Let's Build A Model Steam Engine - Making a Crankshaft!

[@Blondihacks]

Hey everyone! This week’s Thing The Internet Desperately Wants Me To Know is that the British term “slot drill” apparently refers specifically to two-flute center cutting endmills (which is what I was using anyway). If I just call them two flute endmills, then everyone jumps in to tell me they are called slot drills. This is what I get for trying to bridge two countries divided by a common language. At least we can all agree that Coke is better than Pepsi, right?

[@Teklectic]

Coke or Pepsi? I definitely have to go with RC Cola.

[@PatrickPoet]

@@Teklectic, RC Cola is only perfect ice cold along with a pack of those little gem chocolate donuts. Otherwise, coke all the way;)

[@weldchip]

I'm a brit living in ga usa, if I don't call it a 2 flute I get a confused look and come away with nothing 😜 where did you get the kit from? That would be a nice little project for my manual harrison lathe, I shipped over when I moved here.

[@PatrickPoet]

@@Ddabig40mac Mmmmmm. Cofffeeeeee!

[@PeterWMeek]

Oh, yes, @Blondihacks; Coke™ is the real thing. If you can get it in a small glass bottle (sometimes around the holidays) try putting a small handful of salted peanuts into the bottle after having a few sips. It's a Southern US trick that is surprisingly good. I don't know whether it's the small amount of salt or the irregular inclusion of a peanut with a mouthful of Coke. It doesn't work with cans, plastic bottles, or Coke in a glass; it has to be those small, 6.5 ounce (190 ml) glass bottles.

[@jarmstrong2843]

Nearly 50 years ago my uncle turned a steam engine on a small Unimat Lathe. It was a work of art, but I never got to watch him doing the machining. This video fills in a lot of what I was wondering. Thanks for sharing!!

[@jimsvideos7201]

To make a crankshaft gag like that you have to be a little bit... eccentric. 😂

[@Blondihacks]

*rimshot*

[@charmedparticle]

Blondihacks precision rimshot

[@mattmanyam]

@@charmedparticle precision *hose clamp* rimshot! 😁

[@ducksauz]

Imperial Rimshot!

[@Blondihacks]

This thread makes me almost as happy as the bird pun thread from a while back.

[@IanSlothieRolfe]

I love it when Sprocket chimes in, Such a pretty cat! I'm really enjoying this series of videos, I love the way you show your - erm- - unintended design upgrades - warts & all!

[@PeterWMeek]

About hacksawing by hand: * Listen to yourself talking about cheap _vs_ good endmills. • Remember that hacksaw blades are consumables. • Buy at least one good, high-tension hacksaw frame (I like to have several with different blades to avoid using whatever blade happens to be installed). • Buy high quality hacksaw blades; select the teeth-per-inch to keep at least three teeth in the work at all times. • Throw away dull blades (they are consumables!). • Secure your workpiece *rigidly* preferably in a vise mounted on a *rigid* bench (workpiece motion is deadly to good hacksawing). • A healthy adult, with a fresh, high-quality blade, can easily cut one square inch (25 mm square) of mild steel in 60 seconds. (I was able to do this until I was nearly 70 {but not twice in a row}.) A last note: a hacksaw blade (or file) that has ever been used on steel will never cut brass well again. If your means (pocketbook and tool storage room) will stand it, keep a set of hacksaw blades (and files) reserved for brass only.

[@PeterWMeek]

@@markfergerson2145 - My understanding is that use in steel rounds the teeth on a microscopic scale, just enough that the natural lubricating properties of brass will then let the file or hacksaw blade skate over the surface unless extra pressure is used. (Steel-"dulled" blades and files _will_ cut brass; you just have to press harder, which may make precision filing or cutting more difficult.) Take this with a grain of salt; this explanation is just what _I've_ heard, on one or more of the times I've heard about the steel/brass thing.) And do try the square-inch in sixty seconds thing. It's a real confidence builder (never mind character-building, Quinn). It's also a great "party trick". Bet someone that you can cut a square inch of steel with a hand hacksaw faster than they can with a Portaband™ or reciprocating saw. When you have the bet, make sure they understand that their time includes finding the tool, getting it out, an extension cord if needed, rigging it, doing the cut, and putting everything away again. I've taken a buck or two one more than one occasion from people who don't think any metalworking can be done by hand. (You might have to cheat a little by knowing that there is a fresh 14-TPI blade in your hacksaw frame, which is hanging next to your vise. And watch your knuckles; cutting in a hurry can really leave you bloody if you're not careful.) Take long, level strokes (if there's more than 3/4" of paint left at the ends of your blade, you're wasting energy - and blade). You want as many teeth cutting as possible; if you rock the blade to make the push easier and make it _look_ like your cut is going faster, then you are actually removing less metal per second.

