Reducing brass thermal conductivity - practical ideas?

**variant22** · 15th June 2014, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by Ropetangler

I would try Ewans suggestion of a wound spring type of handle. Years ago I worked at a minesite/ concentrating plant, and on afternoon and night shift many wood heaters were made by the blokes. the "go to" handle was a welders chipping hammer handle which was a stock item in the warehouse. The steel wire has a much lower conductivity than brass, and being wound, it cools much better than a solid item via convection air currents, and even if at the same temperature as brass, the heat transfer would be less, (but not as low as wood), and so would not feel as hot.
Rob

Unfortunately the mandate was to make it the same as the existing wooden one. I like the idea of the welders chipping hammer - makes perfect sense. I thought about cutting some fins in the back of it for cooling.. The idea from cba is also good and I may gouge out the back and replace with wood if it gets too hot in use. I really need to get a photo of it up here!

When test fitting it did not actually get as hot as expected. That said, it only sat there for a few minutes as it needed a slight modification. I reckon it will get quite warm sitting there for a few hours.

I would like to try ceramic or bakelite inserts/bolts and washers, but I cannot source (outside Stuarts great idea for a washer) these. Any ideas where I could find them?

**Ropetangler** · 15th June 2014, 10:17 PM

It may be worth trying bearing sales outlets for ceramic bearings. I don't know pricing details, although ebay may give some indication. For smallish bearings, I wouldn't expect it to be too OTT, and you could wash out any lubricant and just run it dry. A brass knob could be turned to accept the bearing, and if the bearing needed to be locked, a small dab or two of RTV would do it, while still leaving the bearing open enough for some air to circulate.
A cheaper alternative would be a welders glove, tied to the heater, so that you could handle a hot brass knob without burning yourself

. They come in a good range of colours if you shop around

Rob.

**Stustoys** · 15th June 2014, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by variant22

I would like to try ceramic or bakelite inserts/bolts and washers, but I cannot source (outside Stuarts great idea for a washer) these. Any ideas where I could find them?

ty, but I didnt mean a washer. (not that I have done this) I was really thinking of inserting the ceramic part of the plug into the brass and modifying the steel end to screw onto the heater....... or vice versa.
You dont say exactly what you have to work with. I might have a play tomorrow..... I'd assume you can cut them with a diamond saw.

Stuart

**variant22** · 15th June 2014, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by Stustoys

ty, but I didnt mean a washer. (not that I have done this) I was really thinking of inserting the ceramic part of the plug into the brass and modifying the steel end to screw onto the heater....... or vice versa.
You dont say exactly what you have to work with. I might have a play tomorrow..... I'd assume you can cut them with a diamond saw.

Stuart

Ahh, I get you. Make an insert out of the ceramic cover. I was thinking of making a washer out of it. I was going to have a crack with a carbide insert. Maybe a cermet? Or is that a chicken and egg thing? I reckon you are on the right path with a diamond saw.

Rob, I know the colours.. I have some of the uber fashionable kidskin variety. I like the hanging glove as a practical idea! I am not sure how the ceramic bearing would fit. I only have ~10mm sq to work with. Unless they have some internal ceramic collar? I thought they usually only had ceramic balls and metal casings?

**BobL** · 16th June 2014, 10:32 AM

If you look on ebay you will see many ceramic knobs for sale some for less than $1 - I reckon it might be worth getting one of these.
You might need to make an adapter sleeve to mate the lever and knob threads but I'm sure you could make one out of brass - could look quite nice.

**bob ward** · 18th June 2014, 08:50 PM

FWIW, this damage to a wooden handle on the door of wood stove has been caused by radiant heat through the door glass.

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