Way tubes vs Bench tubes

[PG-Zac]

I don't have a micrometer, and my vernier measurements are inconclusive so I'll have to ask the boffins.

Is there a size difference between Way & Bench tubes?

The reason for asking, is that my bench tubes were painted some time in their history and have rusted a lot less than my Way tubes. My first bench tube cleanup seems to be yielding good results, and I fear that the Way tubes will be likely be too pitted for decent sliding use.

I don't want to spend too much time buffing & polishing any tube if I'm just going to paint it again.

Thanks all.

[JPG40504]

I don't have a micrometer, and my vernier measurements are inconclusive so I'll have to ask the boffins.

Is there a size difference between Way & Bench tubes?

The reason for asking, is that my bench tubes were painted some time in their history and have rusted a lot less than my Way tubes. My first bench tube cleanup seems to be yielding good results, and I fear that the Way tubes will be likely be too pitted for decent sliding use.

I don't want to spend too much time buffing & polishing any tube if I'm just going to paint it again.

Thanks all.
The 'concise' answer is 'maybe'! I am not recalling what you are working on, but if it is an earlier Greenie than the tube diameters are different. The early Greenies bench tubes were 1 7/8" od. ALL others are 1 3/4" od.

ALL way tubes are 52" long(including the 10E/R) and ALL bench tubes are 3/4" longer. The 10E/R tubes are twice as thick as the Mark 5/v tubes.

[PG-Zac]

Thanks Red,

I am restoring a Goldie from '62 or '63 (no serial #)

Thanks for pointing out the length difference - I didn't even think to check that.

[mickyd]

I don't have a micrometer, ........

.........and I fear that the Way tubes will be likely be too pitted for decent sliding use.
I would't be concerned that the tubes are too pitted. After electrolysis rust removal and prior to sanding, these tubes (http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showpost.htm?p=43050&postcount=114) worked fine yet you can see how pitted they were.

[JPG40504]

Thanks Red,

I am restoring a Goldie from '62 or '63 (no serial #)

Thanks for pointing out the length difference - I didn't even think to check that.

A word of caution! Do not assume anything relative to what/how old/model you are dealing with. It can be a mix from different units.

[PG-Zac]

A word of caution! Do not assume anything relative to what/how old/model you are dealing with. It can be a mix from different units.

That's for sure. I have already found that this Goldie is made of not all original parts. For example, the extension table is cast iron.

[JPG40504]

That's for sure. I have already found that this Goldie is made of not all original parts. For example, the extension table is cast iron.

OK! Clone parts also!:eek:

[robinson46176]

A word of caution! Do not assume anything relative to what/how old/model you are dealing with. It can be a mix from different units.


Do you mean like from my parts stash? ;)
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