[@Jack-yl7cc]

Thank you, these are some very good tips

[@olavl8827]

Agreed. A proper hacksaw is a pleasure to work with. It should feel like eating metal like it's almost nothing. If it's not doing that, something is wrong/suboptimal.

[@lfljvenaura]

Save dulled hacksaw blades. They are flexible so wrap some emery cloth/paper around them to use when extra fine surface finishing workpiece in lathe or vise (as Blondihacks did with just a piece of emery cloth). The backing provided by the blade allows for more pressure, control and precision of finished surface.

[@PeterWMeek]

@@lfljvenaura - I thought about that advice to toss dull blades, but decided not to confuse the issue. Dull blades are useful sources of shims, high-carbon steel (at least some blades), thin strips of metal for linkages, etc. Just be sure they don't get mixed back in with blades with a decent edge on them.

[@cliffordfender1159]

Hey Blondie, I have been doing this sort of thing professionally for 40 years plus. Of all your vids I have watched, I was extremely impressed with your performance this time. Thanks so much for a great watch, and please keep them coming. Cliff

[@rexmyers991]

I am impressed with your ability to work around your errors. The crankshaft is beautiful and you are rightfully proud of the finished product.

[@ke9tv]

"There's nothing dull when turning a crankshaft!" Except for the tool that's knocked off all that scale. :)

[@Blondihacks]

Hah!! I see what you did there. 🤣

[@danmartinrc]

I really like the bling spacers. They probably work better than just leaving a shoulder on the shaft too.

[@CNTHINGS]

😂😂 the blair witch cam! That killed me. Great work!

[@tobarapprentice6618]

I know lots of folks say nice things about your videos. Rather than adding to the list, rather I think I’d like to just say thank you. My machining is getting better in large part because of things I am learning from you. By “trade” I fly planes, so my learning cure is both steep, and unfortunately quite “jagged”. Please keep doing what you are doing with my sincere thanks. Regards from a fellow Canadian, Ancaster, Ontario. Cheers.

[@sharkrivermachine]

The crankshaft was the first part that I machined for my steam engine kit. It was one piece steel and I did it all the machining in the 4 jaw chuck. It was so long ago that I don't remember the details. I am enjoying this build, keep up the good work.

[@gavinalmeida1994]

"Precision hose clamp" 😂😂😂😂 seriously loving this project

[@rossfudd256]

"Precision Hose Clamp" from Starrett. Comes in a red box.

[@rpavlik1]

I was impressed that she ended up going with the first idea that popped into my non-machinist head 😁

[@mcsmith82]

I came here to leave the same comment; was not disappointed. Blondihacks jokes are the best. :)

[@GunFunZS]

It's funny but as soon as she mounted that in the truck I thought I would throw a hose clamp on there too. And then later she ends up doing it.

[@KathrynLiz1]

They have got me out of a bind ore than once...the good stainless steel ones really grab on to stuff... :-)

[@MatthewHolevinski]

There is nothing more beautiful than a machine that "wears in" and doesn't "wear out".

[@RetiredPilot]

Just subscribed, your work is great, however hearing the machine work ,hearing your voice without music so I can understand what your are saying and no commercial interruptions is priceless.I let them run and the beginning and end so you will get paid. Cheers

[@firebird8600]

Yay crankshaft!! I mean... Blondihacks time!! [A day late... was working on, and then giving up on a water heater... will be replacing it today with a fancy new model]

[@randynovick7972]

I had an evening engagement so I saved this for just before bedtime. Very soothing. So glad I waited. Thanks!

[@19441978]

Lookin good gal. The cranks are the hardest part on those kits ... the fixture is a life saver when you machine the crankshaft. Enjoy the videos, you do a really good job.

