Rudder stuffing tube size

Discussion in 'Propulsion' started by ZARUBA1987, Dec 24, 2018.

  1. ZARUBA1987

    ZARUBA1987 Well-Known Member

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    This is a simple question. My rudder shaft is 1/8. What size tubing is used for the stuffing tube?
     
  2. Kevin P.

    Kevin P. Well-Known Member

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    The diameters go in 1/32 increments, so you want 5/32
     
  3. buttsakauf

    buttsakauf Well-Known Member

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    I like going up a couple sizes (usually 1/4” or so) then sleeveing down the end by brazing in successively smaller tubing sizes. Then I fill it with lithium grease.
     
  4. warspiteIRC

    warspiteIRC RIP

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    Normally the top of the rudder post is well above sea level and does not require packing like the shaft tubes. and there is very little friction between to successive sises of brass rod. So I just go with the next size of tubing.
     
  5. ZARUBA1987

    ZARUBA1987 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks. 5/32 it is. I’m just going to order a few feet maybe for future builds
     
  6. Sinkazuki

    Sinkazuki Active Member

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    Zaruba, are we meeting yu at brou?
    Randy
     
  7. ZARUBA1987

    ZARUBA1987 Well-Known Member

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    To be honest IDK. The Doria still needs a few things and I still need to assemble the Duca kit currently at teds for my secondary ship not nessary of course. I really lost some drive building and not actually battling. Houston still does not have a organized group. Ted constantly trying to change that. I look forward bomber Feild In January to do some practice runs hopefully iron out some bugs in the Doria.
    Then I will see about the brouhaha
     
  8. buttsakauf

    buttsakauf Well-Known Member

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    Very true. I also like the rigidity of a larger diameter tube as it relates to accidental drops, adhering to the hull (fiberglass hulls that is), and gear mesh for geared rudder setups.