Expansion plug for way tubes

[tkhudson]

i got mine at Napa... a Tube nut (coupler) is a good idea to add along with the nut on the end of the expansion plug, this will eliminate any chance of the thing coming loose. I put a piece of threaded rod on the other end of the tube nut to attatch my to my drill chuck.

[sliver]

I used "Papco" brand "E-Z Seal" expansion plugs from a local automotive supplier in 1 1/2" and 1 5/8" sizes. They fit my MKV tubes perfectly. However, I had to replace the flat washer on the larger one with a heavier washer because the original was collapsing under the torque of the tightening nut allowing the tube to spin on the rubber insert. To adapt these to my drill I tightened a coupler for threaded rod onto the bolt and then threaded a bolt that I cut the head off into the other end to be inserted into my drill chuck. This worked quite well. You might check out my thread on my experience with my tubes.

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthread.htm?t=5161

[PG-Zac]

I have this (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=1220)drum sanding kit I bought from Rockler.

The 1 1/2" drum fits my bench tubes perfectly. I haven't yet tried it on the way tubes.

[robinson46176]

I'll jump in here with this info because of the expansion plug need. I am lucky enough to have an excellent automotive parts and supply vendor within 3 miles of my farm. They sell those expansion plugs. They are a wholesale supplier to service stations, auto garages etc. but will sell to anyone as well. They just do not solicit that business. Their headquarters is here but it does not even have signs up. You just have to know about the place. They ship nationally, possibly internationally. I have been picking up parts there for many years and if I walk in wanting a single tiny part they treat me as well as their best customer. Customer service has always been excellent. They have a free catalog of common items but have a zillion items not listed. On most items that they may not have in stock when I drop in or call at 10:00 AM they can have it for me by about 4:00 PM. They carry a zillion small items that nobody else wants to bother with carrying. While most vendors want to sell you an expensive complete assembly they will sell you the small individual repair parts. I mention this here because they also have a LOT of shop supplies that many of us find very useful in our shops but can't always find. "Everybody" with a shop could find something in their catalog. Lubes, abrasives, giblets etc.
It is National Automotive lines. Contact info at:
www.natauto.com
I have no interest in this company, I have just found them very useful.

[wannabewoodworker]

I did find the expansion plug at my local Carquest dealer where I have been a very loyal customer for over 15+ years. Go figure the most likely place and i didn't even think of them until you guy's said something. They had exactly one plug in the 1 1/2" size which thankfully is all I needed.

On another note I had to work briefly today and brought the wifey along as there is a Woodcraft right down the street from my clients office so i thought we could stop by when I was done and do some looking/buying. I was mainly looking for a lathe chuck and some arbors. I ended up buying the Super Nova 2 chuck which was still on sale for $119.00 and then had to buy the 5/8" smooth bore adapter to install it on the Mark VII. That was another $30.00. The chuck is pretty nice for a chinese part. It feels chinese as when you turn the chuck ket it isn't real smooth if you get my drift. But it works and will do fine for what I need for a longtime I am sure.

That store is dangerous let me tell you. And the one we went to wasn't even a company store. The name of the place is The Woodworkers Club but they obviously have a partnership as they are listed as Woodcraft on the website. The first floor is where all of the goodies are and then if you go to the second floor you will find a complete woodshop replete with every possible woodshop tool known to man. They even have Blum machines for hinges and Tormek T7 sharpening System. For $199.00 you can join and a $45.00 monthly dues gets you full and total access to the shop and everything they have available.

There was a guy who works there that my wife and I talked with for a while. He was working on a hallway bench seat he was making from Black Walnut that had been cut down by his neighbor. The neighbor asked him if Black Walnut was good for anything.........:eek: So He obviously jumped on that tree which was 3.5' in diameter. After it was cut he had a mobile milling company come in and mill the tree on site and the piece he was working on for the bench seat top was just a sight to behold let me tell you. He also had done some turqouise chip inlays in the top that looked pretty neat. really a fun place to visit if not expensively dangerous.