[@DieCastoms]

Although I will probably never do anything like any of what you make, Quinn, I watch your videos and study every little thing you do because learning things like order of operations and learning the ways you are both successful and NOT successful in clamping things will hopefully become useful in the wood working and wood turning projects that are all rattling around in my head. Thank you for sharing your talents with the rest of us! Also say hi to Sprocket for me!

[@Blondihacks]

Sprocket says hi! 🐈

[@vladimirmarkulingrgic9041]

Your intelligence is astonishing: you always emphasize important aspects of the trade. There are many excellent YT machinists who keep silent while they carry out most theoretically demanding operations.

[@CenterpointConnect]

I just found this channel today and one thing I see is, alot of machinist just show a lot of fancy lathe work and wham bam, the piece is done. You show the good bad and the ugly about machining. Like when you messed up and over cut, I like to see that, because thats what WE need to know how to do, recover. Good job!

[@geoffkail7393]

You never cease to amaze me with your think ahead and problem solving. The professional gear clamp and brass was great. Please keep impressing me. The bronze stand offs were the obvious answer and like you say look great, better with than without.

[@stu-po]

The spinning crankshaft is amazing to see. A major milestone!

[@bencesarosi7718]

Would have never expected that A-Team reference. Nuclear kudos!

[@timbercreeksteamco.3734]

Hi, I'm slowly building the same engine. Watching you machine yours is both enjoyable and inspiring. Thank you.

[@smellsofbikes]

I learned a ton from the Sparey book. Your use of a machinist jack to equalize pressure between the two halves of the vise when the work's offset, has convinced me to go ahead and make a set. That's a great idea.

[@justjoe942]

This isn't my thing but, I couldn't help but watch the whole video. I really enjoyed your presentation and actually learned a thing or two concerning both crank shafts and how offset milling is accomplished. Thank you; I always appreciate learning.

[@stevecanny1583]

Excellent bronze thrust bearing upgrade! On the hacksawing, key thing is pulling chips on every forward stroke. That means using plenty of downward pressure, enough for the teeth to penetrate the surface. Fewer teeth per inch penetrate easier than many, so a coarser blade generally works better as long as there are three or four engaged at all times. Also, rocking the blade (rather than straight through every time) helps keep the teeth penetrating because then they are touching on some sort of tangent of a radius. When you can't get the teeth to penetrate readily any more even with firm downward pressure it's time to check whether the edges on the teeth are rounded and time for a new blade. A beginner mistake is thinking that running the saw back and forth faster will make it cut faster, but if the teeth aren't penetrating the surface well (which would be evident by shooting chips out of the cut) then that just dulls the teeth like taking too fine of a cut with an endmill. When you've got the pressure and teeth-per-inch right, a moderately sharp blade will cut cast iron pleasingly quickly (and blades will last and last). If you practice single strokes like this and check the cut after each one I think you'll see what I mean. Great channel! I enjoy watching you work :) Oh, and by the way, cast iron files really nicely, so you could round some of the rough edges on the crank arms if you were inclined very readily. Hold the work in a vice. You may see why Tom Lipton likes it so much (as do I) :)

[@bigdsshop935]

Whenever I finally get around to machining my steam engine ,I plan to do the same with the bronze spacers. That looks great !

[@gordonfreeman2715]

Everytime a new video comes out i get the same feeling i did when my favorite TV show came out with a new episode. Keep up the amazing work

[@laurathorndyke4300]

Hi Quinn I like the way you work the problems as they come along . You have every right to be pleased with what you have produced well done.

[@thatsnotabadidea6207]

Hi Quinn, I just wanted to thank you for all of the time and effort you put into making these videos. They are funny, informative, and inspiring! Thanks (mainly) to you, I will soon be purchasing my very first metal lathe! It will be my first machining type tool, and until I watched your playlist on lathe basics, I was totally overwhelmed. Now I'm more excited than overwhelmed. Of course once I uncrate the thing I expect that to change back to being overwhelmed. But I'll just crank up the old KZbin box and rewatch your videos, while keeping my fingers out of the meat grinders. 😧So many potential meat grinders.😧 Thanks again.

[@tomt9543]

What lathe are you looking at? Many many choices out there!

[@thatsnotabadidea6207]

@@tomt9543 I'm looking at the G0768 by grizzly. But I'm willing to listen to suggestions. I started my research with the PM-1022v that Quinn uses but it's just a little too big for my space.

