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274692 Don Schwartz <dks@t...> 2021‑10‑12 Sheffield brace refit question
I have a nice BROWN &c FLATHER SHEFFIELD beech brace reinforced with inlaid
brass plates, containing a strong bit spring, which I occasionally use with
centre bits etc. There is some wiggle between the rosewood breast pad and
the body, probably the result of a missing washer, perhaps leather. Both
the breast pad and the body end grain are protected with brass plates, and
between the two is a tapered washer. The head wiggles due to a gap in that
assembly. The gap is a scant 1/8in. I could make a leather washer to fit
there, but I was thinking that a lignum vitae washer might be a better
choice. Comments or suggestions appreciated.

Don
274693 Claudio DeLorenzi <claudio@d...> 2021‑10‑12 Re: Sheffield brace refit question
Hey Don
How’s about a photo?  I’ve never seen a wooden washer on a brace (at least
I didn’t recognize it as a washer).  I suppose you are thinking of lignum
v. Because of it’s self lubricating properties?
A leather washer would have a bit of give which might be useful in this
situation with seasonal movement.
Cheers from Waterloo
Claudio
274694 Matthew Groves <grovesthegrey@g...> 2021‑10‑12 Re: Sheffield brace refit question
Don,

I fairly recently performed the same operation. 

Photos here:

https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0UGfnH8tGsD7Ie

Matthew Groves
Springfield, MO
274695 Don Schwartz <dks@t...> 2021‑10‑13 Re: Sheffield brace refit question
Thanks. Looks good! I don't have a washer cutter, but should be able to 
do it with dividers, if i go with leather.

Don

On 2021-10-12 5:23 p.m., Matthew Groves wrote:
> Don,
>
> I fairly recently performed the same operation.
>
> Photos here:
>
> https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0UGfnH8tGsD7Ie
>
> Matthew Groves
> Springfield, MO
>

-- 
Social networks are free, but you are the product.

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral
philosophy; that is, the search for a superior
moral justification for selfishness.” –– John Kenneth Galbraith
274696 Claudio DeLorenzi <claudio@d...> 2021‑10‑13 Re: Sheffield brace refit question
Probably most people already know, but it's important to use
vegetable-tanned leather, rather than chrome-tanned.  The later leeches out
acid that destroys tool steels.  Most leather used for clothing or
upholstery is chrome tanned, and not suitable for sheaths, holsters, or
anything that comes into prolonged contact with steel.

-- Claudio

On Tue., Oct. 12, 2021, 7:23 p.m. Matthew Groves, 
wrote:
274701 Don Schwartz <dks@t...> 2021‑10‑13 Re: Sheffield brace refit question
Claudio: However, at only about 3/32in in thickness, and situated 
between end grain body & end grain cap, I don't imagine an LV washer 
would have moved enough to disturb anything, regardless of it's grain 
orientation.


I've taken Kirk up on his generous offer, as a leather washer seems most 
appropriate. I would have tried Lignum Vitae, but it seems less likely 
to have been used by the makers. Else, where would it be?

I apparently neglected to research this brace when I acquired it in 
Ottawa years ago. I recall it was a busy summer, and I've been busy in 
the Galoot-time decade since.

Today I found some info on the makers on gracesguide.co.uk    Brown and 
Flather were neighbours during 1841. It appears the brace was made 
between 1817 when Brown went into business,  and 1850 when the Brown and 
Flather partnership expired "by effluxion of time". Really! That's what 
it says.

Henry Brown patented an anti-friction brace at some time before 1849, 
and Flather advertised himself as making it after dissolution of the 
partnership. I'm unable to say just now with certainty whether my brace 
implements that patent.

Photos now on  oldtools site at https://groups.io/g/oldtools/album?id=263819

Don













On 2021-10-12 5:07 p.m., Claudio DeLorenzi wrote:
> Hey Don
> How’s about a photo?  I’ve never seen a wooden washer on a brace (at 
> least I didn’t recognize it as a washer). I suppose you are thinking 
> of lignum v. Because of it’s self lubricating properties?
> A leather washer would have a bit of give which might be useful in 
> this situation with seasonal movement.
> Cheers from Waterloo
> Claudio
>
> On Tue, Oct 12, 2021 at 6:52 PM Don Schwartz  wrote:
>
>     I have a nice BROWN &c FLATHER SHEFFIELD beech brace reinforced
>     with inlaid
>     brass plates, containing a strong bit spring, which I occasionally
>     use with
>     centre bits etc. There is some wiggle between the rosewood breast
>     pad and
>     the body, probably the result of a missing washer, perhaps
>     leather. Both
>     the breast pad and the body end grain are protected with brass
>     plates, and
>     between the two is a tapered washer. The head wiggles due to a gap
>     in that
>     assembly. The gap is a scant 1/8in. I could make a leather washer
>     to fit
>     there, but I was thinking that a lignum vitae washer might be a better
>     choice. Comments or suggestions appreciated.
>
>     Don
>
-- 
Social networks are free, but you are the product.

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral
philosophy; that is, the search for a superior
moral justification for selfishness.” –– John Kenneth Galbraith
274714 scottg <scottg@s...> 2021‑10‑18 Re: Sheffield brace refit question
Hey finally got my email back!!  I hope hahhaha

Not traditional
But several times in my life I have made a home made thrust bearing.
Round up some tiny bearing balls. (cut open a little ball bearing with a 
cutoff wheel)
Take a normal thickish steel washer that fits the application, and drill 
some holes for the balls.
5 is usually enough.


It'll work like greased lightning
     yours scott

-- 
*******************************
    Scott Grandstaff
    Box 409 Happy Camp, Ca  96039
    scottg@s...
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/sgrandstaff/
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/hpages/index.html

Recent Bios FAQ