The Antikythera Mechanism Episode 3 - The Plates And Main Bearing.

The #Antikythera Mechanism Episode 3 - The Plates And Main Bearing, by Clickspring.
In this episode the basic structure of the mechanism comes together, and I put forward a theory on a simple method for achieving the extremely close clearances observed in the original device.
If you would like to help support the creation of these videos, then head on over to the Clickspring Patreon page: / clickspring
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A very special thank you to Patrons:
Tim Bray
Sinking Valley Woodworks (www.sinkingvalleywoodworks.com)
Mike Manfrin
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Glenn Trewitt
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Matteo Neville
Daniel Cohen
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Olof Haggren
Stassinopoulos Thomas
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Dave Seff
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You can also help me make these videos by purchasing via the following Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras used in this video:
Panasonic GH5 - amzn.to/2rEzhh2
Panasonic X920 - amzn.to/2wzxxdT
Tools & Shop Products:
"Solidworks 2013 Bible": amzn.to/2FObS1D
"Gears From The Greeks", Derek de Solla Price: amzn.to/2pii4ZD
"A Portable Cosmos: Revealing the Antikythera Mechanism, Scientific Wonder of the Ancient World" amzn.to/2NoLgIR
Dykem 80300 Steel Blue Layout Fluid, Brush-in-Cap (4oz): amzn.to/2HGPaJJ
Dormer A190202 Jobber Drill Set, 1.0 mm - 6.0 mm x 0.1 mm Size: amzn.to/2DR5fdb
Dormer A190203 Jobber Drill Set, 6.0 mm - 10.0 mm x 0.1 mm Size: amzn.to/2ITfeTa
YG1 NC Spotting Drill 8% Cobalt HSS 1/8 to 1/2" 120 Degree 5 Pc Set CNC Machine: amzn.to/2G7ylv6
Blue Matador Abrasive Paper - amzn.to/2IAFiBT
Heavy Duty Arbor Press: amzn.to/2G4gog7
Saint Gobain (Norton) - 4 Arkansas Stones + case: amzn.to/2HCOAMX
Abbreviated Transcript:
00:23 So what exactly is the structure of the mechanism? Well if you strip everything away, it comes down to this. A single main plate, with a single main bearing located at its center. The front planetary display is speculated to have been positioned just above the main plate, and the rear display is known to have been located on the other side. It's a 3 tiered structure providing support and alignment for the entire mechanism, and you can see that it has features spread across all 3 levels, that are all somewhat related.
01:41 Now its impossible to know for sure if the original maker used the same technique, but certainly some sort of systematic approach would have been essential.
04:07 Using one of the pins to gauge the progress of the taper. The pins were then hammered firmly into place, and the opposing holes on the other plate given a light countersink. Now for the plates to all sit flush when stacked, the pins must sit beneath the surface of each matching plate.
06:41 Registering each plate with the one beneath it. Again taking care to align the plates carefully before drilling, and placing the pins in regions of the mechanism known to be available space. I can now work with the plates aligned in a complete stack like this, or in various combinations as required, and be confident that the relative positioning of features will be accurate across all 4 plates.
07:49 The sub plate was then returned to the stack to pick up the correct position for the pillars, and finally the front dial plate was returned to the stack to drill out the pilot holes for the pillars. Now without register pins, this would have been quite a challenging task to manage.
10:44 And this is significant, because the presence of a square hole in the spacer leads to an unavoidable conclusion: That the part was in fact fabricated from 2 separate pieces. A spacer with a square hole, and a main bearing body, that were then pressed together to form the full bearing profile.
11:29 All throughout the device, virtually every sub assembly incorporates this idea of spacers and wheels, Either riveted together as a sort of layered sandwich, or threaded onto a shouldered arbor, or both. Certainly the wheels and spacers could have been formed from stock selected to achieve a specific clearance, much like this bearing. But its easy to imagine the maker taking it a step further.
12:13 With not much more than an flat abrasive surface and good eyesight, the maker could have achieved exceptional dimension control without any need for absolute measurement.
References:
Gears From The Greeks - Derek de Solla Price: amzn.to/2pii4ZD
The CT and PTM data that the AMRP have made publicly available can be found here: www.antikythera-mechanism.gr/data
Gear schematic can be found in Tony Freeth's 2012 research paper:
dlib.nyu.edu/awdl/isaw/isaw-pa...
Credits:
Clips from "The 2000 Year Old Computer" courtesy Images First Ltd.
The Antikythera Mechanism Episode 3 - The Plates And Main Bearing, by Clickspring.

