Make your own gaskets

Jetblackchemist · Post by **Jetblackchemist** » Mon May 16, 2011 10:24 pm

Making your own gaskets, I always trace my gaskets out in a heavy paper art book in case I need one later, then I make my own using that template I traced, either you can cut it out and use what you traced then trace that one, or cut it out trace it on some gasket material or use heavy card board paper my personal favorite...like what 24 packs come enclosed in

heres a vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rx5hGKt1PY of an old timer doing something similar not my method but his works just as well if you don't have a gasket for a template and need to make one or just use that one after you make it.

Smithers · Post by **Smithers** » Tue May 17, 2011 8:13 am

I've been making my own gaskets here and there since I was 14

Why run and spend a half a day searching for a dumb gasket when you can make one? I made one last week for a lawn mower and I've made tons for dirtbikes etc. I tried to buy a gasket cutting machine from a failer local motorcycle shop but the owner wouldn't let that go - I talked to him a year after that day and he sold it eventually (for cheap) cause he needed money. Whatever!

Jetblackchemist · Post by **Jetblackchemist** » Tue May 17, 2011 10:04 am

True that not everyone knows you don't need to buy those suckers, so I thought a DIY gasket tutorial was in order.

elenorzx · Post by **elenorzx** » Tue May 17, 2011 12:26 pm

The trace book is a phenomenal idea! I suppose a stop at the craft store is in order!

wnbasac · Post by **wnbasac** » Tue May 17, 2011 1:04 pm

please don't laugh but what type of gasket material should i buy?

Jetblackchemist · Post by **Jetblackchemist** » Tue May 17, 2011 3:21 pm

You could buy it at an auto parts store, i have never tried but I know they sell it. I have used, cardboard boxes, cardboard from soda can cases, heavy art paper, and my personal favorite...roofing felt one roll equals all the gaskets you could ever need in your lifetime.

I hope that answers your question and it's always good to ask if you're unsure. No one is born knowing this sh*t... If someone laughs they have issues they need to deal with, so it's their issue not yours f@#k em and don't think twice about it.

wnbasac · Post by **wnbasac** » Tue May 17, 2011 3:56 pm

Jetblackchemist

tks for your reply, i'm going to give it a try
>
how do you make the holes? drill, hole punch?
>
oh i also love your polishing tutorial!!!
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tks for your efforts to help educate others
>
lou

Jetblackchemist · Post by **Jetblackchemist** » Wed May 18, 2011 3:39 am

You're welcome no worries, you could use the ball end of a small ball peen hammer, like the old guy in the vid is using, with gentle taps. an exacto knife, or a drill bit (not in the drill) where the v shape at the bottom of the bit is larger than the threaded part, meaning there is no way the bit will fit in the hole but the v part does, then give the bit a couple of light taps rotate the bit a little then give it a couple more light little taps.

Smithers · Post by **Smithers** » Wed May 18, 2011 6:22 am

For holes I just make a jagged holed with an exacto knife real fast. No one will ever see your not so perfect hole and it will hold the bolt in place when you push it in and grab whatever tool to tighten it. And of course if its an oil passageway or something I take a little more care with the knife. Last night on my bench I noticed that I had my sheet of gasket material right there in front of me. I use it a lot so it never gets put away really. I bought that particular piece from the Napa Auto Parts store 12 years ago. It was nearly 4sq ft (cut from a large roll) when I bought it. Lasts forever.

Jetblackchemist · Post by **Jetblackchemist** » Wed May 18, 2011 2:52 pm

Sounds like they had a roll of roofing felt/tar paper back there

Spokes · Post by **Spokes** » Wed May 18, 2011 3:13 pm

I make my gasket holes with my leather punch kit. Perfect every time.

Smithers · Post by **Smithers** » Wed May 18, 2011 9:24 pm

Heh it's some dark brown material so it's extra special. Spokes I pick up hole punches when I can find them at old tool sales. I don't have a set though but I will someday!

Spokes · Post by **Spokes** » Thu May 19, 2011 3:08 pm

No need to search
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/home ... 03-00.aspx

These work fine and the price is right.

Jetblackchemist · Post by **Jetblackchemist** » Thu May 19, 2011 3:19 pm

Nice I was looking at that site for some leather, My friend of over 20 years dad tooled saddles, holsters, you name it for many years, he's been retired for a good while and nearly 80 he's willing to tool me a custom leather seat since I am sort of family. I figured it would be much nicer than a seat cover, plus a custom leather seat? can't beat that.

Smithers · Post by **Smithers** » Thu May 19, 2011 10:40 pm

Awesome deal on those punches. I would take a custom made seat anyday! I met a really good father and son business near me that can do some amazing work. I have around 4-5 motorcycle seats that need to be done so I'm about to see what they can do soon. Need to start a seat thread.

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