[@tomt9543]

That's Not A Bad Idea The 7 X 12 lathe that Harbor Freight sells (online only-not in stores) is a decent machine and about 4” longer than their 7 X 10 (actually 7 X 8!) lathe. Through a strange set of circumstances I wound up with that 7 X 12 AND a Grizzly G0765. I really like them both, and Little Machine Shop has everything to take these machines to the next level. Most of the 7 X 10, 12, 14” lathes are made by Sieg in China, but the Grizzly G0765 supposedly isn’t. I was also given a 20 year old Harbor Freight 9 X 20 lathe that is the same machine as the current Grizzly G4000 9 X 19 (?) lathe. A slightly larger unit, but a real workhorse!

[@martinda7446]

Final words, ''Well it's far from perfect''.... Well, not that far!! That was lovely to watch. I really like cast iron too. It is a wonderful material (with built in superglide carbon). The look and feel of it is something special however it is made and used. From fine polished parts like this to the iron gate at the end of the garden it is a wonderful tactile and visual material.

[@gregsmachineshop]

Thanks Ms Blondihacks for the video. I learned a lot from watching and I avoided some mistakes. For example, you and I both know that I would have forgotten about the sholders on the mainshaft as you did, but since I watched your video my shaft fits perfect between in my base between the bearings. :-)

[@bradthayer6782]

Fully agree about hacksaws and character building-I usually have far too much to take the time to use one!

[@ADBBuild]

First project in machining school was to hacksaw a piece off a 1" x 2" piece of aluminum bar, then file the ends perfectly square. LOADS of character built there.

[@PeterWMeek]

@@ADBBuild - I got my start in metalworking from my grandfather. He set me to work making one inch cubes after I had used his micrometer as a C-clamp (I was about 10 years old). He provided me with good files, an accurate square, a micrometer (a different one, still accurate), and a supply of rough-cut mild steel cubes, slightly oversize. I was expected to return a one inch cube that was square everywhere (no visible light between cube and square at any location), and exactly one inch everywhere (closer to 1.000” than to either 0.999” or 1.001”; in modern specifications 1.000” ± 0.0005” or a bit easier than 25.00 mm ±0.01). This was a combination of punishment, character-building, and plain, good training in several essential skills. I learned accountability; actions have consequences. (Don’t abuse someone else’s tools; if you don’t know the proper use, ASK.) I learned patience: if I filed too aggressively and took too much metal off, I had to start over with a new rough-cut cube. I learned to move my hands in a straight line; if you rock your hands as you file, you will leave a curved surface (not square; start over). This motor skill turned out to be useful in unexpected places (I can make a pool cue move in a straight line). I learned how to use a micrometer and square. My first five or six tries were spoiled; before I got them square all over, they were undersized in at least one location. It took me about a week to get my first one right. I made my second in a day, and eventually got so I could do it in a couple of hours. I could only see the punishment at the time, but I had no regrets by the time I began metalworking seriously, and still don’t 67 years later.

[@allenhunt3070]

Quinn, I'm thinking that this is not your last steam engine build, so I hope you don't mind a suggestion if things go wrong during the crankshaft boring operation in the future. You can always overbore, set the crankshaft in place at the correct height and fill in around the crankshaft with poured babbitt material made for bearings in machinery prior to the ball bearing bearings. Babbitt bearings are the smoothest and quietest that I know of.

[@BWGPEI]

I agree that you make my fingers itch to do such work. But I went the other way years ago and now wrangle electrons and build computers. But we both have fun in our own ways during the pandemic, which counts just as much as a really good junk pile. Keep smiling!

[@rdyam]

If I had 100 hats, they'd all be off to you for this exquisite work, video and presentation, Quinn!

[@mkeyser]

You have an absolutely perfect fit for your crank shaft, even if it doesn't spin the way you hoped it would, because remember, the engine has to be run in! And then it will be as smooth as glass.

[@paveloleynikov4715]

I suspect that bronze spacers are actually better friction-vise, so that error turned up to better.

[@onestopfabshop3224]

Agreed

[@mikebeacom4883]

That's it, that's the story....

[@waynespyker5731]

What if the base's bore was increased in to 0.500" diameter so the bronze washer had a half sleeve bushing shell added? The crank would be rotating fully in bronze, not half on cast iron.

