In a message dated 2/16/03 12:26:36 PM, wilden1@JUNO.COM writes:

<< I wouldn't trust a home made O ring on my Oil Pickup Tube since this is
the key to getting home. >>

O-ring stock, round or square cross section, in various materials cost
pennies a foot.  I've made them plenty of times but only when the right size
was not readily available and only for STATIC seals.  It seems to work well
enough that if I were at war, I guess I might even try it for dynamic
O-rings.  I've also cut down larger ones for smaller applications.

To roll your own O-ring, accurate measurement is imperative.  A jig can be as
simple as a flat wooden stick with the overlapping ends of a loop (bight) of
the O-ring stock taped to it.  A sharp razor blade is used to cut through
both ends at an oblique angle.  The angle does not need to be exact as
cutting both ends at once makes them complimentary.  The ends are joined with
cyanocrylate adhesive (Crazy Glue, etc.) and it is best to use a toughened
version, such as Loctite Black Max, designated for flexible joints.  I guess
an alignment jig would prove useful but, I have always just CAREFULLY aligned
the ends for gluing and stuck them together.  A false step here only means
that I have to go through the drill again with grater patience.

Once again, only go to the trouble of making O-rings if your back is to the
wall.

George