Building an Internal Snap Ring Groove Cutting Tool!

[@michaelseymour3534]

It's no longer a boring bar, it's an exciting bar. So creative and interesting.

[@LoggerLloyd]

You are the best non machinist creative machinist I know. Very nice job getting this step done.

[@bryanhall9034]

Indeed. More professional than the Professionals!

[@LLAHTI1]

That was some big boy engineering and problem solving there Toby, I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, your workmanship is second to none. So fun to watch you tackle a problem like this, but the best part is you’re so good at explaining how and why you are doing something the way you are- fantastic!!

[@peterraftery2426]

amazing engineering and thinking outside the box, its very difficult procedure cutting grooves without purpose built equipment. Good Luck Peter

[@vicmurphy1180]

100%

[@rediband]

THIS is the #1 reason I watch Squatch253.

[@robertbobo9754]

Me too😅😅

[@arthurirwin8235]

X231 is the project that drew me to your channel, and I always enjoy watching the progress.

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

Same

[@gardentractorfanatic301]

Toby I don't normally comment but as a young guy making his way in the work and always fixing and learning how to do more and more nitch things x253 has been one of my favorite projects to watch and learn from so thank you.

[@rel124c41a]

Great to see X231 again. The detail you put into your work makes your videos so good.

[@stevea9604]

Kurtis from Cutting Edge Engineering would approve 👍🏻🤩👌🏻

[@tomwichman77]

👌👍💯

[@paintedblue1791]

As would Homeless the shop safety manager.

[@6point5by55]

Kurtis could show Toby how to do it properly without all the messing around.

[@triptisrinivasjanardan3929]

Not an apples to apples comparison. CEE has a massive machine shop with dedicated high end equipment. Squatch has a home shop and does outstanding work with what he has.

[@stevea9604]

@ No comparison but Kurtis would like his works

[@dellhell8842]

This is why I love X231 videos. Squatch's problem solving skills are off the scale.

[@76RSLT]

All you did this week is cut one groove?? 😂 Congratulations on another bite of elephant 🐘!

[@michaeldurling793]

Brilliant, I love how a little thought and creativity can overcome obstacles. Another KZbinr has a saying that fits so many situations, to Quote CB " learn to work with what you have and you'll always have everything you'll need " perfect application in this instance. Well executed.

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

Another major hurdle turned into a mere speedbump. Like a breeze, the problem was no longer a problem. I'll be interested in your series of self help books whenever you get around to writing those. Ha ha ha. Man, the creativity is next level.

[@kylechrist]

Gotta love wood stove season

[@petelangdell6452]

Wonderful solution for the snap ring groove! Very impressive!

[@rickyjessome4359]

Great job on making that tool Toby! We all enjoy it when Squatch makes a tool. Four days may seem like a lot of time making a tool. But if it works it was totally worth the time. As always I'm looking forward to the next video. Cheers

[@squatch253]

Thanks, yep I might’ve went a bit overboard putting that much work into a grooving tool but like you pointed out, with the work that’s went into getting that bolster casting to where it currently is, a mistake now could set us back months - so trading that 4 days for insurance was something I was happy to do 👍

[@markmartin9671]

More X231 content. Love to see it on the screen. Super repair as usual. Thank you

[@WrenchHead]

Pressure washing in the snow.....Now I've seen everything 😂

[@squatch253]

If it’s above freezing (like that day was) you’re fine, but anything below and you’re just making a giant ice block lol 😂

[@offshack]

Thanks for sharing your tool making and thoughts behind it - very helpful! I loved how you took the round bar stock and said there was a tool in there you just had to find it. This is the content I really enjoy!

[@BillTheTractorMan]

Great work! I am loving the X231 content.

[@davidgibson5756]

20:43 a whole new definition of manual machining. Seriously creative tool build. Wonderful work

[@pepper7220]

I wish all the content was X-231. Toby’s brain works just like mine. I love how he finds a solution to problems with what he has. CNC and computers are beyond me. This makes total sense to me. I was saying out loud how good this took was! Bravo

[@TawDrago]

CNC is just telling the machine exactly what you want it to do. You still have to do all of the thinking, setup and the math.

