METALS:
Brass: Brass is an alloy of copper, lead, tin, and zinc. If brass gets hot it will
get softer according to how hot it gets. It is important to remember this when soldering
brass parts ; do not get them too hot or they will be ruined. How hot is too hot? Hot
enough to melt lead solder is ok, generally speaking. If you are going to try silver solder
be careful. much over 450 degrees F and you will probably make the part that you are trying
to fix useless. the bottom line here is : if at all possible do not solder ; use it as a
last resort. BE ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT ALL THE FLUX IS REMOVED OR THE PART WILL BE DAMAGED,
PROBABLY BEYOND REPAIR.
To make brass harder , it must be struck , preferably with a smooth hammer
while the piece that is being worked is resting on an anvil . The longer and harder it is
worked the harder it will get. For example , it is possible to make a click spring out of
soft brass by hammering on it and shaping it.
Use hard steel to repivot; it is available through almost every
supplier. I recommend using drill rod to make levers and shafts; it can be hardened if
desired and is relatively easy to work with.
A tool for installing click springs can be made by cutting a narrow slit in the end
of a piece of drill rod just wide enough for the spring and deep enough to hold it.
Harden the end and you will be able to install just about any friction fit click spring.
Remember to use a hole closing punch on the holes before installing the spring so it
will be tight.
Round ended punches ; small ,medium, and large will be ;needed . Two punches
for straightening gear teeth are a must if any work with bent gear teeth is to be done
.PICTURE. The end should be hardened and the edge should be as sharp as possible.
CLEANING