Loose fitting ferrules

[brewbob]

With a recent build I ran into a problem, ferrules that are really loose in the copper pipe. They are 1/2" ss. Problem is the "stem" on the ferrule measured exactly .500", 1/2" copper measures .565 ID, leaving a 32 thousands gap and making almost impossible to solder. I didn't want to shim the gap and after a few beers I had a strange idea, I have a bridgeport...see if I can reduce it using a 5/8" collet. Did a test piece and it kinda worked then did a piece of pipe in a 5/8" collet just far enough to fit into a 9/16" collet and tightend it little by little checking fit as I went. It worked really well and doesn't look too bad. Don't really know how many have a lathe or mill at home with collets but thought it was a good example of thinking outside the box.

[shadylane]

I've used the chuck on a lathe to expand or shrink copper tubing before.
Stick the tubing in the chuck and tighten or open the chuck as needed.
Release the pressure, turn the tubing and repeat.
It doesn't do a pretty job, but it gets the job done.

[brewbob]

I've used the chuck on a lathe to expand or shrink copper tubing before.
Stick the tubing in the chuck and tighten or open the chuck as needed.
Release the pressure, turn the tubing and repeat.
It doesn't do a pretty job, but it gets the job done.

I've never tried expanding the pipe. I was working with some type L so all my ferrules were too large, I ended up chucking and turning every one. PITA to get straight, barely anything to hold onto, and running the tool really close to the jaws made for a fun couple hours.

[Yummyrum]

LOL had to google Bridgeport machine . Never heard of one before .
Not really sure how you did what you did but the result speaks for it self .

Did you have to anneal the copper first ?

Also thanks for posting pics direct to forum .

[brewbob]

LOL had to google Bridgeport machine . Never heard of one before .
Not really sure how you did what you did but the result speaks for it self .

Did you have to anneal the copper first ?
no

Also thanks for posting pics direct to forum . im getting old, had to figure it out again.

This is a collet.

It has threads where my small finger is. A threaded bar pulls it into a hole with a taper, the "pedals" of the collet secure a round tool as its tightened. I put the pipe into the collet instead of a tool and tightened it down squeezing the copper from all sides.

Edit. That pic makes my hands look terrible.

[Yummyrum]

Arrr , got it . LOL when you mentioned collets , I was thinking tiny things like my Dad’s Watchmakers lathe had .

That one in your hand will do it

[shadylane]

With a recent build I ran into a problem, ferrules that are really loose in the copper pipe. They are 1/2" ss. Problem is the "stem" on the ferrule measured exactly .500", 1/2" copper measures .565 ID, leaving a 32 thousands gap and making almost impossible to solder.

The light just came on. I brain seizured and missed the 1/2"
I was thinking 2" or more looking at the pics.

My 9a southbend lathe has a set of collets and a drawbar.
Next time I need to shrink tubing, I'll use your idea.

Heres a pic of the 9a when it first followed me home.
All the drawers were full of stuff.

[Dancing4dan]

Dull pipe cutter is what I use. Use a Drexel or a drill to run an old cutter against a fine grinding disk to round it off.

[MooseMan]

Heres a pic of the 9a when it first followed me home.
All the drawers were full of stuff.

What I wouldn't give to have one of those in the garage...

And an old Bridgeport would be a bit handy too!

[Twisted Brick]

Heres a pic of the 9a when it first followed me home.
All the drawers were full of stuff.

What I wouldn't give to have one of those in the garage...

And an old Bridgeport would be a bit handy too!

Back in college my Dad (lead toolmaker for an aerospace Mfr) had a Bridgeport and a couple of lathes in his second garage. Had a TiG welder too. All of that stuff went different directions when he passed. Ah, to have access to it now…

[shadylane]

I figure Ya never own a lathe of milling machine.
You're just the care taker till the next owner gets their hands on the equipment.

[brewbob]

I figure Ya never own a lathe of milling machine.
You're just the care taker till the next owner gets their hands on the equipment.

Very true.
That's a nice southbend. I'm still running on a 1908 Hendey conehead. She's old but they don't build them like that anymore.