The Shop > Metal Stuff

Substitute for "Gunmetal"

(1/4) > >>

Jeff Michel:
Can anyone recommend a substitute for gunmetal? It doesn't seem to exist in that description stateside.
Thank you

hermetic:
Hi, try "Red Brass" You could probably make some if you have a melter.
Phil
UK

Gunmetal, also known as red brass in the United States,[1] is a type of bronze – an alloy of copper (88%), tin (10%), and zinc (2%).[2] Originally used chiefly for making guns, gunmetal was eventually superseded by steel. Gunmetal casts and machines well and is resistant to corrosion from steam and salt water,[3] and is used to make steam and hydraulic castings, valves, and gears, and also statues and various small objects, e.g. buttons. It has a tensile strength of 221 to 310 MPa, a specific gravity of 8.7, a density 8,719 kg/m3, and a Brinell hardness of 65 to 74.

DavidA:
Jeff,

Have you tried the local scrap yard ?

Dave.

Jeff Michel:
Hi Dave,
Yes, the scrap yard owner is a personal friend and keeps a look out for likely bits for me. Unfortunately all the red brass coming in is in the form of plumbing fittings or tube. I have given this more than passing thought and just have avoided what Hermetic has suggested as the last resort. I have quite a stash of valves and junk fittings. Maybe time to put a smelter together.
Thanks
Jeff

vtsteam:
re. US plumbing fittings.

The red brass is the heavy wall pipe nipples with machined threads.

The usual plumbing valves, faucets and other castings are true brass (in other words high zinc, not tin).

This also is not invariable. I've seen small size brass pipe nipples that were clearly true (zinc) brass.

One giveway is the color. Both machine to a gold/brassy color, but red brass quickly oxidizes to a redder color.

A new piece of red brass pipe will look almost like a copper pipe with brass threads.

I don't personally know that what is called red brass, nowadays, in the States is equivalent to uk gunmetal, but it is different than the brass of the castings. I had heard that at least locally, red brass was now not acceptable under code due to possible lead content, and stainless steel plumbing fittings are replacing them on the shelves of the plumbing supplier here.

If you had a foundry suitable, it would be easy to make your own gunmetal with some scrap copper pipe or wire, some genuine brass, and some tin (possibly from some unwanted pewter ware). And a calculator.... :)

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page