Brass vs Bronze bushes.

[Merv C]

when I wanted to make a brass big end bearing for my 4hp Blackstone I made the pattern and took it to my local foundry to get one cast.
They told me that they would use some kind of bronze as it was better than brass. I don't know the difference but it does look like brass,What do know is I have always used bronze when replacing bearing bushes.
Merv.

[mikelsjunk]

Hi,  I would never use brass for a bearing application. Although people call it brass, they usually mean bronze.  Any decent bearing, power transmission or industrial supply place will have it.  I live in Orange (pop 40000) and there probably 6 places where I could get it from.  The term "brasses" has been used in ye olde days to describe bearings but the material is bronze - looks the same but is not. 

Mike           

[rustyengines]

I have made lots of brass BUSHES for hand operated equipment and sometimes low speed and low load works fine
Brass is softer than bronze   
Bronze is a better BEARING material
Ian

[Teddy]

Thanks again all those who have replied.
Today turned out to be an unplanned "visitors day", many friends, all good, but no engine work done.
Sorry Scott, no pics, but soon.
Teddy

[ianoz]

Should have told the Visitors to come out the shed if they wanted to chat Teddy .You might have got a handy hand .

[Teddy]

Ian
These friends are good people but wouldn't know brass from bronze. er a shocket set from a battery charger, er a ring gap from a ring spanner.
More hindrance than help in the workshop.
Teddy

[rusty pete]

Hi Teddy, as previously mentioned, Phosphor bronze is the way to go. Get some decent measurements and i might have a off cut for you. Left over from doing my twb McDonald big end. Cheers. Pete