Machine or welding shop can make one.
Yes the mild steel would need to be coated for it to last. The stainless is more resistant to rusting, because of the content of nickel/chrome. Most likely what you have is the 409 type stainless, it will develop surface rust but won't rust through, can last up to 10-15 years. Sure, you can coat that to make it last a long time but 409 on its own can last a very long time.Got hold of a carbide bit so will be drilling holes soon.
Also i noticed that mild steel flat bar is considerably cheaper than stainless, for the price of 250mm stainless can get 800mm mild.
I take it mild steel will rust out within couple of years? Or can it be painted or coated to do a lasting job or is it not worth it?
The stainless i got was 304 grade, im assuming its worse than 409 since 409 is bigger number and bigger is better?Yes the mild steel would need to be coated for it to last. The stainless is more resistant to rusting, because of the content of nickel/chrome. Most likely what you have is the 409 type stainless, it will develop surface rust but won't rust through, can last up to 10-15 years. Sure, you can coat that to make it last a long time but 409 on its own can last a very long time.
Yes.. mild steel probably would rust through in 2-3 years if not coated.
and congrats on the work! Glad to see you're almost done and now you have the part that no one had anymore!
Not sure how the numbers work for 304 or 409. but 304 is actually better than 409, 304 has more chrome in it! So you did very well! That won't rust at all..The stainless i got was 304 grade, im assuming its worse than 409 since 409 is bigger number and bigger is better?
True. BUT 316 stainless has a nickname. It is "marine grade" stainless; it has 18% chromium and more nickel than 304 and adds 2-3% molybdenum, this makes it more resistant to salt corrosion. More than likely, you can obtain it at the same place you're getting the 304. Series 400 stainless WILL rust, it has ferrite in it. 409 stainless is what cheap "stainless" steak knives are made of at Walmart. 400 series stainless is very easy to differentiate from 300 series, as 400 is slightly magnetic, 300 series is completely non-magnetic. And your parts are looking great!Saltwater will corrode 304.
I don't know exactly what your red rubber grease is, nor what your bushing material is. Some rubbers don't like petroleum based greases, but I'd hope that red "rubber" grease, would be safe for rubber, probably has a castor oil base? That should be safe to use but not as long lasting.thats good to hear. i tried making a clamp using 5mm flat bar but just couldnt bend it easily enough, its too thick. maybe if i had a bigger hammer but its still gonna be difficult.
the new clamp is wider by 2mm so maybe puts less stress on the bolt area so could be better long term.
will remember to grease the bushing and the clamp. will also remember to use copper grease between clamp and bolt and the part where it mounts to.
i dont have silicone grease, need to add it to my collection of greases but i do have some red rubber grease. dunno if thats gonna be ok to use?
Triple QX Red Rubber Grease is used to protect and lubricate rubber components. It is manufactured using vegetable oil as the base lubricant. Vegetable oil is used as it does not damage rubber and synthetic rubbers; unlike other oils. The red colour is due to the addition of a red dye to make it easily distinguishable from other greases.
Red rubber grease is ideal for use: in the installation of lip seals on a raw water pump, as a barrier on rubberised components such as shaft seals / stuffing box seals, and as a preventative from oxidisation on rubber cable glands to decrease the risk of water ingress, among other applications.
Triple QX 526770270 is supplied in a 500g tin, which would be sufficient to perform a variety of tasks over multiple seasons and is always handy to have on the shelf.