Spreader Tube

[ebb]

Rico, there it is - in fantastic close up!
How could I have forgotten? My cobwebbed brain is getting unreliable.
But I'm glad this method is revealed so well.
When we go abroad on the newww google it seems that most people don't know what a compression sleeve/tube/pipe is. Now we have the goods.

Can't disagree with your choice of pipe.
Can't say it's pipe because pipe has its own peculiar diameters that will never conform to normal fractions of inches. So even that 1/8" wall stainless must be classed as tube - in case somebody wants to find a piece.

Also, it's perhaps obvious, that my "squared off" cut of the insert is not for a beautiful arched bracket that's mounted on top - but for a standalone single bolt instal that creates a convenient flat for the first washer. Certainly would grind the pipe to the radius of the mast when a curved bracket is going on top.

It was great going back to the beginning of your thread to see what you've done and ache at your adventures.

Lanocote OR more tech non setting Tefgel (teflon paste). There's not an atom of space there around that bolt in the pipe.

onlinemetals.com
0.75 OD X 0.12 Wall X .51 ID T-316/316L Tube ----- One foot $18.18 plus S&H.
That's a lot cheaper than what you have to get from McMasterCarr for Garolite tube.

Even a 1/2" 316 bolt shank in a .51 hole in 316 tube has to be isolated.
Don't forget to butter the 3/4" holes in the mast.
Grease the brackets and the mast and lay in a piece of polyethylene film (or UHMW tape) for isolation insurance.
Check the shank diameter of the bolt you intend to use with calipers befor ordering.

Of course with that toterance you'll HAVE to use Lanocote to get it in to the pipe (and OUT again in the future.)

Thanks for the nod on the Garolite tube, Rico.
But cotton and plastic ain't stainless!

POSSIBLE STAINLESS ALTERNATIVE
Acetal bushing stock is available from usplastics (ID 1/2"- OD 3/4" - $7.70FT).
Also stock 5/8" and 1" OD.
This is the same or similar (delrin) material that our new rudder shaft sleeve bearing is machined from.
This is possibly the only plastic that can be considered a metal alternative!

And of course, what the mast makers use: Aluminum Tube.