I have recently added a page to my website.This page was prompted by folks that seemed to always be asking, "where can I buy this or that connector". The purpose here is to show that it is not really that hard to make connectors and fittings yourself. (I rather enjoy it!) These types of connectors can always be made in much less time than it takes to order them and wait for them to arrive. Also, the connectors and fitting you make yourself can be customized in any way you can imagine.

For a PDF copy of my Union Specification, scroll tom the bottom of the page and right click on the large button.

Here's the link to the page:

https://supersimplex.yolasite.com/How-to-Make-A-Cone-Union.php

Here's a photo of some of the unions and connectors I have made using the techniques described on my website.

Edited By David Wasson on 09/05/2018 11:01:16

Hi Thor and Hopper,

Thanks so much!

I did not make the globe valves in the above photo. They are from PM Research. I did make all of the other fittings and connectors.

On the back head of my boiler, I also made all of the fittings including both water gauges and all of the hand wheel valves. The spindles for the hand wheels I made on my little Unimat lathe! There are photos of the back head on my website.

David

Hi Mick,

Yes, there are many standards, one you missed is to have the cone with a spherical end that fits against the female cone seat. All of these systems work well, and a beginner, needs to start somewhere. The 60 degree cone and seat is the most simple and easiest way to get started. Mine are all done this way and none leak.

My "how to" is for the beginner that has very little idea of what a cone union is. It is also for the the person asking "where can I purchase this or that connector or union". I hope to inspire these folks and let them know that it is not difficult to make your own. There is no attempt at making a standard, that would be impossible!

Thank you for the compliments on my pipe work. This photo is actually looking at the underside of the cab of my locomotive. Most of this pipe work is hidden.

David

Thank you, John! I'm glad to share.

David