Machining polyurethane bar into bushes AKL

[Jeffs_Emporium]

Looking for someone in auckland who can turn down some 50mm diameter solid polyurethane bar and offset drill it for some rear trailing arm bushes.

Apparently it needs to be frozen to stop it tearing 

[Carsnz123]

Yes It's a shit of a thing to machine. Freezing makes it easier and having an air supply to cool your tool helps. High rake angle and razor sharp tool helps a lot too.  The boys at SAS or Autoline (I've forgotten who) here in Christchurch have someone who can machine bushes and I'm fairly sure hes based up your way. Might pay to ring them. 

[NickJ]

I'm about to embark on a similar project, attempting to turn myself, this is the best info I found:

https://www.nolathane.com.au/install_guides/Z5373.pdf

Pacific Seals in Wellington whip up custom jobs, I can only assume that PU would be up their alley too.

 

[cletus]

Try Iain at autolign in mt Wellington 

[a.craw4d]

Machines ok with tool steel.

It's also soft enough that close enough is good enough.

Enough already.

[Geophy]

If you pop it in the mail I can, based in Hamilton though

[Guest]

 Best results are by freezing with liquid nitrogen, and then maching with high rake super polished tool steel. 

 

[mjrstar]

I have machined it a bit at room temp, nice sharp tooling, and lots of speed gave an acceptable result for a Bush which is encased. (not a mirror finish, but straight an parallel with a bit of a dull look) 

[Mark_Fleming]

OP, before you jump, check out vesconite as an alternative substrate....self lubricating so no more squeeky/creeky corners

http://www.chatfieldmarine.com/shop/Vesconite+Bushes+(Stern+Bearings).html

[nvmyvl]

Never heard of freezing it first.. and I machined the shit for 16 years. Depending on the hardness, then tool steel is the best To use.

If you go see the boys at LEP in onehunga, they will look after you.  Plus they pour polyurethane there, so if you had originals, then they can make a mould from them and then pour as many as you like