[PSUBS-MAILIST] Through Hull Distortion

["James Frankland" <james@guernseysubmarine.com>]

Hi All,

Yet another problem for the Guernsey submarine construction team (me).

I sort of knew this was going to happen, but im not sure how to fix it.

Ive welded in all of the through hulls for the battery pods, which are also the electrical penetrators.  I machined the UHMWPE inserts to a high tollerance, so they were almost a press fit into the shafts.

Anyway, after welding, they dont fit.  What was once a perfect fit is now not.

The question is do i put a hand reamer down to try and open it up a bit, or put the inserts back on the lathe and take a thin cut off them?

I suppose this is going to happen with all the mechanical through hulls?  Im particually worried about the motor rotating through hulls as they are very precicely made.  The others (such as drop weights etc) i can modify the shaft.

Kind regards
James