Split collets

Marcus Bowden

VOC Hon. Overseas Representative
VOC Member
Andy my handsome, I need a little more than Andy B to find your address in my admin address book, so if you'd like to PM me as my e-mail is inside front cover of MPH.
Bananaman.
 

A_HRD

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Well actually no, Marcus, it's not my knowledge; I was merely quoting the findings and knowledge of the late great Bob Stafford.

But the Series 'A' spring collet issue doesn't end here. I have several crusty old used (original?) valves and some old stock new ones too. All have the correct "squared" 90 degree interface between the large and small stem diameters to take the correct "squared top" collets. Great.

But I also have some new Series 'A' valves which I purchased in the UK about 2 to 3 years ago. These are most probably manufactured by the G & S valve company. However, whoever got them made(?), forgot to specify the need for the stem interface to be square; what they actually have is a small taper for about 1/32". So, if you intend to use standard 'A' collets on a standard set-up (and why wouldn't you?), each valve needs that tiny taper machining square on a lathe with a very sharp tool.

Anyone in the process of, or about to start, head-building - would be wise to check what they have in respect of collets and valves.

Peter B
 

Robert Watson

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
If Marcus fails to come through, (not likely to fail that boy) I have 4 pairs of new ones, still as they come in one piece, and 6 used loose 1/2's
 

Marcus Bowden

VOC Hon. Overseas Representative
VOC Member
Have located them but looks like I've machined all the pairs I had for circlip wires for B,C & D's but as Peter B says there is a difference from original to new ones with a radius at the shoulder ( which is better as not so much a stress point) with them being machined it should bridge the radius would it not ! ?
Also have plenty of 1/2 ones but with carful measuring should be able to make a pair.


IMG_1214.jpg
 

Andy B

Well Known and Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
Well actually no, Marcus, it's not my knowledge; I was merely quoting the findings and knowledge of the late great Bob Stafford.

But the Series 'A' spring collet issue doesn't end here. I have several crusty old used (original?) valves and some old stock new ones too. All have the correct "squared" 90 degree interface between the large and small stem diameters to take the correct "squared top" collets. Great.

But I also have some new Series 'A' valves which I purchased in the UK about 2 to 3 years ago. These are most probably manufactured by the G & S valve company. However, whoever got them made(?), forgot to specify the need for the stem interface to be square; what they actually have is a small taper for about 1/32". So, if you intend to use standard 'A' collets on a standard set-up (and why wouldn't you?), each valve needs that tiny taper machining square on a lathe with a very sharp tool.

Anyone in the process of, or about to start, head-building - would be wise to check what they have in respect of collets and valves.

Peter B
Thanks Peter, any chance of a picture of both types of valve? Pretty please?
 

A_HRD

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Andy,

I've got 6 crusty old used valves, decades old - all the same (ie square stem interface).
I've got 4 "new" valves - 2 square and 2 tapered.

Not sure these photos will do them justice, but here's a sample, numbering from the left:-
1 & 2 = crusty, decades-old valves (square).
3 = new valve, (square), bought about 2005/6 during Colin Jenner's custodianship of Conways.
4 = new valve, (taper), bought around 2016/17 (can't be sure who from).

As an aside, from the marks on the old valves, I would estimate the split collets used were 1/4" high.

Peter B

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P1080976.jpg
 

Dinny

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
I have old valves just like Peters with square cut stems. I have two new valves from the club which are tapered. I suggest the club checks the stock and corrects this if it’s still an issue. I bought them about 2 years ago and have not looked at them. My collets came from Conways and are correct.

Thanks
Mark
 

Marcus Bowden

VOC Hon. Overseas Representative
VOC Member
Here you are Andy,
Back row 2 NOS inlets (50 + years that I've had them) 2 used v/v's
front row two used and one new in last twenty years. with mandrel to machine collets
note : all v/v's have 5/16" dia upper stem, all my inlets have 11/32" lower stem dia and exhaust's have 3/8" dia stems
None of them have a sharp 90 degree at the change of diameter
assorted collets with four shiny new pair from VOCSC and Andy's pair in an envelope ready to be posted.
Now you know what rubbish I hang onto.
bananaman.

IMG_1217.jpg
 

Andy B

Well Known and Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
Andy,

I've got 6 crusty old used valves, decades old - all the same (ie square stem interface).
I've got 4 "new" valves - 2 square and 2 tapered.

Not sure these photos will do them justice, but here's a sample, numbering from the left:-
1 & 2 = crusty, decades-old valves (square).
3 = new valve, (square), bought about 2005/6 during Colin Jenner's custodianship of Conways.
4 = new valve, (taper), bought around 2016/17 (can't be sure who from).

As an aside, from the marks on the old valves, I would estimate the split collets used were 1/4" high.

Peter B

View attachment 29709

View attachment 29710

View attachment 29711
Excellent detail Peter thank you, I also have approx 12 used valves mostly according to your research,are old stock, fortunately I have at least one good pair that I have had refinished. Thank you for your knowledge and time.
 

Andy B

Well Known and Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
Here you are Andy,
Back row 2 NOS inlets (50 + years that I've had them) 2 used v/v's
front row two used and one new in last twenty years. with mandrel to machine collets
note : all v/v's have 5/16" dia upper stem, all my inlets have 11/32" lower stem dia and exhaust's have 3/8" dia stems
None of them have a sharp 90 degree at the change of diameter
assorted collets with four shiny new pair from VOCSC and Andy's pair in an envelope ready to be posted.
Now you know what rubbish I hang onto.
bananaman.

View attachment 29707
I will enjoy buying you a beer if I get the pleasure of your company Marcus, look me up if in Melbourne. I will be travelling to Liverpool and Portsmouth in March for a reunion of my old RN colleagues and hope to call in at the new club rooms on my travels. Thanks a bunch.
 
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