$103! Rockwell Milling Machine MD21-120 Restoration Part 5 Saddle and Table

[@sethbracken]

Your creative use of the tractor bucket throughout this series is awesome.

[@BurtonsAttic]

I laughed out loud when I saw this Seth! Great comment, I think my thought process somehow tries to include the Tractor in any and everything that I do weather it would be useful or not! I love that machine!

[@gorillaau]

It'll be a sad day when the bucket develops a hole. What's the modern version of "There is a hole in my bucket, Eliza, Eliza". I know it from Seasame Street.

[@entkarbon937]

The tractor is like a loyal dog. By your side and holding stuff for you. Nice work and nice find. $100 is a bargain even including the restoration work.

[@georgeyoung613]

Agreed, that was very smart.

[@juelzjohnny6858]

You all prolly dont care at all but does anybody know a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly lost the password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@cmcnichols4]

I'm not sure why anyone would give this or any of your other videos a 'thumbs down' - makes no sense. Thank you for all that you have posted - very helpful. Would love to see a tour of your shop at some point.

[@KodyBear5605]

Without a doubt, this best Rockwell Lathe and Mill resto I've seen... Thx for your efforts...

[@craigtate5930]

Clever T slot tool. Great restoration!

[@BurtonsAttic]

It worked and only took a few minutes to make.

[@samrodian919]

I have just watched all five episodes of this restoration and I must say what a brilliant job you have made of it. Your attention to detail is phenomenal, and of course it helps to have a shop like yours with every type of tool and machine available to you, including a tractor with a bucket for a lift!

[@ferashamdan4252]

Thank you. I liked the fact that you are protecting your hands against harsh cleaning liquids.

[@bigoper]

The best and most enjoyable restoration project I've ever seen!!!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Avi!

[@bigoper]

@@BurtonsAttic I can't wait to see the next chapter!!!

[@gordonagent7037]

Great restoration. I like you, and I dare say many others watching, love to get old machinery and restore it....... nothing more satisfying than bringing old machinery back to life and getting years more service out of it. One good thing about the old stuff, its robust and heavy so comes back to life really well. You did a great job of this project, a real credit to you. Regards from AUS

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Mate! I appreciate your thoughtful well worded comment. I have had a lot of positive comments like yours and it's nice to hear.

[@lklekas]

From what you started with and how it turned out good job!Your videos were done very well also.Hope to see it in use.Again nicely done.

[@rick-hm3ji]

Wonderful work. Just pure catharsis watching you turn that rust bucket into a clean and shiny completely functional machine. Thank you sir for the entertainment!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Rick! Nice ride you have!

[@dannywilsher4165]

Enjoy rust removal? Sure!!! But you are doing such an awesome job at it. It's always easy and enjoyable to watch a true craftsman!!!

[@melvingozo]

That Milling Machine is again a beautiful thing. You're a real craftsman, dare I say ? -an artist with a love for machinery.

[@georgeyoung613]

Absolutely

[@stearman]

I resurrected one of those several years ago, it was my first mill. A friend bought it last Christmas so it went to a good home as I had bought a full size mill to replace it. You did a great job and quite frankly you had a lot better machine than I did to start with. Mine had a Tree brand head on it when I got it for Pete’s sake. I joined a Yahoo group for these and was able to find an original head and X/Y nut (mine was broken at a former brazed repair) . You might look there for an overarm and spindle. Mine just had a stub shaft with a drawbar. You’re gonna love that little thing. They’re great machines, especially loved by gunsmiths, it’s mighty handy that they use R8 collets which is why I sought it out over an old Clausing. I sure wish I’d had this video series to watch when I was tearing mine down. Excellent job sir!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Tim! Hard to believe theirs one out their worst than this one was at the start, lol! Maybe the series will help someone in the future........

[@johngraham3035]

It is so good to see people doing up these old machines top job

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Very nice rebuild. I also liked that you sprayed the finish on😀

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Dale! Works out better that way. Never have like seeing gloppy brushed on paint!

[@JourneymanRandy]

Great series. You have an extremely nice mill and very manageable size. The rust came off the table nicely.

[@David-hm9ic]

What a beautiful job! This is great inspiration for the abused mill I just bought.

[@ecdezz]

I just finished watching all your videos for this mill. Great work!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Ebbco!

[@ao2528]

Wow,fantastic restoration, really like your precise and fine detail work.

