Oh No! Babbitt putty hard!

[windybob]

Wow, am I dismayed. Was getting ready to pour the bearing on the Steel Star today, got out my babbittrite and no kidding, the whole thing , hard as a rock in the plastic bag! Oh No! Someone said they can't sell it any more? Is there a way to re-soften it? On the other site, it was explained, but I'm old and forgetful.

Guess I will tune in over at McMaster Carr, and see what's up. If they don't sell it, maybe someone will have the answer. Thanks.

[Todd]

Windy: It is available thru a few different sources. Cheapest for small quantities is Amazon.. or Rotometals direct.

https://www.amazon.com/RotoMetals-Casti ... B00EQ83H5W

Disclaimer: I have not tried this new version yet, so I can't vouch for it's performance, but this is the closest alternative I have located.

EDIT: You can add some motor oil to the Babbitt-rite and work it in, that is one of the tricks I have seen.
Play-Doh will also work fairly well.

[windybob]

Todd thanks! I ordered it. Will let you know how it works.

Glad I won't be bringing mine home and cooking it on the stove or something to make it soft again! lol

Disclaimer: Don't be cooking your putty on the stove.

[Kansas Rust Buzzard]

Mine got hard also, I put some in a can of oil and let it soak for a while, it was almost like vitrified brick. ended up putting chunks on the anvil and beating them with oil dripped over them until some was worked in. It takes a lot of work but it did make it usable again.

[Mister Ed]

Bob - Did you order from Amazon or Roto Metals (not sure if its the same or not)? Keep us posted on what you get and what you think of it.

I still have some of the "old stuff" left but was going to order more from Roto Metals on my next order.

[windybob]

Yes I did, but didn't get it yet. I will keep you posted. I know the picture that was on Amazon almost made me throw up. lol

[windybob]

Okay, here's an update on the putty I got today....I did a few small pours on the pitman for the Steel Star.

In order for it to be like the original, it needs to meet a few requirements.

1. looks like babbitt putty, feels like babbitt putty, tastes like babbitt putty. check.
2. Leaks babbitt on almost every first pour. check.
3. Nothing made by humans can cut the sticky residue off your hands. check.
4. when you drop it on the floor, everything sticks to it, especially the extra babbitt tails. That way, they stab you when you roll the putty for the next pour..check.
5. putty falls off right before pour when it gets hot. check.

All in all, it seems to be a good replacement for original Babbitrite. I would recommend it. Overall, it does not seem much different than original. Go for it.

Hope it was funny reading this. haha We've all had these moments.

[Todd]

^^^^^^^^^^^^ You nailed it Windy...!!!! LOL
Glad it worked like you expected! Now I probably need to order some since you approve!

[Kansas Rust Buzzard]

Windybob- " tastes like babbitt putty. check." This explains a lot of thing!

[73stang]

New to this subject....how much is a pound...baseball size or??¿