Re: Making rod bearing inserts, Attention Machinist

[Buccaneer]

quote amuller:

Interesting discussion. I’d say you want a little “crush” on the OD of the inserts to keep them in place and encourage them to stay round. is your lathe big enough that you could bore the rods with the inserts in place and the caps torqued down? Or do you have access to a Sunnen rod hone or an expansion reamer?

I have no way to mount the rod in the lathe, especially with a 3 jaw chuck.
Not sure if my 11" swing would be big enough.
I was reaming the inserts out to size them with the rod cap on, by
mounting them in a vise and using an adjustable reamer. Perhaps
a little crude, but worked. I haven’t seen a Sunnen honing machine in these parts
for 20 years.

I was thinking that maybe I could turn the OD of the bushing, and
approximate ID, cut the bushing in half to make the inserts, apply solder to the insert ends and
sand them down until I got the required "crush" , then finish boring the ID.
What about that plan? Similar to suggested, but maybe "easier".

Prepare to be boarded!