[@jonivan1014]

Great job! I just bought a Bridgeport and the last owner is a great paint restorer and he is currently stripping and painting it for me then I will be doing the mechanical restoration part. I cant wait to get it. Best wishes...

[@BurtonsAttic]

That's Awesome Jon, Good Luck!

[@dougbourdo2589]

Very nice work. I will be refinishing a small Atlas lathe & a benchtop horizontal milling unit this next year as retirement projects. Some very nice tips in these videos. Thank you.

[@rodscheuerman6366]

Just beautiful work...just beautiful!!

[@georgeyoung613]

Mill looks amazing. Your skill and ability is truly next level. I very much enjoyed watching all your videos and look forward to seeing this beautiful mill in action. I still can't believe you got such a crazy good deal on it. I'm sure glad you got it rather than someone who wouldn't know what to do with it. She looks ready to give you years and years of quality service. I wonder what you will use her for first. Be safe and thank you for posting your amazing journey in restoring this beautiful pice. God bless

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks George

[@shadowdog500]

Excellent series! I have a Rockwell vertical mill, and after seeing your series I am a little less apprehensive about taking it apart if needed. Thanks! Chris

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Shadowdog! Glad to lend a hand!

[@craigtate5930]

Great job! I just didnt have the motivation to attempt to restore my old mill, but love seeing guys do it!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks for watching Craig!

[@donlunn792]

Brilliant job.Love the vids.Well I suppose it’s nice to watch someone else working,that’s the thing.Problem is watching the vids,stops me from working! Lovely job.

[@RadicalEdwardStudios]

I might recommend evapo rust for stuff like this. The wiping after is lessened, so you have a lot less abrasion, which is nice for things like machined, precision stuff.

[@raulochoa2352]

All your videos are very Nice You are a genious. I like a Lot your working Style. Congratulations from México city.👍

[@TheFishingHobby]

This is going to be one sweet machine when you get this restoration completed 👍

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks, almost their!

[@pinpatchyeah7987]

Great video.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Yeah! Appreciate your comment!

[@hilltopmachineworks2131]

Great refurbish. Thanks for the video series.

[@bwalbwal7895]

Great series and workmanship. Really impressive.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks!

[@jamesconner8275]

Great videography, great editing and great job.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks James, glad you enjoyed it!

[@azonicds]

Great job saving that machine, looking forward to more on the lathe as well! Subscribed!

[@bobferranti5222]

Truly a fantastic result. I want to find a mill like that and restore it like you did.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Bob! That's cool! I hope that you can find one!

[@bonzai2380]

It’s nice to see someone breath new life into some old machinery. The old stuf is better they didn’t go cheep on the cast iron.

[@leonardzielewski2744]

You do good work... I used to do that kind of work and its very rewarding . Enjoyed the video

[@BurtonsAttic]

It is rewarding to see it all come together! I think the best part is just flipping on the power and using it knowing it's all good!

[@damianorourke5109]

looking great. $ 103 that's an outrage even I could afford that, £50 odd quid in the UK . keep up the good work, keen to see it working.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Damian, it was a great deal! Check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGS2kqWaj7l7o68 which is the last part of the milling machine build.

[@ralfralf7443]

Great Job!!! Greetings from Germany

[@houseofbrokendobbsthings5537]

Welcome to Rockwell world. I have the vertical and horizontal siblings to your mill. Pick up some stones for the work surfaces. Sand paper is tough on a machined surface. T-slot cleaner very clever. _Dan_

[@zephyrold2478]

Hi, Nice restauration job, a good old handmade thumbs up to you.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Alright then! Thanks!

[@arneminderman3770]

Great milling machine, exelent ribuilt!!

[@foghornleghorn3478]

Looks good man great job also got to love them t handle wrenches I I ABSOLUTELY use mine constantly

[@paulrichmond6903]

Very credible rebuild and even with all the work, you have a great steel at the price you paid. I would be interested in the electrical hookup and the VFD. Again, well done!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Paul! Those deals/steels don't come by often enough! Watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGS2kqWaj7l7o68 for VFD information. It's really part 6 of this series. I get more views on part 5 I think because everyone thinks part 5 is the last one!

[@ronaldmiller6520]

it came out like new, good job.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Ron!

[@bigtrev8xl]

Very nice job, and an even better price that ya paid for it. I restored an old 1940's Pallas mill a couple of years ago, it took a bit over a year to complete it.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Trev! Yeah I have about 3 months into this one but I was working on it pretty consistently, it is very time consuming work!

