C Series 12L14 Hexstock AdjustableTierods

[ri702bill 11,077]

All:

Having "moved" both spindle bores when I machined it for bushings, I realized I now needed slightly shorter length Tierods.

I have used regular 1080 Cold Rolled material for another set, but the quality of the machined threads was lacking.

This set I switched to 12L14 "leaded" hexstock - per the certificate it has .27% lead in the alloy. This allows easier machining with a superior finish. Cost is just a couple of bucks more than 1080.

The threads shown are done with an adjustable thread cutting die - 3 passes needed to get the proper shaft to nut fit. Shown is the die from the final pass - the chips look like angel hair

Also shown is the old trick of having a starting pilot diameter for the die - it is removed once the threading is done. The 12L14 material is safe to work with, but sanding, grinding and welding are NOT recommended...

 

 

[sqrlgtr 2,035]

28 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

All:

Having "moved" both spindle bores when I machined it for bushings, I realized I now needed slightly shorter length Tierods.

I have used regular 1080 Cold Rolled material for another set, but the quality of the machined threads was lacking.

This set I switched to 12L14 "leaded" hexstock - per the certificate it has .27% lead in the alloy. This allows easier machining with a superior finish. Cost is just a couple of bucks more than 1080.

The threads shown are done with an adjustable thread cutting die - 3 passes needed to get the proper shaft to nut fit. Shown is the die from the final pass - the chips look like angel hair

Also shown is the old trick of having a starting pilot diameter for the die - it is removed once the threading is done. The 12L14 material is safe to work with, but sanding, grinding and welding are NOT recommended...

Looks great bill

[ebinmaine 76,891]

12 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

Looks great bill

[ri702bill 11,077]

7 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

Eric - a rather simple project with the lathe - you should get one....

[ebinmaine 76,891]

13 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

Eric - a rather simple project with the lathe - you should get one....

 

Agreed.  At least with my recent drill press purchase I'll be able to do female threaded tie rods. Then use male heim joints. 

[ri702bill 11,077]

5 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

Agreed.  At least with my recent drill press purchase I'll be able to do female threaded tie rods. Then use male heim joints. 

Do consider using hexstock - much easier to fixture in the vise than round stock.

[ebinmaine 76,891]

9 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

Do consider using hexstock - much easier to fixture in the vise than round stock.

 

Agreed. Done both. Hex is a huge difference. 

[Achto 30,668]

6 hours ago, ri702bill said:

 

Excellent work !!  Have you ever considered turning down the stock tie rods in order to fit the thread on ends? I've had pretty good luck doing this.

Edited December 29, 2025 by Achto

[ri702bill 11,077]

The old OE tierods do get used elsewhere. I find the severely pitted finish gives poor grip and concentricity in either a chuck or collet. I'd rather use new material.

[ri702bill 11,077]

23 hours ago, ri702bill said:

The old OE tierods do get used elsewhere

Used one to make the backside support stops on the front mounted mule drive hitch. Behind the pair of lower hexhead screws.

 

Edited December 30, 2025 by ri702bill

[RoubaixRider 218]

Nice machining work!

Edited December 30, 2025 by RoubaixRider