Thread: Dome Washers

I've got Vlad's tube squashing instructions, but I just haven't gotten around to making them. I was hoping someone found a source for these. Seems like my wife's bead catalogues have some kind of brass collars that look thicker than the regular flat washer, but they're expensive, and if it's something that won't work, then I'm stuck with a mound of them. I was also concerned with the dapping block washers holding their shape. Thank you all, but I guess I'll get off my duff and try the squashing thing!

The pivot and spacer washers on this W&B are domed washers that were done with the Vlad/Bill Ellis smash method. It takes a lot more time per washer than the dapping block but yes they are sold and won't "cave in".

Personally it took me a lot of time to actually make the tube squashing system as well as some experimentation to get it right and looking good. The making of the washers themselves also takes longer. They are definitely worth the extra time it takes to make them though.

I have a few older Meat Choppers that have three ringed one piece bullseye washers. I drilled out the pins on a few and removed the washers. There were clearly smaller backing washers underneath for support.

Chris L

does anyone have a link to a how to for the tube squashing?

I will do some research but I'm certain you can buy SS wave washers that are spring tempered.

That's what I am trying out right now, iusing a smaller domed washer tucked neatly under the show washer for support..... I let ya know how it works out...

I cannot wrap my head around this tube squashing. How are you squashing the tubes? Are you forming the tube outward (like a trumpet) then knocking it down? Are you making small collars out of the 3/32 tubing so that there will be more metal to peen? Would somebody please type slowly so that I can understand this?

Confused in Texas

Charlie

After taking apart a few W&Bs Ive seen the secondary washer under the main one that the factory installed for support. If the demand was high enough I would have a run of solid machined washers made at some point, a CNC screw machine could make a bunch of them pretty quickly.

Dave

HERE is the answer to how to make these washers...

Post #5 in that thread.