I have been meaning to make something like this for years. I was doing in by hand until I came across a few that were just spinning. I was hoping that the extra speed and friction would heat it up enough to get it to soften and stick. Not to be.
Jeez Anthony, looks like a quick way to get to your local A&E department! It’s part of the fun of the fettle. Will the seal pop out, or will I sit here for half an hour swearing while bending the end of a dental pick?
I have found that Pete Sav's method of sharpening a small screwdriver, so that it can be used to cut through the old washer in a couple of places works well and then prise the pieces out with a bradle etc..
I burn the buggers out with a gas blowtorch. Smells a bit and the charred remnants a bit grotty but they all succumb. Cheers Pete
Be very careful with viton as it releases hybroflouric acid when burned. Most old rubbers will be nitrile rubber but if there is any chance of viton don't burn them out.
Thanks @DP2, that’s good to know. I haven’t come across any Viton seals that need removing yet, but from now on I’ll be on the lookout and be careful. Cheers Pete
And my post should have said hydrofluoric acid. Its nasty stuff. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjALegQIAhAB&usg=AOvVaw3DW0RAUY6tgaB13RKiCacM
@DP2 It’s bloody nasty alright. I can’t think of anything nastier. It’s rather frightening to think that we, us lampies, could expose ourselves to this nasty contact poison flesh dissolving hydrofluoric acid by heating viton to over 315degC. Thank you again for making me aware of the dangers. I hope more of us will be aware after they read this post. Basically ...... DO NOT DIRECTLY HEAT VITON SEALS OR “O” RINGS IN ANY WAY. For a real insight to the dangers do a google search on The dangers of heating Viton. Cheers Pete
@Anthony , It looks mean, nasty and slightly dangerous. And I love it! Does this mean it didn't Work?
Pete, The dangers of heating are well known in my area of expertise (rail traction) and should a diesel engine suffer fire damage special precautions are taken. I think people on here need to be made aware of the problem and anyone selling viton seals should provide precautionary safety info. Also should a lamp containing viton seals ever catch fire please be very cautious. However viton is a great sealing material for our lamps and is less likely to perish / dry out / go brittle / crack so in general it does improve safety and reliability of our lamps.
And that's not all It did not work, no. Those gone really hard and contracted ones just slide and go round and round. Even with a fast speed and holding it on for a while it did not work. I had about 30 to do so it was well worth making it.
