Sleeve

Posted By: Jay Levy - Indianapolis, IN 5.2 #35
Date: 9/5/06 4:01p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Sleeve (Don Schroder)

The sleeve doesn't move at all. It's in there tight. And it's big and beefy. As I recall, it's an inch thick overall, so that's 5/16" all around the rod. If there's any play - and it ain't much - it's between the rod and the sleeve. That means no more damage to the mast. The original "wallered-out" holes (as my Hoosier machinist buddy called them) in the mast were enlargened to make room for the sleeve. The sleeve is just held in place by the tight fit. Since it's wider than the mast, and can't slide out either side because of the SS tabernacle, there's nowhere for it to go - especially since there's no force pushing it to either side! The set screws (one each just inside the mast on each side) are also big, long and beefy. If necessary, I could replace the rod without replacing the sleeve. (can't think of a reason why I would ever need too, though!) The rod is also solid SS. I used to have a rod that was scored on each side and was held in place inside the mast by C-rings snapped in over the scores. This is inherently bad since the scored areas are weaker and will snap (as they in fact did) under load just like a scored piece of glass. So my advice: go bigger! I can put you in touch with my Hoosier machinist, if you like. He may still have his plan and might be willing to make you one.