Anyone build their own pop tester?

[ToddA1]

I was thinking about it, but I'm having a hard time finding the gauge at a reasonable price.

Anyone have some links?  I've been looking for a 4" or larger that reads to 175 bar/2500psi.  Not sure if I need one that's glycerine filled, but I think it'd be ideal.

I've seen prebuilt ones selling for about $190 shipped, but if I could build my own for $50 + my time, I'd rather go that route.

-Todd

[ToddA1]

What the archives show are people getting the gauges from Ebay or places like that.  One place that was linked has smaller 2.5" gauges, but they're not rated for accuracy.

McMaster has Grade A, but I didn't see them larger than 2.5".  I've been searching a bit, and I'm guessing I won't be able to buy a larger, wet, graded gauge that will meet the budget.

-Todd

[Vincent Waldon]

Took a couple weeks of waiting till one showed up,  but my 6" gauge came from eBay... think I paid 60 bucks with shipping.

[ToddA1]

Took a couple weeks of waiting till one showed up,  but my 6" gauge came from eBay... think I paid 60 bucks with shipping.

I love your gauge....  that thing is rediculous; it looks like a wall clock, lol!  I'm in no rush, so I'll keep my eye out for a deal. 

OK, slightly off topic, but about the shims.  It seems like they come in increments of 0.05mm.  Is there a ball park pressure change for each 0.05mm of preload?  Is there a range of shims that are most widely used?  I saw someone else got 4 of all sizes from 1.00mm-1.95mm, from Hessian Imports. 

-Todd

[rabbitman]

IIRC the bentley tells how many PSI difference each shim will make. I can't remember it right now though.

[Quantum TD]

Be patient on ebay. Create a search and check periodically. I think I was looking for a Heisse gauge, but ended up with an Ashcroft rated at 3000 PSI. The face is really big too. I think I paid about $30-40 shipped for it.

[ToddA1]

IIRC the bentley tells how many PSI difference each shim will make. I can't remember it right now though.

You were correct...  adding 0.05mm adds about 5 bar (72.5psi); I can only assume the inverse would be true if lessening the thickness.  The shim range that I mentioned before, is the entire available range.

-Todd

[mtrans]

Why not use shim,mostly you need to add about 0.1-0.2 mm or my gillete or Pazzle man steel
like http://www.vwdieselparts.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=10319

[ToddA1]

That's fine if you want to add shims and increase pressure, but what if you need to lessen the pressure?  By your method, you'd still need the original shim in there....  the blade pieces are used behind the hardened shim.

I bought a new 4" gauge off Ebay.  It doesn't read in bar, but it'll be fine for as frequently as it'll be used. 

Pressure Range: 0 to 3000 PSI
Case Diameter Size: 4" (100mm)
Case Depth: 2”
Connection: 316 SS, welded 1/2" NPT lower mount  + ¼” F threaded Snubber insert
Accuracy: ± 1% of span (4A ASME (ANSI) standard B40.1)
Minimum Graduation: 30 PSI
Wetted Parts: 316 Stainless Steel
Case: 316 Stainless with removable front bezel, field fillable (shipped W/O glycerin)
Window: Polycarbonate
Case-to-Socket: Welded
Dial: White aluminum
Pointer: Black aluminum
Media Temperature: 212º F maximum
Ambient Temperature: 30º F to 160º F

I don't know who Weston/Solar is, but for the $15 shipped that I spent for a welded, graded gauge, I'm sure I did pretty well.  Most of the gauges I saw weren't graded, or were +/- 3/2/3%. 

I'll need to drop a few dollars on some glycerin, but I'm still under $20.  I did see mineral oil and silicone oil are used as substitutes, and the seller told me that I could use olive, canola, or any clear, light machine oil.

-Todd