[@bigtrev8xl]

@@BurtonsAttic I had to remake/repair several parts for my mill, I've a horizontal shaft waiting to be adapted to fit, the horizontal shaft needs a BESA taper, which is no longer available.

[@BurtonsAttic]

@@bigtrev8xl Always something! I was pretty lucky with this one!

[@TheFixxxer11]

I like your tools

[@johndebrular979]

What is the solution you used when you cleaned the table ?

[@sblack48]

Looks really nice. You could take Richard King's scraping class and take it that last 2% to perfection.

[@FKreider]

Looks great! Its worth a lot more than $103 now!

[@williamfissell1694]

Hi, thank you for the phenomenal videos. I found them after I bought this same exact machine. Its incredibly helpful. The NMTB 30 arbor isnt uncommon. I bought one on ebay. It was pricey but only about 1.5x what the same amount of 4140 would cost. I will make the overarm support as mine was missing as well. Thank you again, very very cool.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Hey thanks William! Glad you found my videos helpful! Look forward to seeing your overarm support video! You should share dimensions/layout so mine will be easier to make! Thanks for watching!

[@williamfissell1694]

@@BurtonsAttic well if I make one thats any good at all I can make two. certainly worth it for the help youve given me!

[@bobbystanley8580]

Your channel is amazing!

[@LuisSanchez-tv9is]

HI! What kind of liquid do you use at the begining? Congrat, from Ecuador 🇪🇨

[@mimlomiani6949]

WOW....:) Beautiful Job well done Brother :) Good Luck with the next one...

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Mimlo- Working on a Lathe right now........Stay tuned!

[@8477willy]

geweldige video, met een echte vakman .... proficiat

[@BurtonsAttic]

Dank je!

[@rebeloneal4592]

Been there and done that. I bought a bridge port that had been out in the weather for 10 years but after all the TLC labor adjusting repairing youd think it was absolutely brand new and I found a digital XYZ meter to fit it perfectly total cost $300.00 looks good man...

[@aubreyaub]

I've never checked, but the Scotch Brite, moves 9/10's of bugger all metal. Should set up a test and measure it one day. But they are bloody good.

[@pgsibilo]

Cool Video

[@paulbennick2294]

Nice work! I waited 5 videos to see you indicate the table. I would like to see a project now. How well does the table hold right to left?

[@BurtonsAttic]

Want to get the lathe finished up, still a bit to do there. The Z axis which is left and right hold fine to a limit. This is a light duty machine so cuts also must be light but it's still a milling machine!

[@paulbennick2294]

Good to hear. You never know if some chump left a rotary table mounted to one end for years and left a sag in it.

[@aliicer8329]

What is the liquid you use? 15:58

[@poutine-spirit]

Sir, I must first compliment the beautiful work you’ve done thus far in bringing this ol’ girl back to life before asking a few questions. What suggestions do you have for seeking out rusty machinery for cheap? Have you quantified the amount of wear present in the ways with regard to parallelism and flatness?

[@BurtonsAttic]

BOLO= Be on the look out Zac! They don't come up a lot so you have to watch and jump! What matters is that parts I make are accurate and so far every part I have made with it are true to .001".

[@poutine-spirit]

Burton's Attic Tremendous. Thank you sir.

[@christurnblom4825]

Wow, man. This is definitely one of those " got more time than money" things. I admire your effort. I'm rebuilding a CB-1220XL. It was sitting in someone's junk pile for a few years and my buddy picked it up for $200. I think it was probably worth 100 to 150 in that condition. The worst part is the sand, we're out in the desert. I didn't have any choice but to tear into all the ground surfaces but two. so I used penetrating oil & razor blades to remove most of the rust and followed it up with stones. I didn't have access to a surface grinder so I just did the best I could with the longest stones I could get, using that method where you grind them against each other to keep them flat. That still doesn't work perfectly because one will go concave and the other, convex. So I tried to make even stokes with each stone on each surface. It seemed to work pretty well. Fortunately, my boss had some small stones for the dovetails. Putting it back together is a real bitch though because while it may appear that the sand is gone, a careful wipe of a smooth part will change any assumptions of that. The rags get absolutely contaminated with it so I keep having to replace them and just give it a clean wipe-down with a new rag & new oil when I put something back on. The machine look great, btw.