[@squatch253]

I definitely understand the concept of CNC, but couldn’t do it with the brain I was born with lol 😂 I’m definitely like the first commenter, if I can visualize it I can accomplish it. But if I had to take numbers and letters and turn them into a line on a graph, I hit an invisible wall.

[@CarlHargreavesRustyRelicsUK]

You pulled that one off very nicely 👌 And you got a fancy paperweight in the process 😂

[@thirzapeevey2395]

I'm thoroughly impressed. That was amazing engineering to solve a complex problem.

[@paullewis5045]

Even though X231 is a giant pain, it seems to push your creativity and skill set to the next level. That solution was really fun to watch.

[@edelm6062]

Great job, a master at his craft!

[@RHarris42]

Quite the tool attachment you constructed. I'm rather impressed, puts a whole meaning to temporary permanent if it worked that well. Hahaha thank you for sharing Toby.

[@prestonmiller9552]

Well done! Making do with what you have is always more satisfying once it is done and it worked.

[@bryanmeyers5476]

Engineering, design, machining and fabrication, assembly and then the final tool used to its intended purpose. I don’t think I have ever witnessed such a complete manufacturing cycle in one video before. What incredible skill. Perfection. Thanks.

[@tomshumaker7370]

Ingenious! This is why I love the X-231 project. You did a great job Squatch! Thanks for the content,

[@jondavidmcnabb]

I have learned something everytime I have watched a video on this channel.

[@larrymilliken288]

Your ability to solve problems must be very rewarding to you personally, because It's very satisfying to watch. The entire process of bringing back this prototype back to life has been a joy to see.

[@NCSU4x4]

Most will never appreciate the time to use the wrong tools to get the desired result! Another awesome job!!

[@michaelwest4325]

This is why they call it a "labor of love", x231 is never just an easy fix! Kudos on doing so much with just an "old lathe, old shop" and the little gray cells! And the Shop Vac sang the song of its prople in agonizing triumph!

[@normsweet1710]

Great idea on the tool holder ! My Dad would be proud and yell out “atta boy” or if it was me doing it would say the proverbial “what’s matter with that!?” Dad taught me much from what he learned in obtaining his Journeyman’s card. He run the “tool-room” at a factory that made seats for Willys & Chrysler K cars way back when

[@sleepingdogs8939]

Dang, I'm impressed with that snap ring cutting tool! That's a very creative solution to the problem.

[@SuperMAZ007]

Love that woodstove Squatch that seems like a really good one. Also you have the most complicated but most interesting setups to mill a snap ring groove.

[@petebrand6661]

This winter and maybe 2 more should see X231 up and running, not knowing anything about tractors but she is going to be a beauty

[@clydeschwartz]

Excellent video that is lots of thought process to figure out how to cut the snap ring groove accurately you guys did a good job

[@RobertBrothersJr-dc7nr]

Squatch, you are absolutely amazing. Your skills and ingenuity are second to none. I truly believe there’s no problem you can’t overcome. I enjoy how you think and work your way through a problem and resolve it perfectly. Very, very enjoyable video. Thanks

[@stephenkrile3330]

Always amazed at your work

[@seniorelectrician6831]

Outstanding! I am very glad that it worked out for youI looking forward to your next episode.

[@johnnymorrow63]

Glad the ole ahop vac made its appearance this episode! Lol great work on the tool design and machining!

[@StubProductions]

I’m always impressed the accuracy you achieve on fairly inexpensive machining machines! Nice work sir!

[@susanhester331]

This has been so interesting to watch. Thank you for letting us come along.