[@Clickspring]

In this episode the basic structure of the mechanism comes together, and I put forward a theory on a simple method for achieving the extremely close clearances observed in the original device. ​ Its an extra length episode for you folks, so please enjoy!

[@Proxima256]

Thank you for the excellent quality video Chris

[@nicoleshabayum1137]

I don't have the space or the resources to try anything like this myself, so watching you work is the next best thing. I really enjoy your work :) Informative, interesting, clear and frankly, beautiful videos. I guess I wanted to say thank you ^.^

[@kkg9299]

Clickspring when did you make the pillars

[@nicholasmatz]

hey i just wanted to say that your content is very tv worthy its like a show i would love to watch on abc channel 2

[@wilhobbs207]

NI .M Too good for TV ☺

[@mspeir]

In a future episode, Chris invents a time machine, takes his completed mechanism to ancient Greece where he loses the mechanism in a shipwreck.

[@giorgiograzioli1341]

ah ah Revealed the mystery!

[@wheeltapper1]

He's already done that in a This Old Tony video. only it was Tonys time machine/lathe.

[@danallured5806]

Wouldn't that be ironic if time travel really was possible! Love the way you think!

[@zachaliles]

Or was it a past episode?

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

The Aeolipile that was propelling the boat failed, that is why they sank...😊

[@ThisOldTony]

outstanding! also, very interesting insight into the build itself.

[@Clickspring]

Thank you mate!

[@atmega898]

Oh two of my favorite machinists in same place 😄

[@djstringsmusic2994]

Hey this old Tony I thought you said (in the origins video) it was your plan to build this first. ;)

[@gajananddave3385]

Nice positive reply.

[@choke666]

Hey, i kno you!

[@clippedwing-bensmith1614]

I hope people watching realise just how much time it takes to create such a beautifully edited video. I have no doubt that there is over 10 hours of footage condensed into 20 minutes or pure eye candy edited video! Beautiful! Thanks Chris, I'll see you on the next video!

[@bexpi7100]

only 10?! i expect there was more than 20 hours of work put into this video, let alone the beautiful editing

[@mickeylickey123]

Ben Smith Not to mention the beautiful creation we are seeing built.

[@babylonfive]

Lovely.

[@wonsnot]

Usually you get a good 10% usable footage. I would expect he recorded about 20 hours of footage. I would be scared to see how much work he put in that he didn't film, like the research portions. It wouldn't be too out there to suspect that if this was a normal job that he would be getting tons of overtime.

[@jfan4reva]

Indeed! Chris puts as much time, care and craftsmanship into shooting and editing his videos as he puts into making the projects themselves. Someone commented they'd like to see this on commercial TV. If it was on commercial TV, it would probably win an Emmy, either for content or production, or both. Videos like these are You Tube gems.

[@logannewman4532]

The animated layers on your videos are a really nice touch. This channel is probably the most well produced technical content on youtube.

[@thecrazyisreal]

You've managed to marry beautiful cinematography, quality writing and narration with a sincere knowledge of metal working all without a production team behind you. This is incredibly rare and I admire your work tremendously.

[@Clickspring]

Thank you Jonathan, very much appreciate the kind words :)

[@TheMetalButcher]

Love it. >"The finish from this part is quite acceptable." >Polishes the faces anyway.