[@neilbarnwell]

I think the full-fat lapping technique to maintain flatness involves 3 surfaces, and a specific rotation of which you flatten with which, and in which direction. I'm sure oxtoolsco had... Hang, on, it's the internet, you're not reading this in real-time, I'll just find it. Found it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHnQpIR7dt1kbNE

[@sopanaiwale4893]

sir u give a new look that mc, awasome restoration , thank's for video

[@hollyhollerith3500]

Did you have any misalignment on the y axis tilt (back to front) and if so, how did you compensate for it given that there is no adjustment possibility on the Rockwell in y?

[@BurtonsAttic]

No, when the knee is unlocked it sags about .002. When the knee is locked it’s .000

[@neilbarnwell]

I've never been near a milling machine in my life, but is there something up with that first gib you reinstalled? Looks like it's got a gap at the bottom and not at the top?

[@BurtonsAttic]

Neil Barnwell Neil all of the gibs are tapered which are better than straight gibs because of there wedge shape on all sides/directions. This allows for the play to be taken up in all directions at the same time in a very precise manner. That being said, what you noticed is actually a great indicator of machine condition/wear. The gib is intentionally ground to fit that way from new so it can be adjusted over time as it wears from use. Thanks for commenting.

[@jow4040]

What's the story with your sanding wheel/wire wheel machine? Looks like a neat bit of kit!

[@BurtonsAttic]

It's a Dewalt GP12 Radial Arm Saw

[@1234cdsarver]

Thank you I very much enjoyed watching your videos

[@markleman8649]

NICE JOB BERTO, WILL BE HANDY IN YOUR LITTLE WORKSHOP IF NOT IT WILL SELL FOR MORE THAN $103, MAKE YOUR BANK BALANCE LOOK BETTER.

[@skyrim4713]

What did you use for the rust

[@BurtonsAttic]

Elbow grease, scotchbrite and evaporust

[@woozhi9218]

How precise can this one mill? On average

[@BurtonsAttic]

I regularly make parts to .0005 or less. .001 is no problem BUT this machine was basically new wear wise when I got it. Wasn't used much by the previous owner. It's a light duty machine so things just take a little longer.

[@woozhi9218]

@@BurtonsAttic so the rust didnt bite in much ?lucky

[@fernandonogueira3290]

⚙️🔩🔧⚒️ Fantastic job!! 🛠️, Great video 🎥 !! Congratulations! 👍 🇧🇷

[@markgrevatt4867]

Beautiful workmanship can I ask what colour grey that is and is it. Semi gloss or matt. I love the colour. I've watched every channel now and you do some great restoration.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Mark. It is Valspar oil base gloss color code Hi Speed Steel available at Lowe's. I show it in one of the videos where I'm painting parts. Not sure which video at the moment.

[@markgrevatt4867]

@@BurtonsAttic thanks

[@TheElderlyBiker]

Great work. I'm too (as an amateur!) restore machines. I think a blacking kit on some of the metal parts would really set the machine off even better. What disc are you using to 'polish' the metal?

[@BurtonsAttic]

Mostly just a wire wheel Matt, thanks!

[@Dheerseng]

Total machine price?

[@dinotom1]

As someone who has done a number of large vintage machinery restoration, including some large DeWalt radial arm saws, you did a tremendous job on this restoration. The attention to detail is fantastic (I'm the same way). I also air spray the paint now after rattle canning the first restoration, the finish of that machine was not to my liking. I hope the machine works very well for you. What model radial arm saw is that? It looks like it could be an old DeWalt from the motor (only part I could really see)

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thomas it's a 1944 (I think) GP 12". It's a great machine!

[@johndebrular979]

Thomas - But then it's not your machine. I like the work he done and I would be pleased to be the owner.

[@androidandroid3420]

Hi! What use for remove rust (fluid)? Thank You!

[@BurtonsAttic]

I used several products. Send the time stamp so I know what you mean, Thanks Burton

[@androidandroid3420]

From 0:05 = what sprayed? What is in container? In your hands is scotch brite? Tank You!

[@BurtonsAttic]

In the tractor bucket is just water. The spray is Purple Power. Is doesn't remove rust but it is very very slick. What it does is help the rust particles move away. I've found that it makes wet sanding go faster than just water alone. It is citric acid based so it may help a little.....Need to wear rubber gloves. It is an all purpose degreaser and ECO friendly. Yes scotch brite.

[@glennmoreland6457]

That milling machine looks not too dissimilar to one made by TOM SENIOR here in the UK... In fact the Tom Senior works were only a couple of miles away from me in Heckmondwike... Harrison lathes and Colchester lathes were also built in Hecky...

