The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum

[The Denying Dutchman]

Always wanted to know at which pressure your home made boiler will fail?

http://www.cabbagepatchrailway.co.uk/mls/g3/boiler-tests.pdf
_________________
Paul

[scorpion2nz]

very interesting reading
_________________
Cheers
Dennis

[Steve_S]

Yes, that's very interesting. The often stated advice is that silver solder should not be used as a filler. But the strong suggestion here is that it is best to ensure that there is enough room for full penetration of the solder, and even if that means a "sloppy" fit, the joint will still be stronger than the surrounding copper.

[trentbradbury]

Very helpful and informative, A discussion with a fellow steamer at the Orange Massachusetts engine show a statement was made that a current brand of engines were junk because the boiler's were only tested to 75 psi . I feel with a small amount of common sense we can avoid what this fool did
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R348vGkjyw&feature=share
_________________
The most fun you can have with a glass of water...

Trent Bradbury

[MODmanMax]

The boilers we play with are mostly around 10 psi and some going to 60psi. My car tyres run around 36psi and I have pressure spray packs all around the house with higher pressures.
The dangers of exploding boilers are highly over stated in our hobby.
Even in the "Jim's exploding steam engine" no one was hurt which is an extreme example of carelessness.
There is more danger in tipping over the metho and setting the carpet alight.
_________________
Classic Hobbies
Steam Engines, Model Boats, Collectables

[MrDuck]

Still a faillure test of contemporary boilers of different makes and sizes, silver and plain soldered, would be very interesting to see.

I know they are factory tested to much higher pressures than we would care to use but a faillure test could still be very interesting.
_________________
Et in Arcadia Ego

[xlchainsaw]

i dont want to be around if one of my boilers were taken to the limit of destruction....some info suggests 1000 psi!!!!
_________________
mistakes are only made by those who try!

[BK]

That says a lot, thanks for that. There's no way my boilers will reach that pressure. I also like the "loose fit" idea, that's my style.    
_________________
BK (Bernie)

If it aint broke, don't fix it.

[MODmanMax]

Its a good idea to wear safety glasses when you fire up a repaired boiler. I have had hot water squirt me in the face from a leaking joint.
But in no way was it going to explode.
_________________
Classic Hobbies
Steam Engines, Model Boats, Collectables

[Roly Williams]

[loose nut 45]

Very informative even though a little scary methinks  
_________________
Remember.... a Mamod is for life not just for Christmas !

http://toysteamhospital.com

http://coolswing.co.uk

[ozsteamdemon]

[L E Jay]

I did still find a it a bit tricky in the fact they all did well, it's the 1000 to 1500 psi range you'd have to worry about..

Which to me makes it all slightly inconclusive.
_________________
Regards,
James

[trentbradbury]

It makes me feel less unsure about building a boiler kit...
_________________
The most fun you can have with a glass of water...

Trent Bradbury

[The Denying Dutchman]