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

Very good job of building the tool worked in a machine shop for 22 years and thats a pretty dam good idea

[@GP54]

glad to see X231 back in the spot light

[@KikoValleyMan]

I saw this video and I was reminded of when my dad had me reaming ridges on an old ford v8 with his well used ridge reamer. Great video! 👍🏻

[@l0jack]

Reminds me of my high school years in metal shop. I loved making tools on the metal lathe and I still use some of them 52 years later! My dad was a machinist before getting a degree in structural engineering and I have all of his drafting and machinist tools. However, I don’t have a lathe. Great job!

[@charlesforan7446]

You sir, are real live toolmaker! VERY impressive work. Really enjoyed this video

[@robconcep644]

Excellent solution. Great video! Nice work.

[@lifeafterourloss]

Your hard work on this video really shows. That was a big hurdle and it really turned out well. That scene with senior outside looked so familiar. 🤔

[@squatch253]

“Cleaner?!?!?!” lol 😂

[@sterff89]

That turned out great! One step closer to being back on 4 wheels!

[@scania357]

Very nice job Toby the grooving tool is top notch.

[@butchortner6572]

Good job Squatch.

[@greenmule]

One Heck of a Great job Squatch, thanks for the video

[@rcboatlife4907]

Nice work .. been watching you for years .. and this restoration project has been the most interesting.. because of the hurdles you have to come over every time .. because x231 is one of one brilliant work squatch

[@melsplace4007]

I'm a big fan of the Squatch Sr. powered lathe. I wish I had the time, equipment, and talent you have sir. Keep 'em coming! I'm also a fan of the two vacs with slightly different voices.

[@cyrilhudak4568]

If I learned anything from Kieth Fenner, it's that making tooling and jigs for a job will take a disproportionate amount of time than the job itself. You're a pretty good machinist for a guy on KZbin.

[@larrydavidson3402]

It amazes me how you can design your own tools and have it work perfectly. I wish I had half of your talent.

[@mv4ago]

Another fantastic job, this is how engineers did things before CAD and CNC. Proper machining skills backed up by a well-thought-out solution to a problem. I do like your Caterpillar videos but these practical repair jobs are very inspiring. 👍

[@allanrichards3752]

In watching this episode you were reminding me so much of my dad, sadly past now, but he was a good model engineer and used to make so many special tools for the things he needed to make. This said if you are going to do more of this sort of thing you can buy cutting and facing boring heads. A good one is not the cheapest thing on the planet but they can be used to cut circlip ring grooves.

[@squatch253]

Sourcing a boring head was not the problem here (although still expensive). Rather the main stumbling block was not having a machine that was big enough to be able to stand this casting up on end for access to do the job. So we were stuck with using the lathe for everything 👍

[@Mr_Springy]

Love the innovation 👍🏻

[@truthhurts8551]

I know you mentioned in the past the fact that the Caterpiller content draws more eyeballs. How can anyone who loves any brand of 50, 60, 70, 80 or even older machinery not find this series fascinating? Thanks for keeping after this project. Many a good mechanic would have never started this one in the first place. I would suggest a name change when you finish this one. Anticipation seems appropriate since this machine has been making us wait...

[@squatch253]

One of the main stumbling blocks with KZbin is that not many of the true technically minded people are very interested in much that is happing here, because admittedly there is a lot of low quality content uploaded every day that turns them off. So, the majority of viewers this platform does have either don’t understand, or simply don’t care about HOW something gets to the point of running, they’re only interested IF it runs, and they get to hear noises and see smoke. People like us are in the minority.

[@danielbutler578]

@@squatch253 I guess I'm one of the minority viewers who can't get enough of seeing how someone figures how to do something when you don't have all the specialty tools. I once changed out the front wheel bearings on my Ford Escort using scraps of wood, a long bolt, and some thick washers. The repair manual said it couldn't be done without a special tool and a hydraulic press. I appreciate how you think outside the box. It reminds me of a sign that says; "We the few, have been doing so much, with so little for so long, that we are now qualified to do anything with nothing!" My boss used to say that if he wanted to get something fixed, he would tell me to throw it out because it couldn't be fixed. I would put it aside and when things were slow or I had a little too much time on my hands, I would pull it apart and fix it. I can't tell you how many times he would see something I had put back in service and start shaking his head when he saw it working.

