so here we go.

1 - the starting point, 30 nipples, bushings and plugs all 304 stainless steel
2 - cut the spuds to length, with a carbide tipped parting tool, on the lathe
3 - another view

[the penguin]

4 - the before and after
5 - the set up for drilling the orifice holes
6 - all ten holes drilled

[the penguin]

7 - reaming the spud out to 41/64"
8 - tapping the top of the spud for the hex drive 3/8" NPT plug
9 - the plug in the end of the spud

[the penguin]

10 - the 3/4" x 1/2" NPT bushing, cut down for clearance
11 - some of the finished spuds
12- ready to be boxed up, for shipment

After this set, I have more to make of different sizes and hole configuration

[PixMan]

I'd love jobs like that Jack!

How did the cutoff tool recommendation work out?

[the penguin]

Ken, 

I ended up using the GTL inserts I had, as the GTN inserts I ordered didn't show up, according to the supplier, they should be here by Tuesday, but the spuds have to be on the job on Monday morning. The GTL inserts worked good, I put a dab of cutting oil meant for stainless steel, on the tip, so there wouldn't be any kind of build up on the tip, during the cut.

To stop drill bit wandering, on the top of the tube, I drilled the holes with a centering/spotting drill, as they are very stout, and they won't wander. I was surprised that a used bit, drilled all of the 300 holes, without any issues.

The cutting oils, I use, are made by one of my customers, Baum's Castorine, in Rome, NY. They make a larg selection of oil and solvents, one of their main customers is the copper wire industry. They make the wire drawing lubes and they make the grease for the space shuttle. They started out in the 1870s, as a company that made patent medicine and horse rein and leather cleaners and dressings. I also buy my hand soap from them, the prices are great (be nice to jack, and the boiler maintenance and repair costs will be lower)

[Mayhem]

Nice work Jack.

[krv3000]

Nice work Jack

[Bill Gruby]

Very nice work.

"Billy G"

[the penguin]

Its amazing when all done, the pile of finished spuds and the pile of swarf is about the same size.