Cut to size calculator
Prices include VAT and cutting. Several pieces of the same size are cut from one piece of stock where they fit, allowing 4mm for the saw blade between pieces; the first piece is cut free and each additional piece is £1.60. Cut pieces are made to order and have a sawn finish. Delivery is calculated at checkout. For shapes, holes or large quantities, request a quote or call 01744 520110.
Description
Large-diameter F2 cotton phenolic rod (SRBF) – the direct equivalent of Tufnol® Whale brand – in 90mm and 100mm diameters, supplied in 500mm or 1000mm lengths. A tough, rigid, medium-weave laminate round bar that machines cleanly into bushes, bearings, rollers, spacers and insulating parts, at a fraction of the price of branded Tufnol.
- ✔ Same material class as Tufnol Whale – medium-weave cotton fabric bonded with phenolic resin (PF CC 42 / F2 / SRBF)
- ✔ Big savings per metre compared with branded Tufnol rod in the same diameters
- ✔ Strong, tough and wear resistant – handles heavy loads and impact without cracking
- ✔ About half the weight of aluminium, with low water absorption and good dimensional stability
- ✔ Easy to machine on standard lathes and mills – turn, bore, drill and tap
- ✔ Long 500mm and 1000mm bars – enough stock for several parts from one piece
Sizes and Weights
Choose your diameter and length from the size selector above. All prices include VAT.
| Diameter | Length | Approx. rod weight | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90mm | 500mm | 4.3 kg | Several bushes, rollers or spacers |
| 90mm | 1000mm | 8.7 kg | Batch production – lowest cost per mm |
| 100mm | 500mm | 5.3 kg | Large bearings, thrust pads and sleeves |
| 100mm | 1000mm | 10.7 kg | Workshop stock – lowest cost per mm |
Need shorter pieces, a different diameter or a quantity price? Contact us with your sizes and we'll send a quote for cut-to-size pieces.
F2 Phenolic Cotton vs Tufnol® Whale
Tufnol® is a brand name. Whale brand is a medium-weave cotton phenolic laminate, and F2 (also called SRBF – synthetic resin bonded fabric – or PF CC 42) is the generic grade made from the same type of material: layers of medium-weave cotton fabric bonded with phenolic resin under heat and pressure. Engineers use F2 wherever Whale is specified for general mechanical parts, and it costs considerably less.
| F2 phenolic cotton (this rod) | Tufnol® Whale | |
|---|---|---|
| Reinforcement | Medium-weave cotton fabric | Medium-weave cotton fabric |
| Resin | Phenolic | Phenolic |
| Max. continuous temperature (typical) | 115°C | 120°C |
| Machinability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Typical uses | Bushes, bearings, spacers, gears, insulators | Bushes, bearings, spacers, gears, insulators |
| Price | Much lower | Premium brand price |
This product is a Tufnol® Whale equivalent grade, not Tufnol® branded material. Tufnol® is a registered trademark of Tufnol Composites Ltd.
Applications
- Bearings and bushes – including water-lubricated and lightly lubricated bearings
- Rollers, wheels and pulleys for conveyors and handling equipment
- Gears and sprockets for quiet-running, lightly loaded drives
- Spacers, thrust washers and wear pads
- Guide blocks, slides and cams
- Low-voltage electrical insulators, stand-offs and terminal blocks
- Jigs, fixtures and tooling where a non-marking material is needed
- Marine, agricultural and textile machinery parts
Specification
| Material | F2 phenolic cotton laminate (SRBF), PF CC 42 – Tufnol® Whale equivalent |
|---|---|
| Weave | Medium-weave cotton fabric |
| Form | Round rod (bar) |
| Diameters | 90mm, 100mm |
| Lengths | 500mm, 1000mm |
| Density (typical) | approx. 1.35 g/cm³ |
| Max. working temperature (typical) | 115°C continuous, 125°C intermittent |
| Key properties | Good strength, impact and wear resistance; low water absorption; good dimensional stability; good chemical and corrosion resistance |
| Electrical | Suitable for low-voltage insulation only |
Machining and Bonding Tips
- Use sharp HSS or carbide tooling at speeds similar to those for brass.
- Support the work well and take light finishing cuts for the best surface finish.
- Machining produces fine dust – use extraction and wear a suitable dust mask.
- Bonds well with epoxy and contact adhesives after light abrading and degreasing.
Why Buy From Plastics Co UK?
- Clear, all-in pricing – VAT included, delivery shown at checkout before you pay
- Full spec, weights and grade comparison so you know exactly what you're buying
- Cut-to-size and quantity quotes available on request
- VAT invoices available for businesses, schools and engineering workshops
- Real help – not sure which grade or size you need? Our team will advise before you buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this genuine Tufnol®?
No. It is F2 phenolic cotton laminate, the standard equivalent grade to Tufnol® Whale. It is made from the same type of material – medium-weave cotton fabric and phenolic resin – and is used for the same applications at a much lower price.
Can it replace bronze bushes?
Yes, in many applications. Phenolic cotton is lighter, runs quietly, resists corrosion and can run with water or minimal lubrication.
Can I get shorter pieces?
Yes. Contact us with your diameter, length and quantity and we'll quote for cut-to-size pieces.
Is it food safe?
No. Phenolic laminates should not be used in direct contact with food.
Is it suitable for high-voltage insulation?
No. It is suitable for low-voltage insulation only.
Do you supply trade and business customers?
Yes. VAT invoices are available on request, and we're happy to quote for larger or repeat quantities.
All sizes & prices
4 sizes · prices include VAT · tap a price to select that size
| Size | Price | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| 90mm dia x 500mm | £485.95 | £404.96 |
| 90mm dia x 1000mm | £810.95 | £675.79 |
| 100mm dia x 500mm | £622.95 | £519.13 |
| 100mm dia x 1000mm | £1,040.95 | £867.46 |
Need a size that isn't listed? We cut to order. Request a quote or call 01744 520110.