Hello All,

Here is a question to the engineers amongst the forum. What do you think this brass block was made for?

I visited one of the local scrap metal merchants to buy some brass. I found a 50 mm square solid brass block with the following inscribed

1.438 DIA.
INV#10495

It seems like a precision made engineering gauge for measuring such things as rubber 'O' rings or seals to check to see if they are made within a specific tolerance. Well, that is my guess. How close to the mark am I?

Kind regards
Lionel

Attachment 136501

Attachment 136502

Attachment 136503

Block
 

Hi Lionel
Yep it appears to be a gauge but the actual use is uncertain. Your guess would be pretty close. It looks to be rather worn and in rough condition, not what I would describe as being high precision. Brass comes in various grades with different % of elements in the alloy, some types are harder.

Hello Mike,

I am glad that you consider the block to be in rough condition. I bought the brass block to use with plug welding rust holes in automotive sheet metal. Am I right in thinking that either brass or copper could be used as a backing when welding up rust holes in sheet metal? I just had a look online and there are some brands of plug welding pliers that feature a copper-plate top jaw.

Of the two options copper or brass - which one is the best option for carrying out plug welds in sheetmetal? Or the two equal to the job?

Kind regards
Lionel

I've always heard of the backing plate for welding as copper rather than brass but hat doesn't mean brass might not be as good - just never tried it.
The gauge block looks to me as if the round end might have been a cylinder shape that has been cut off at some time - just guessing though.

Copper
 

Brass has a high % of Zinc which means it might make welding difficult. Always handy to have a block of brass so I am sure you can still put it to good use. Maybe buy a lathe and machine it down into something you need i.e. shims.

Hello Mike,

You are correct. I just had a yarn with a boilermaker and either copper or aluminium is the drum. Copper being the first preference. Not brass as it does impede welding. Oh well, I now have a very effective paperweight and a curio.

Kind regards
Lionel