Richie's Mk1 Restoration

horsa · #1 10-01-12, 06:07

Rivets were a manufacturing method used all over Canada and the UK (and really everywhere else) during the war and was the fastest and easiest way to employ a large percentage of the available workforce to speed up production. The USA had started new techniques welding Liberty ships and was able to turn them out faster than when they had been riveting. The T-16 was produced after that time so was able to take advantage of it while automatically gaining a relatively water-tight hull for possible amphibious use.

I still also prefer the rivet look myself but alas, it wouldn't be correct for my carrier. Course the T-16 has a stronger hull whereas other models had the easy opening feature.

Lynn Eades · #2 10-01-12, 06:27

I would suggest the "easy opening feature" is not restricted to the riveted carriers

shaun · #3 10-01-12, 09:06

Gents i will ref to our conversations at the next party i attend , we are all true rivet counters ! Rivets rule !

RichardT10829 · #4 10-01-12, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by horsa

Rivets were a manufacturing method used all over Canada and the UK (and really everywhere else) during the war and was the fastest and easiest way to employ a large percentage of the available workforce to speed up production. The USA had started new techniques welding Liberty ships and was able to turn them out faster than when they had been riveting. The T-16 was produced after that time so was able to take advantage of it while automatically gaining a relatively water-tight hull for possible amphibious use.

I still also prefer the rivet look myself but alas, it wouldn't be correct for my carrier. Course the T-16 has a stronger hull whereas other models had the easy opening feature.

I cant recall but i am sure this one was either hit by an 88 shell... or struck an anti tank mine... they all peel open one way or another lets face it with the size of round being fired at them the 10mm front plate was like having tracing paper as a shield...

well back to the grind stone... speaking of which my die grinder and roloc discs should be arriving today.... i cannot put off moving my big compressor any longer....the thing weighs a tonne like a mini sub ! need to go turn out a few snaps then harden them.... an engineer i know was saying to quench it in Brine rather than oil as it pulls the heat out faster..... that combined with heating the steel up until its glowing then roll it in carbon...then re heat and quench...

anyone else heard of this ?

tankbarrell · #5 10-01-12, 11:05

The ability of low grade steel to be hardened is related to its carbon content. Rolling it in carbon powder and reheating will case harden it. To harden throughout followed by tempering requires a steel with a higher carbon content than mild.

It will depend on what you make your snaps out of. I make mine from EN24T and do not harden further. All my rivetting is done hot and this works fine.

Lynn Eades · #6 10-01-12, 11:34

How would the EN24T compare to 4140 or 4340. Personally,I wouldnt waste time making one from mild steel.

tankbarrell · #7 10-01-12, 11:46

EN24T and 4340 are both chromium nickel molybdenum, 4140 being closer to EN19.

RichardT10829 · #8 10-01-12, 12:36

can it still be turned without special tools on the lathe ?

tankbarrell · #9 10-01-12, 12:39

Are you using HSS or carbide tips? Tipped tools have no problems, HSS is ok if you keep an eye on your speeds and feeds.