[@Sukhvinderkailay]

Hi. You explain each and everything in so simple way. Great and keep on posting stuff like this.

[@sganzerlag]

This was a lot of fun to watch!! I had absolutely no idea that one could build a crankshaft from a cast using a lathe! Thanks for sharing. Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.

[@gwentec1743]

Love your channel! Found the milling tutorials really useful as I’ve just bought the same model. Fifty-two years ago as a young apprentice (automation engineer) I completed 6 months ‘filing fitting and fabricating’ as part of my basic training. My apprentice instructor who’s favourite saying was ‘Manual dexterity and muscular co-ordination” taught me to file curves by filing at the opposite angle to the curve I was trying to create. It’s always worked for me and I see you are one of very few people on KZbin to use the same method. Good luck and thanks for your informative and entertaining channel.

[@joeromanak8797]

You just keep on nailing each step. This project was a little beyond cat toothbrushes, precision wise speaking. When you needed to clamp the crankshaft to the fixture, I thought my solution would be a hose clamp or a wrap of wire but she’ll have a really sophisticated answer. Oops. Keep on keeping on. Love your stuff! 😎👍👏

[@terrytopliss9506]

Excellent Quinn,liked your idea to put bronze spacers to cure your problem.👍👍👍

[@MrCrankyface]

Watching you machine that crank had me on the edge of my seat! I'd be absolutely terrified of the swing of it hitting something.. Beautifully done.

[@PatrickPoet]

Made me so happy when I was thinking hose clamp and then you actually did it:)

[@georgewolf7063]

"Give it a whirl"! x.x I have to use that, now. I have heard such great things about machining cast iron, but this is better than I'd imagined!

[@jamesfmilne]

I always upvote in the first 30s of a Blondihacks video and have never had cause to regret it. (I just miss Veronica.)

[@mikemullenix6956]

You make this look easy but that's because you are a master at this

[@bobjohnson8970]

I know next to nothing about this particular trade, having watched two vids in a row, I now know a damn sight more than when I got here. Excellent presentation of complex subject. I have subscribed. Bye the bye, Neil from Pask Makes sent me here.

[@philipquinlan1045]

Excellent work. I really like the hose clamp fix - very elegant.

[@patwicker1358]

Beautiful work on a tough job. I'm sure your video makes it look easier then it really was.

[@thinwelshman1]

I could listen to you all day, thank you x

[@bruceraykiewicz6274]

Nice. thanks for this video. As an old live steamer (1 1/2 inch scale) I sure can appreciate your work.

[@vicmiller7191]

The Brass bearings really added a Nice touch, It is always nice when a minor mistake can allow for a improvement of the final product...Nicely done and thanks for sharing. Vic

[@Hydrogenblonde]

Slot drills differ from end mills in that they can plunge cut (drill) as well as cut slots or mill surfaces. End mills can't drill holes, they don't have cutting edges that go all the way to the center . Great work. Love the hose clamp. :)

[@comictrio]

The simplest solutions are the best solutions. Nice job.

[@David_Best]

“Precision hose clamps” !!!!! Love it. Nice job.

[@mariellecb1]

Beautiful! I have owned a hobby size engine lathe for about 5 years now and I had no idea you could make parts like this with it. Thanks for releasing my imagination. Also - I loved thed opening joke! 😄

[@howder1951]

looking good Quinn, great fixture setup and resultant trouble shooting solution. I tried the same thing from scratch without the fixture and it only ended in tears and sitting on the shelf waiting for a solution. Thanks for the vid, cheers!

[@joeestes8114]

Awesome video! Especially the fixture for turning the journal!

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. That crankshaft looks amazing. Really enjoying this series on the steam-engine.

[@stephenwalsh5376]

Hi. Glad to hear an end mill called by its correct name. You learn fast Blondie.

[@Blondihacks]

Apparently I still did it wrong if you read all the comments. 🤣

[@stephenwalsh5376]

Take no notice, I ran my own Engineering shop back along. You have to be inventive to succeed, with the tooling and work holding. Anything goes, if it works, save your time and money and run with it.

