Nickel, aluminum and brass have virtually identical coefficients of
sliding friction.  I did some research _before_ I made the brake drums.
Opinions are fine -- everyone has one -- I prefer facts.  The drums
I made are machined on a Monarch EE tool room lathe, in such a manner
as to insure concentric operation.  Again, I used a set made by Bob
Streicher as my guide.  For future discussions, I would refer anyone
to Machinery Handbook, or Handbook of Chemistry and Physics as a
starting point for meaningful dialogue.

Tom Binnall
Seattle