[Ace Sewer]

Hi, brand new here, and to machining in general.

I own and operate a sewer and drain cleaning business. Much of our work is done with high pressure water jetters. A key component in any jetter is the nozzle. I've been less than thrilled with the standard offerings from nozzle mfrs in the sewer cleaning industry, and disappointed in the level of service they provide in terms of custom drillings and small lots.

I'm looking for either advice on purchasing equipment to make my own nozzles, or for someone with appropriate equipment who is interested in making some prototypes for me to test and refine until we get to something saleable. I have little interest in being a nozzle mfr, but as I am picky about my equipment and not in a position to order in quantities such that a nozzle mfr will work with me I am being forced into it to get the nozzles I want.

I can get what I want for my larger machines from commercial suppliers. I'm interested in nozzles for my small machines. These are small pieces, typically 1/4" to 1" dia, less that 1" long. Bullet or spherical shape, with a rounded nose, 1/8" npt female threads at the back, threads recessed as much as possible into the nozzle. Typically stainless steel, though brass works for the small machines. The bodies should not be difficult to make. The drilling for the jets is more difficult. There has to be enough meat in the body to get a good l/d so it makes a good stream, and the holes are very small... about .017", and the angle of the holes to the body is important, and there must be a groove or a countersink for each jet in the body such that the port for the jet exits the body perpendicular to the surface it is dilled in (to maintain a coherent jet of water...probably makes drilling it easier too).

If anyone is interested in discussing it, let me know.

If not, any advice on an appropriate machine(s) to make something like this is greatly apprciated. I'm thinking a small machine like those used in training would be perfect. I'd need to turn the body and drill and thread the rear, and then drill ports for the jets, one dead center at the front, several radially angled towards the back. If there is any response I'll try to make and post a drawing, but for now think of a bullet with a little hole at the tip, and several holes around the circumference angled back at the rear.