48" Mill Part 4 - Shrink Links

[@larrymilliken288]

It never ceases to amaze me how intricate old technology was and how it's just as detailed and thought out as anything we build today. Thanks for sharing these snippets of the past with us, Rick.

[@tonywatson987]

Rick, this is an enormous task to take on, even with a full team - I'm amazed at your dedication to save these huge machines for posterity - you are a hero!

[@ShodHorse]

What blows my mind myself is the fact, in over a hundred years we're still using the same principles of building the same things. The only difference is that now we've got computers that do most of the thinking. It makes me wonder how much knowledge has been lost. Your videos and what you and your friends, volunteers, foundation, etc do give me hope that we can rediscover and retain that knowledge.

[@davelewandoski4292]

Great video Rick, wish it was longer. Your explanations are great and easily understood. Thanks for doing these.

[@trottermalone379]

Thanks for your update. Holy Smokes! Those are some IMPRESSIVE castings!!

[@fxsrider]

Rick I told my wife, who loves to haul me to 5K races and such that we ARE going to come see your work!! I built 747 aircraft for a quarter century, F-16's prior to that and F/A18 before which adds up to 32 years of it. We used to do a similar trick. Called it a "freeze plug" as it was a small round plug we would dip in liquid nitrogen to shrink it and then shoot it into the hole with a rivet gun and let it warm up and act like a solid surface. Then drill the hole where it was supposed to be. I will try to get in touch and figure out a good time in the summer. We are in Mansfield so not too far away.

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing.👍

[@happyhome41]

Most excellent

[@bcbloc02]

Seems like leaving the welded on lift points on would make it easier to place the hot links as well?

[@karensavarese5684]

Will the fabricated plate steel links expand enough? Might have some experimentation to get the center sizing right. Dubs

[@YoungstownSteelHeritage]

Coefficient of expansion doesn't change. Each link has to be sized for the opening it goes into.

[@pulsenpal7882]

on some mill prime movers tie rods were used--up to 40 feet---did Tod ever incorporate tie rods?

[@YoungstownSteelHeritage]

Yes. The two bedplates are connected to each other with tie rods.