[@pauledmundson8132]

Great episode. I was looking forward to seeing what kind of tool you would fabricate, and you came through as usual. (I also wanted to hear the Dying Moose Model 2 vacuum again. Never gets old.)

[@1crazynordlander]

I can breathe now! Good work!

[@edsmachine93]

Nice work, very clever idea. You did a great job on making the grooving tool. That will work! Thanks for sharing. Have good weekend. 👍🇺🇸👍

[@thewrenchreviews9986]

Ingenious purpose built tool design and execution. Bravo!

[@AWDJRforYouTube]

Wonderful tool room machining Toby. I can't get over how your finished tool resembles a screw machine crosslide form tool holder...SUPER idea!

[@Jimbo65203]

Amazing toolsmithing, Toby. I'd call this master artisan craftsmanship.

[@keen0515]

Great Episode! The amount of time and care you take on these things is amazing. This is tedious work and you made a great episode out of it.

[@TheJohndeere466]

Ive machined grooves like that using a boring head on a horizontal mill and adjust out about .005, turn on spindle and make a few revolutions and then adjust out .005 and just keep doing this. The easiest way it to use kind of like a thin woodruff key cutter on a cnc mill and use circular interpolation or use a facing head on a mill and it will feed out as it rotates.

[@BigAmp]

Beautiful piece of machining and tool making, well done.

[@ron827]

Incredible tool design that functioned perfectly.

[@dalee.mccombs8571]

Love the improvising, problem solving and special tool creation !

[@lastguy8613]

Could this be the first time your channel is getting 'groovy?' Also you've just spoiled whatever Cutting Edge Engineering put out tonight with that beautiful shop made tool! Don't know if you watch them but Kurtis is like you, a absolute perfectionist at his work As a aside I reffited a linen cupboard door handle today at work, I made sure the two screws were perfectly in alignment with each other because thats what Squatch would do lol Thankyou for all your awesome content

[@squatch253]

Many thanks 👍 Yes I’m familiar with that channel, although I don’t get much time at all to actually WATCH KZbin anymore after doing what it takes to keep my own channel feeds going here. That wasn’t something I saw coming when I made the jump to doing this full-time lol 👍

[@rustyreckman2892]

Great Job Squatch. I could feel your anxiousness for this job. Glad you’re through it

[@squatch253]

Anxious is the perfect word - one foul-up here and all that brazing work goes right out the window lol 😬👍

[@paulmanson253]

Yes. Watching you film chucking the entire bolster casting through the window is not something I would be anxious to behold. My father once wrecked a watercolor painting at the almost finished stage,and I was inadvertent audience. He was miserable the rest of the day. We all fail,but success is better. Cheers.

[@frankfagnant4814]

Very impressive!! Way to think outside the box. As a hobby machinist myself, I find 3/4 of my machining time is spent making tools and fixtures that are otherwise not available or are just too expensive to purchase or even rent for a one-off job. My shop is full of homemade stuff that was used once and will, in all likelihood, never be used again. But, it is very satisfying to know they worked and got me out of a jam. I think having that ability allows us to push forward and cope with our shared disease (oldironitis). A good example is when I had to replace the throw-out bearing on my 1954 D-2 dozer. Mine has the integral clutch brake, which is no longer available. So I went ahead and purchased the standard, non-brake NOS bearing. With a little creative machining, a sheet of brake lining material off Ebay and a few machine screws from the local Ace Hardware, I was back in business with a fully functional bearing that is a whole lot easier on the gear faces than it ever was since I have owned it. Now if I can only get the steering clutches unstuck. Guess when the time comes to dig into it, I will have to go back and review some of your earlier stuff. Keep up the great content. You are one hell of an inspiration to keep going when it is all too easy to just give up.

[@squatch253]

Many thanks 👍 Yep just like you said, it’s usually 80% of the time spent building the tool, and just the remaining 20% actually using the tool to do what you needed it to lol 👍

[@jtt1989]

You improvised, overcame and adapted. Thanks for sharing.

