Cylinder head spanner remanufacture

[Tony Blythe]

All, I've now registered on this site so can pick up any expressions of interest / query. Kind Regards, Tony B

[Tony Blythe]

Originally Posted by Tony Blythe

All, I've now registered on this site so can pick up any expressions of interest / query. Kind Regards, Tony B

All, The first order for 10 spanners (batch 1) have now been returned from the specialist high pressure water jet cutting company and are undergoing final milling. The second batch order, again for a minimum of 10 spanners has been been finalised & this batch will go through the same processes. I am not actively pursuing a 3rd batch of 10 spanners but if sufficient interest is shown I will see what I can do.
Thank you to all who placed orders including those from across the pond (x3), South Africa & Europe. Tony B

[GREG]

And thank you all that have ordered the head spanners from me over the last three years that are made by a British specialist tool maker as perfect replicas from the best quality tool steel :-) and as used by professional Bristol engine builders !!

[GREG]

Oops , time goes by so quickly ! It was 2009 that the first batch of head spanners were announced on this forum manufactured by my contacts in the metals industry ( MD of Alcan aluminium for Northern Europe for transportation and the aircraft industry ) The water jet process is very useful and it was used a lot for making kits for ships etc -- but for hand tools !

[Tony Blythe]

All, I don't normally react within the public domain to comments made; but ...

Modern technology moves what can be achieved over time, via a specialist manufacturer, using the correct base material, i.e. Chrome Vanadium, now allows water cutting to achieve not only the correct profile but remarkably even the double hexagons for the cylinder head bolts. It's actually the microscopic slurry partials in the water that performs the cutting; in this instance using larger partials for the outside profile and finer ones for the two double hexagons ends which gives a smoother finish. The spanner is then bench tested to confirm correct torque suitability (45Lbf) and on an engine to confirm cylinder head bolt access. All current customers have been very pleased with the results.

I'm also offering 'support' to other club members in their venture down a forged route, but its very early days and they are leading on this.

Neither approach is intended to give feedback to what is already out there in the market place or offer an opinion on which gives the 'best result' / value for money.

[GREG]

Lol - I'm delighted for you

I only made the comment to point out that using the search button on this forum or most other Bristol forums will often give you the answer you are looking for -- whether it's looking for parts or how to fix something.

I know companies like ..

In Racing
Mike Robinson
ACCS
SLJ
BCL
Brabazon
Boda
Ashley Hinton
Etc etc - all invest a lot of time and money in parts production for what is a very small turnover market place. It would be a shame if they lost the incentive to do this by replicating what is already available -- so probably best to find out what is available first ? I think the above list of companies have most things covered.

[flyinghorse1]

Greg-I think you miss the point. Anthony has an original spanner & he was making them for people that could not find an original one reasonably priced on the market.

I would also dispute that there is a ready supply of spanners available at a fair price on the open market,or if there is perhaps it should be better advertised by those who supply them.

People also have posted here looking for such items and no one has suggested to contact your list of potential suppliers. I have asked 2 of the companies on the list and they both laughed at me.

The fact that Anthony has been able to fill 2 order books and is on his third suggests difficulty in finding the spanner for all those who subscribed.

I think its great that Anthony has gone to the trouble of making such spanners and what clubs and club membership is about.

Graham