Odd Question - Source for Replacement Flange

[gsteiger]

Hi all,

This is a shot in the dark but thought this community may have ideas. I need to source a substitute for a badly-corroded flange from a commercial espresso machine boiler. The machine is 40 years old and I've reached out to manufacturers, hobbyist forums, parts suppliers--all with no luck.

The piece is cast aluminum with an inner diameter of 7 7/8" and outer diameter or 10" (unit has room for a larger OD). I can drill bolt holes. Does anyone have suggestions for a similarly-size flange from plumbing applications (steel or aluminum)? A company quoted $550 for an aluminum ring, custom machined (flat, no holes), which unfortunately is too expensive for this unit.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions. Many thanks all.

 

[Twowaxhack]

You could try these people on eBay. They laser cut aluminum.

Here’s a 10” x 10” x 1/4” aluminum plate. You could cut a circle out of the middle then drill you bolt holes

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2243885386...rentrq:c029f4f71810a1208ba12ca0fffd1fe0|iid:1

 

[gsteiger]

You could try these people on eBay. They laser cut aluminum.

Here’s a 10” x 10” x 1/4” aluminum plate. You could cut a circle out of the middle then drill you bolt holes

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2243885386...rentrq:c029f4f71810a1208ba12ca0fffd1fe0|iid:1

That is a great idea, thank you!

 

[Twowaxhack]

That is a great idea, thank you!

A gunsmith/maker may be able to help or or a machine shop.


If you walked into a shop with the plate marked out I can’t see it costing over a couple hundred to have it cut out.

You just need to find the right guy. Maybe put an ad out on Craigslist.

Here is a 7 7/8” hole saw. You could cut the hole yourself. I’d keep it cool while cutting. Real cool
https://www.exchangeablade.com/products/v/417/7-7-8-M3-Industrial-Hole-Saw-Recyclable-Exchangeable/

 

[phildirtt]

These look similar. Part number 5 or 11. I don't see measurements, but is it a Faema?

Faema Boiler E61-P4-P6-E64-E66-Star-No Stop | CafeParts.com

 

[gsteiger]

A gunsmith/maker may be able to help or or a machine shop.


If you walked into a shop with the plate marked out I can’t see it costing over a couple hundred to have it cut out.

You just need to find the right guy. Maybe put an ad out on Craigslist.

Here is a 7 7/8” hole saw. You could cut the hole yourself. I’d keep it cool while cutting. Real cool
https://www.exchangeablade.com/products/v/417/7-7-8-M3-Industrial-Hole-Saw-Recyclable-Exchangeable/

Thank you! That's another good idea, and I need to take something in anyway for service.

 

[gsteiger]

These look similar. Part number 5 or 11. I don't see measurements, but is it a Faema?

Faema Boiler E61-P4-P6-E64-E66-Star-No Stop | CafeParts.com

I can't believe I missed that piece, really interesting option. The boiler has 10 holes, but I could redrill. Going to mock up the size and see if it fits. Thanks for flagging this!

 

[phildirtt]

This one has 10 holes but it's only 190mm (7.5"?).

Flange-cover In Aluminium 10 Holes Ø 190 | CafeParts.com

It's probably an Italian make? Try a Google search in Italy with your manufacturer and model number?

 

[Bird Doo Head]

Do you have a water jet cutting place near you?
I had a sort of similar looking, but larger diameter, 3/16" thick 1100 series aluminum gasket made by water jet for $26.00.
They scan the piece, load the scan into the cutting machine & in a few minutes it's done- complete with bolt holes. It was fun to watch, too. (I specified 1100 series because it's compressible to forgive any imperfections in the mating surfaces.)

Plan B: If it doesn't get too hot for the material, maybe a 3D printing person could help. There are lots of hobbyists who'd be glad to work with you.

Plan C: Ask on Appliancejunk (com) with the model number. Someone there may have a parts source for your machine. Or call Mr. Gas in Warren, Michigan. 800 852-4277 They have a generous variety parts for uncommon commercial appliances & are willing to special order items & mail them to you.

Hope one of these helps,
Paul

 

[wpns]

Not 3D printing if it’s hot or under pressure. I like the waterjet idea unless it needs to be in two pieces.

 

[gagecalman]

Does it need to be in two pieces?