The plans make no mention of how to lubricate the propshafts. So I am going to use a method I have successfully used on several models and which is simplicity itself. I fashion some brass tube (for each shaft) that is long enough to reach from the propshaft to just below deck level. These will be soldered to the propshafts (after a small hole is drilled in them), to allow grease to be pumped in using a syringe. The access to these tubes will be via the aft store.
As every Imara will be different, measurements may vary. But for the record, the tubes I made are 50mm long and 6mm diameter (the syringe nozzles fit nicely).
Anyhow, having cut them to length it was time to make one end of each tube concave to suit the profile of the propshafts. Now this is easily done with hand files but I used my Dremel because I am lazy, however I always tidy with a hand file to finish. The video below may make more sense of what I am trying to describe, as it is really a simple thing to make.
And don’t forget to tidy up by hand.
Some newcomers to this hobby may ask why the need to lubricate shafts running on brass bearings, as you can get good endurance this way. I would like to say that in my opinion that this is mainly true for low use and smaller models. I intend to use my Imara a good deal and the fact that large props are being turned by powerful motors will always cause more wear. Also, the problem is exasperated on the Imara due to small diameter shafts being used to keep a scale appearance (4BA instead of my preferred 2BA for this prop size). The final reason is that with the correct grease the ingress of water (even when the shafts are worn) can be kept to a minimum.
January 14th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Nice video
Could have done with some talking, didn’t notice any dogs barking either, or perhaps some AC/DC playing in the background
Where are you doing all the work btw in the lean/to conservatory?
January 14th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Hi matey, I deliberately did not do an overdub as I write enough rubbish without being allowed to speak it too
I am using a spare upstairs room as a workspace, as those who actually read my blog http://www.imarablog.org/?p=14 - (Martin slaps Chain with a particularily smelly Haddock) will know
January 20th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Ah yes the spare room…
I’m struggling with some 7mm aluminium at the moment that needs cutting out and I can honestly say I’m a little stumped on it, I think I’m going to have to use a jigsaw to cut it out roughly and then file/sand it down to shape.
Hmm…