[@13bigerdave]

I love X 231 videos, it truly doesn't look like she is making ANYTHING easy for you 😁😁😁

[@smillsy23]

I agree with leaving the extra material. Great job with the tool. Very clever.

[@NineCylinderDiesel]

You're a genius, Toby

[@JohnMcClain-s5w]

I've done similar jobs for snap rings in a Harley transmission, worked it very much the same as you did, saved a few antique tranny cases over the years. Very well done!

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

I like very much the demonstration of getting a job done with modest tools that are more typical of hobby level shops, as compared to well equipped commercial job shops. Good thinking and skills achieves goals.

[@bus2drive]

What a clever tool, great job on fixing that. I really like the videos on X231 and see you solving the problems that comes along when working on it.

[@patrickmazzone9066]

Great idea worked well Nice tool

[@WeeShoeyDugless]

In a similar repair we did 40 odd years ago, Toby, the brazed part gave way from the cast iron after about 3 years. We had it rebrazed, machined, and this time, I drilled and tapped clean through the brazing into the casting and fitted 4 x grub screws in through both the brazing and the casting with locktite. Never gave us a problem after. Great tool making BTW👍🏻👍🏻

[@steamfan7147]

Well thought out and a very nice result! And I saw that, I know what Senior is working on 😉

[@bearbon2]

As usual, brilliant solution and tool design. Works as well as a very expensive adjustable boring head made from material you hand on hand. I continue to be amazed by your skill set.

[@robertquast9684]

That is quite the homemade tool for the machines at your disposal. Any victory is a good one on this project

[@gootsch5940]

Christine has gobbled up bunch of time and energy, and has also made your brain work very hard learning all the things that need to be done and how to do them. Keep up the good work and I will keep watching.

[@charleslund453]

Only a one word description for the end result. " Perfect"

[@jiminsequim3218]

Awesome work as always! 👍👍

[@jacko6652]

Brilliantly done! Thanks for showing us!

[@shadovanish7435]

Outstanding design effort & precise machine work for creating the tool, which apparently worked very well!

[@karlfischer1011]

great job! Critical thinking and some basic knowledge can go a long way! Some may wonder why are you going through all this. The reason is something not everyone will understand. In the other side of society, even an active farm or business may need to repair equipment versus replacing. The small scale machine shops are either gone or incredibly back logged--I knew of at least 3 places to go locally 10 or 20 years ago which are now closed or have changed their business model so this type of job would be impossible or turned away. There is still hope for us as long as people can figure out repairs like this. Remember the great 19th and 20th Century inventors were often a hobbyist in their home garage or kitchen! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!🎉

[@BartComeau-h6b]

Very impressive engineering, I am always impressed by your workmanship.

[@geneguenther4325]

Thanks for the episode Toby! Working in a metal/hydraulic shop I know how those customer tools and fixtures are. I deal with them a lot with what I do. Glad to see you got that tool to work and one step closer to that project being done. Can’t wait for the next episode!

[@deanehill9730]

Well thought out and successfully done. Thanks for the video.

[@anthonyhoult152]

Good morning Toby? Brilliant thought process and just amazing! Thanks to X231 you now have a snap ring groove cutter tool and for people whom wants a snap ring groove cutting well you still have a slug of steel for you to produce more and sell for a fee. 😊

[@anthonyhoult152]

Hi Toby, sorry about the ? should of been a , just my fingers and phone at fault.

[@Ian_S]

For some reason, I envisioned you using that tool at full speed. I was so worried about balance and how it was all going to come together but then Sr. stepped in and hand spun everything.. 😂

[@squatch253]

You’d still have to get up to 150-200 rpm to start noticing an imbalance due to the limited mass of the cutter, and we’ve got this lathe set at about 50 rpm for turning the boring bar. But because I can’t afford a mistake at this point, we maintained the greatest amount of control just turning by hand.

[@vanislescotty]

A lot of respect for what you just did there. Cat may call and consult with you some day soon. 👏