[@billbrennan8405]

another Great video Quinn ! As I am just about to drill & ream the crankshaft bore, this video really helps me to center the bore from the caps to the main casting. I don’t have a 4 jaw chuck, ????? This will really get the Old Wife going on spending more money.for more tooling.. but she will not know till the charges come in. This project is fun doing it with a talented machinist like You. Thank You BB

[@ardemus]

Thanks for another video. I wanted this to be another steam engine video, though I expected something else, and was quite pleased when it actually went right into that familiar part.

[@davidangelo8902]

Nice work there! Please add me to the list of people that are REALLY enjoying this build series. Looking forward to the next episode. Stay Well & Happy.

[@amanofmanyparts9120]

Brilliant video. Excellent commentary. Precision engineering. If I need to make a crank I'll ... Press it up in 5 separate parts!

[@NeneExists]

Turning the journal with that flat ended tool, so satisfying

[@WACRE44]

Love this vlog. love the ways you cut out the crankshaft. And the bling.

[@johnmcclain3887]

Very nicely done, the fixture was just the thing.

[@dbldblu]

I actually had the thought "hose clamp" before you introduced it. And then I couldn't believe that was the solution.

[@pauln1557]

I really appreciate your detailed commentary as you work, there are many little gems of knowledge mentioned. As a relative newcomer to home machining I always learn some new stuff from your videos, plus they reinforce things that I have already learnt. Nice timing with this video - I've just started machining the castings of my first Stuart 10V steam engine. I wonder how often, after cutting out the stiffening web, that some machinists have that awful realisation that they have cut out the wrong web - stuff of nightmares!! Cheers Paul

[@hairyfro]

Super nice job. I admire your courage. I don't think I can pucker hard enough to turn that journal.

[@jackbonanno8186]

To Quinn, forgive me if I got the spelling wrong. I will start off with telling you you are a remarkable woman and an excellent machinist. I got started the same way you did. Been doing it for 40 years, you never learn it all. But I might have a solution to your mill table power for x- axes. And it is inexpensive and simple. If you have an email I will send you pictures and the specs. I modified my Central Machinery 40939 mill with a table motor drive and kept the original handle configuration to boot. Works perfect and smooth and quiet.

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday Quinn, I think the bronze bling looks much better then what the cast would have, the crankshaft looks fantastic and the fixture worked great, thanks Quinn

[@TCB031]

Bravo, that was some impressive work! I can see this engine chugging along soon.

[@JB-yn4cs]

I like the idea of doubling up on the 1/4" hss bits for more rigidity for long reach / narrow access on the crank pin. I struggleld with a bendy parting blade for a similar job recently, will try your trick next time

[@EmptyPocketProductions]

I prefer it with the "Bling" nice work so far!

[@devmeistersuperprecision4155]

I like your addition of bling. I have the PM-1 as a learning aide for building a real engine. Long Story. The plan is to run some of my vintage machines from a line shaft. But you gotta start small. The PM-1 is an awsome toy but…. Real steam engines are loaded with “Brasses”… slang term of the day for bronze bearings. Some are involved with wedges designed to take up wear around the crank and rod. So while PM-1 runs in cast iron bearing journals, I would like to see more bronze bearings. It’s tuff when your working on this scale to do that. Your idea of putting in those brass thrusters is simply genius. Getting journal brasses on there will be much harder. My favorite bearing bronze is phosphor bronze. The rolls Merlin used this stuff for the exhaust valve guides. I used it to replace the wallowed out valve guides on my old 99 dodge Cummins. Took forever to machine 24 Precision guides and that head. But this oil burner runs awsome.

[@pickwizard-aka-Stevie]

Fantastic idea with the indicator for depth, thanks Quinn

[@bobh499]

Hey Quinn, say what you want about the quality of the castings, but the crank stayed straight after you cut out the extra web, attested to by the fact that it still turned freely in the bearing journals. That tells me that the residual stresses due to cooling/shrinking were either heat treated or aged out. Nice job, and I love your videos! Been home shop machining (and professionally) for about 50 years and it brings back a lot of memories seeing you solve problems! Keep it up! Bob H.

[@Blondihacks]

Quite right! I didn’t intend to criticize too harshly there. These are very nice castings.

[@Beltonius]

The bronze seems like a better choice anyway for that kind of alignment feature. Certainly looks better!

[@steveshindeldecker42]

The spinny bits are always funky to do.