[@BurtonsAttic]

That's a cool looking mill.

[@philipoien7562]

You should look up electrolysis rust removal. It will remove only rust, not metal, in all the nooks and crannies and do it completely and with no airborne particulates, costly abrasives, or harmful chemicals. There are some excellent KZbin videos on the subject.

[@thatoldbob7956]

As a PS: check if the spindle has a pin inside for the R8 holder. Mine did not have any inside the spindle, I had to make one. Also the brake/lock to change collets was not working. I paid 700 but mine was not rusty. Regards.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Rockwell didn't put in a pin.

[@3melendr592]

Nice job! What is the resale value of that machine now? Just curious. We bought Bureau of Ships equipment at auctions back in the late 60's to early 70's. Many machines were made in the 30's and 40's and used till the late 90's at U. S. Government facilities such as the one I worked at. Again, very nice job on the rebuild and great job with the camera to boot.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Good question Mel. It is a somewhat rare machine so I have not seen a lot of them come up for sale. I have seen unrestored ones for around $2500 and restored for around $4000 but with original electrical. My electrical system is completely re-engineered, soooooooo............? But I'm keeping it as I'm sure I will not find another like this one.

[@davidmicheletti6292]

Better than new

[@benpress8884]

This was a fascinating series. I love to see old machines restored to their former glory and you sir, have it down to a science. Well done. And a hearty fuck you to the 19 morons who gave this a thumbs down.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks for the enthusiasm Ben!

[@baddonkey6876]

Man, you should've gotten yourself a bin of evaporust, i watched Hand Tool Rescue remove a ton of rust without any scrubbing, he just put the whole saddle in the bin

[@Atlantismonkey40]

Words are a poor description of you work. Nothing short of amazing. I wonder what would Rockwell say?

[@LarryDoolittle]

Wonderful work. You are quite a guy for sure.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Larry

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

$103 bucks and about 2000 man hours and YOU TOO! can have a nice mill :)

[@BigHayes7771]

I am always looking for 100 dollar mills still haven't found one lol

[@BurtonsAttic]

First for me!

[@somebodyelse6673]

I don't see any binding over any full range of motion, those dovetails must be practically unworn at all. That machine is well worth the effort of cleaning it up!

[@gorillaau]

Makes you curious about its lifes history :-)

[@toyyoter]

Nice

[@kennethkustren9381]

Automotive Battery Charger. Plastic Play Pool. Water plus 1/2 cup of BORAX. Sacrificial iron piece. 24 hrs soaking @ 8-10A 12V Electrolysis for RUST REMOVAL. ALSO WORKS ON CHROME PLATING.

[@ibiufos]

Try vinegar to remove the rust by soaking them in over night best that I have found truly a lot less work.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Acid etches metal, didn't want that. Thanks

[@gorillaau]

Need to be very careful with precision parts.

[@МаркЛаевский-о8к]

Молодец мужик

[@eliasloozen7948]

A bath with warm vinegar works very good to my opinion to eat of rust from mechanical parts. Keep the reaction time short!

[@BurtonsAttic]

It does work Elias but it can cause permanent etching on the parts. I used Evapo-Rust on the small parts and of course elbow grease on the large part. It's not the fastest or the easiest way but it works for me. The end result is a better looking part.

[@eliasloozen7948]

@@BurtonsAttic idd, that's why I keep reaction time as short as possible, as soon the last flake rust falls I take the part out, wash of the vinegar under the tap, quick dry with heat blower and spray wd40 on it. I have acces to a microscope... maybe interesting thing to test the edging depth in function of time. Someone around who already knows a formula?

[@larrybair8074]

Somehow I missed 3 & 4 videos?

[@BurtonsAttic]

Just go to my page Larry and click on videos and you will find them all in order of release. Thanks

[@sblack48]

This is a nice cosmetic refurbishment. But unless you scrape the ways, or at least evaluate the wear and compare it with normal mill specs, it is not a rebuild.

[@ludvigsensworkshop4908]

nok en gang, nydelig jobb. gammel maskin blir kosmetisk ny. nydelig

[@MecMod_Homeshop]

You sand reference sides!!! Is not true that are not critical parts! But for the rest nice

[@skjoldhjvrkstedsforening4930]

use blueing and scraping with that saddle... !! it's idiotic the other way.

[@TrismegistTonianAtton]

O_o WTF?