Cast iron gib

[rzw0wr]

I need to make a new cast iron gib for my Smithy mill.

Should I use something besides cast iron?

If cast then what alloy?

The ones form Smithy are bowed and have a slight twist.

I thought I would just make my own.


Thanks,
Dale

 

[ErichKeane]

I asked a similar question not long ago and was told Class 40 cast iron. I bought mine here: https://www.speedymetals.com/c-8389-square.aspx

Note that the 1.25" square actually had rounded off corners, so I lost a bit of material that way.

 

[benmychree]

It is possible to straighten gibs, and the twist could be removed by scraping; straightening is done between a couple of pieces of wood and done carefully with a soft hammer. Rich King teaches this technique.

 

[rzw0wr]

After several hours of thinking.

I was a die maker for 30 years and I have a small 1/8" die grinder.

I think I will try to spot this gib to the gib way surface.

It will be kind of like scraping but not so labor intense.

The gib in the mill works but has a few tight places.

I will practice on the new gib.

Thanks for the reply,

Dale