School build steam engine with boiler

[@Srjames094]

I don't know why my response comment is being blocked, I just wanted to send the response to the discussion that took place about PTFE Thread Seal Tape, I had no other place to contact, after reading you can remove the comment. Below is the answer:
To begin, I think that for a good discussion it is better to be more honest. From your citation of the following document: ChemTools - CT-TP12-10Y DataSheet - Issued: October 2019, the text you extracted with the intention to misinform is very dishonest and misleading, so I will quote it correctly for everyone to understand.
"PTFE Thread Seal Tape (also known as 'PTFE Tape', 'Teflon Tape', or 'Plumber's Tape') is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film tape commonly used in plumbing for sealing pipe threads. It lubricates, allowing for a deeper seating of the threads, thereby helping to prevent the threads from seizing when being unscrewed. The tape also works as a deformable filler and thread lubricant, helping to seal the joint without hardening or making it more difficult to tighten - instead, making it easier to tighten."
- As stated by the manufacturer, the purpose is to lubricate and it also reports that it functions as a "deformable filler", explanation - "Deformable fillers are materials that can change shape under pressure and return to their original form. They are used in various applications to fill gaps and provide flexibility, cushioning, and impact resistance."
- Another interesting text from the first document:
"Tapered threads form a seal when torqued as the flanks of the threads compress against each other, as opposed to parallel/straight thread fittings or compression fittings in which the threads merely hold the pieces together and do not provide the seal."
- Here is the joke I made XD, even the manufacturer you mentioned explains it to you.
- As stated, "Tapered threads form a seal when torqued", it's not the Teflon that creates the seal but rather the Tapered threads. If you put Teflon tape on other normal threads as mentioned ".. do not provide the seal", because Teflon is for lubricating, the seal comes from the Tapered threads, as explained in the video.
- Again, another interesting text:
"Tapered threads provide the mechanical strength, however, the main disadvantage is that voids in the connection can still remain once the mating threads are drawn together, resulting in the potential for leakage and galling, especially since there is no other sealing mechanism besides the thread themselves. Thread seal tape is thus required to seal any spiral leak paths or voids that may exist between threads on the fitting and the port, while also limiting corrosion on the threads, which otherwise can make future disassembly nearly impossible."
- As stated here, it only acts as a seal if the thread is damaged.
- As I mentioned, I work as an instrumentation and piping expert, handling thousands of documents daily. Thank you for providing this document that explains how "PTFE Thread Seal Tape" works according to the manufacturer.
Before spreading misinformation, please ensure you accurately interpret the manufacturer's statements. I understand there was no malicious intent.
Thank you for engaging in this discussion, have a nice day.