Making my own reed petals. What thickness?

[seahuntboater]

I think I can make the 2 reed petals for this 5 hp eska reed plate. The stops are still servicable. Does anyone know what thickness (.0xx in.) that reed metal is? The old ones rusted away long ago. Can I use feeler gauge material so long as it is wide enough to cover the holes?

[frankr]

Durn, you mean there are no Techumseh reeds out there? Somebody here has one, I’ll bet

[green-thumbs]

Interesting subject.
I stand CORRECTED
Micrometer reading error on my part.
12 KE4/Mark7 reeds all measured 10/1000 (+/- 1/1000)
K2 reed when measured directly.was also 10/1000
Decimals and eyes are pesky critters.

These numbers may not relate to your Eska.
Once you have thickness, you may find a reed of the right
thickness, width and length to use as basis for making
a reed. A number of Eska engines were Tecumpseh so it is
even possible a lawn mower shop may have correct type.
Feeler gauge may be the right stuff. It may call for special
techniques to drill and bring to right size and shape.
Louis

• This reply was modified 4 years ago by green-thumbs.
• This reply was modified 4 years ago by green-thumbs.

[joecb]

Louis , perhaps double check your measurements ( or the location of the decimal point) … .035 ( 1/32 inch) seems way to thick for a reed.

Staying safe

Joe B

[76-j]

.010 Max !

[seahuntboater]

Thanks guys. I may give it a try. I am waiting on picking up a drill press first and I don’t think feeler gauge will work because they are not wide enough. Lawnmower shop may be the answer but this motor has other issues and as we all know these motors are not very good when new. I do enjoy learning though and snapping frozen fasteners.

[rudderless]

One can buy fiber sheet that fiber reeds are made from and cut your own. Or buy some aftermarket reeds and cut down from there. There are some good sites that explain howto make your own and find the resonant freq.

[Author]

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