[@tomellis487]

Great name, I expect you are more a surgeon though.

[@xcvsdxvsx]

The oldest known mechanism for defeating to the unforgivable kythera. With this mechanism we will reduce the kythera to ashes. Thank god for the inventor of this device.

[@ianlongfoot4672]

What an amazingly skilled engineer you are, it's an absolute privilege to be allowed to follow your progress and hear your thought processes as you work your way through the build. It seems to my simple mind that you absolutely love doing this kind of work and being so talented it must make you a very content person. I can't wait to see the next installment. Ian.

[@Clickspring]

I appreciate your encouragement Ian, thank you :)

[@nico8273]

This could easily be presented in discovery channel or in National Geographic. Eeeeasy

[@Neffers_UK]

Chris's productions surpass TV standards imo. He'd make them all look silly!

[@thiagoennes]

in my opinion, this is much, MUCH better content.

[@jonannett]

this made my day

[@whette_fahrtz]

Those channels *used* to have content like this.

[@SuperPhexx]

Not really. Way to little drama, the cutting between scenes is way to slow and the subject is interesting.

[@dsloop3907]

Fantastic. Before they were burned, you might have found a blueprint for that in the Libraries at Alexandria.

[@Clickspring]

Very possible - there is historical mention of other similar devices in the writings of the famous Roman senator Cicero.

[@janvrabec3401]

I wonder what wonders where lost in that Libraries..

[@roberts7107]

Who burned a library? What lunacy! Sounds like the work of demons 😉.

[@lukazsoad]

This channel should be called "Clickinspiring". That's soothing inspiration at it's finest...

[@Clickspring]

Cheers Lucas, very kind of you :)

[@jimyp47]

Who else was going to bed and then this got uploaded so delayed sleep?

[@CasusBelli1000]

Yup. stopped watching french presidential debat far more intresting !

[@clippedwing-bensmith1614]

mrboomshakalaka same!

[@nachtdiertje1972]

Yup, same here. I was waiting for a video, but it didn't come until tonight

[@jfan4reva]

Yep, my iphone's 'bedtime' alarm went off about two minutes into the video. I'm on the second snooze right now - lol!

[@reiniertl]

Me. Can't leave it for tomorrow.

[@tat2duck]

I have to admit I accidentally stumbled on this series of videos and was immediately hooked. Your skill and video quality is undeniably superb. It comes across very obviously that this is a labor of love. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful gift.

[@lukealsmith]

I love your problem solving skills. Something a book cant teach, just tackling and thinking about the problem is enough

[@Clickspring]

Cheers Luke, appreciate your encouragement :)

[@Compressthis]

Faster!!! Omg your skill is intoxicating, it's so hard to wait for the next. I don't know how often I have watched the speed build of your clock and re-watched the original build video just to keep my sanity

[@francescosirotti8178]

So wonderful. Again I see a woodworkers approach: with metal you take a big stock and make it smaller with your tools. A woodworker would instead fabricate the smaller components and then join them togheter. Fascinating video of stunning quality.

[@Marvin624]

It's absolutely inspiring to see how much love and time you put into this project. After 30 minutes of constant filing I probably would've started questioning it all. Amazing!

[@janiceinga]

It makes me so happy to know that there is still this kind of skill and craftmanship in the world. This is beautiful.

[@dimitrijevasiljevic]

Watching you push through those home made broaches was pure butter!I love how this project is coming to be,a perfect mix of old and new.

[@keatontaylor3612]

These videos continue to be of extremely high quality and absolutely amazing to watch as the project comes together. I find it absolutely remarkable that you can take something as simple as the frame of a device and make videos that describe just what is going through your mind and likely the mind of its original creator as each part comes together. Nothing ever seems insignificant in your builds and I think you truly capture the pride and craftsmanship that has been all but lost in our industrialized and computerized world. Thank you so much for these videos and keep up the good work!

