Stuffing box stuff

[jpaulroberts]

I just bought the new gortex stuffing and I have dug out the old flax. How many rings do I put in? I thought it should be four rings with staggered joints, but then I can only get about 1/8 inch of threads covered by the nut and that dose not seem like enough. Should I use only three rings? I did a search and found lots of "stuff" but nothing to tell me how many rings. Thanks. Jerry

[Ron Hill]

Jerry : I think if you look in your owners manual you'll find that they call for 3 rings.  Staggered yes, but more important is that each is cut at a 45 degree angle - NOT a 90 degree butt. 
Hope this helps.   

[jpaulroberts]

Thanks Ron. already cut them straight but I may have enough left over to do two more at 45 degrees.

[Ted Pounds]

I cut mine straight and have never had a problem.   

[Ron Hill]

Ted : I won't say what kind of luck, just consider yourself fortunate!   
I'm just trying to tell the readers how the job SHOULD be done!!