Britannia Boiler

[Rick MooreParticipant @rickmoore60739]

Has anybody locally to me (Hull) made a 5″ gauge britannia boiler to the Norman Spink design. I need to beg, borrow or hire any flange forming plates you may have made. Alternatively has anybody had sucess by using a couple of thicknesses of thick MDF for a former?

[Rick MooreParticipant @rickmoore60739]

Britannia Boiler

[Tony MartyrParticipant @tonymartyr14488]

Hell Rick

First answer is ‘No’

However having just used a block of hardwood as a former material I rather doubt that MDF will work well – Based on recent experience I think the difference in hardness between MDF and rapidly work-hardening copper sheet is probably not sufficient to prevent significant former damage however 1/16 steel sheet on top that forms the start of the radius may keep the edge shape better.

 

[Rick MooreParticipant @rickmoore60739]

Thanks for the reply. However I have just had a go this evening with the MDF method and it is ok. I made the largest plate, the throat plate, and took it easy with hammering. It took four heating sessions and although I will not need another boiler the 25 mm MDF former and backing plate would easily stand up to another go. I gave it a generous radius of about 1/8″ round the edges and beat the 3mm copper over with a small block of steel. 25mm MDF cost only £4.18 at B+Q for a 2′ x 4′ offcut and was easy to shape too.

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