[@stevespra1]

Nice job Quinn. The whole time turning between centers with the web in place I'm thinking "I can see the thing springing when the web gets cut." That would have been a mess with steel. Cast iron is amazing!

[@Blondihacks]

It is amazing stuff!

[@calvinsmith9824]

Blonde got dad jokes-TOT would be so proud of you. 😉

[@johnmorgan1056]

Love the way you solve problems with simple things like that jubilee clamp I also like the contrast between bronze and the casting it's probably better to have bushing rather than one solid shaft keep up the great work look forward to the next part

[@stuartdixon9552]

A tip that may help. Rough as cast iron benefits from a a good heating to bright red. Leave it to cool slowly in air. Should be much nicer to machine after this anealing process. Good luck with your steam engine project.

[@bradyoung6663]

Never underestimate the mighty hose clamp.

[@DieCastoms]

Never OVER estimate the hose clamp, either. :P

[@davet9740]

Thank you for using the correct terminology i.e. Slot drill. Quite rare on American sites. Regards from Australia. Dave

[@bostedtap8399]

Excellent machining and results. Thanks for sharing.

[@sween187]

Love the bling bushings, also plus point replaceable with wear, as the little engine has a lot of work, replacing bushings is a lot quicker than having to turn down the shaft and then put a bushing in it.

[@richardwhite1975]

You’re amazing, very talented work and very inspiring. You go girl!

[@Rickmakes]

"...security theater strap..." Ha! Tell it like it is.

[@pharmmech]

I love the precision hose clamp. Sure glad I have many of them from my automotive career !

[@rdyam]

.....and the clean hands... amazing!

[@waynepollard6879]

Precision hose clamp ! Proper tool for the job , I'm sure ! That looked to be a metric clamp , if I'm not mistaken ? Good thing you noticed the wabble , before it was trashed ! Good eye , good job . Thanks !

[@dieseldave564]

You know, after you get this done this steam engine needs to run something, not just sit there and run. Might I suggest whipping up a small flat belt driven pencil sharpener?? Or better yet, a little steam powered band saw to cut brass stock!

[@ADBBuild]

Coffee grinder perhaps? Use the steam from out of the engine to make espresso?

[@shoofle]

Extremely tiny lathe!

[@sadiqmohamed681]

When I was a kid my Dad bought me a Mammod stationary engine. With the aid of some Meccano and a small electric motor being used as a generator, I could have a steam powered night light!

[@CTXSLPR]

Since Quinn is a computer person by (work)day, I suggest something suitably steampunk and a steam powered water cooling loop for her editing PC. After all water pumps were the literally the first uses for steam engines.

[@sadiqmohamed681]

@@CTXSLPR I like that idea. I wonder how much power she could get from it? A steam powered PC?

[@joshward7896]

It's good how you show all the surprises while attempting machine work. The drawing was correct where it showed the jig shorter than the trunion. The end of the crank would have extended into the jaw slot in the chuck thus shortening the hangout...but you saw that too, didn't you......in the rear view mirror. You're making great progress!

[@Blondihacks]

Their design does require the entire crank throw to fit into the bore so that the jaw can grip near the web at the end of the fixture.

[@joshward7896]

@@Blondihacks Just to pound this into the dirt....the total throw of the crank does make it impossible to have jig and all in the tiny gullet of your diminutive lathe, BUT. the crank shaft shaft could be axially shifted into the jaw canyon therefore allowing the jaw to impinge along more of the crankshaft shaft. In order to do this, the jig would have to be shortened because it doesn't fit in the gullet of your beautiful but tiny lathe chuck bore.

[@Blondihacks]

@@joshward7896 Yah, I understand what you were getting at there. I think that that still wouldn't be enough, though, to get the jaw far enough forward on the shaft to hold it well without the hose clamp. Maybe it was designed for a "deeper" 4-jaw than mine. Interestingly, the drawing actually specifies that it be used in a *3* jaw chuck. That didn't seem like a good idea to me at all, for a bunch of reasons.

[@joshward7896]

@@Blondihacks Hose clamp was a great solution....did you hear me yelling? The thing is to minimize cantilever length at any opportunity. All 3 jaw chucks, except Kitigowa, should be ....chucked!

[@hdl4259]

Nice work, I could not stop watching, very nice. Hope to see the engine soon.