[@johnkelley9877]

Just as in the clock episodes I am truly impressed by your machinist skills. As an machine operator I recognize all of the tools you use . I also use Dykem Blue Steel Ink regularly.

[@LordDratsab]

I'm a little sad that April 1st came and went without you posting a video where you fabricate a gear out of rusty sheet metal with a hacksaw, filmed on a phone in vertical mode, all with real time narration in a rough bogan accent.

[@samuelbennett6026]

r/oddlyspesific

[@allieandfluff]

Samuel Bennett haha check out Clickspring’s other April 1 videos ;)

[@KarlEller]

I'm so happy that you're working on another new series. Your attention to detail, both in your video editing and your machining, is amazing, and I could watch you work forever.

[@Vnifit]

Chris I have to say, I really love how much you respect the process in making something as complex and historically significant as this. The 3 dollars a month is well worth it :)

[@Clickspring]

Thank you mate, I very much appreciate your support :)

[@joaobarbosa8471]

Today is the 115th birthday of the Antikythera mechanism's discovery. We need episode 4, right now!!!

[@bosshossredsox]

These monthly videos are the only thing keeping me ticking ;) Also, I love the fact that you find the beauty in steps and processes that other people might gloss over or omit entirely.

[@snowcoalRC]

MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED!!!! ANOTHER UPLOAD!!!!!!

[@cavemaneca]

I was half asleep the first time I watched this. It made a whole lot more sense the second time around. Thanks for the great content.

[@sffpv9671]

Just an astonishing level of craftsmanship. A pleasure to watch as always. Can't wait for the next episode!

[@captnsking9079]

The way you blend the rivets and main bearing into the sheet is the most satisfying thing ever. If you made a video just doing that I would watch it on repeat

[@SuperAsdf21]

This is so far above TV broadcast quality it's not even a similar product. The work, planning, engineering, execution, editing, narration delivery and content of these videos is unprecedented. Even people not interested in machining are dazzled by the videos you produce. Bravo Chris!

[@thisstuffido9141]

You made it to the Google front page today! Happy 115th anniversary of Antikythera discovery!

[@chippywarren9706]

Lovely to watch an artisan carefully and slowly with patience creating. Thorough well done.

[@kevinlizotte897]

The hand finishing is just amazing. Even the little inside chamfers in the square holes! So good. Amazing skill and patience

[@Leown89]

Chris and James May should be THE perfect couple to do a laid-back multi hour show on builds.

[@GarageScience]

Whenever I watch your videos I just think "I am not worthy". Maybe one day I'll reach this level of craftsmanship.... Maybe.

[@peterpocock9062]

We'll done, no, Extremely we'll done Chris. I reckon I'm a half decent machinist, but you inspire me to strive for a way higher level. Thank you. Pete

[@steelandsoul1987]

Finally! Its always a pleasure to watch one of your videos!

[@milanmarkovic4348]

I have never seen this level of craftsmanship before, outstanding !!!

[@bucky13]

It's really no wonder you don't post videos every week. I couldn't imagine the work that goes into filming and editing, let alone building the damn thing.

[@edouard6545]

Finally!!!!! you were dearly missed, Chris!!

[@GeirGunnarss]

Fantastic work as always. It is a real pleasure and honor to follow along with you.

[@MaxMakerChannel]

Thanks for showing a bit more details on the sanding. It is often hard to get an idea for the time it takes you to do things.

[@russellpindar7717]

To re-iterate many comments - stunnning metalwork, stunning video editing - just stunning!

[@Clickspring]

Appreciate your support and encouragement Russell, thank you :)

[@giorgiograzioli1341]

In your work I see the skill and care of almost manic details, but the result fully justifies this feeling. When I see you working I perceive your mental order and inner peace. Thank you

[@naota3k]

18 minute Clickspring video?! YES PLEASE.

[@michaelweil5383]

Phenomenal work and accuracy. I can watch and dream for hours. Presentation and videography surpassed by none!

[@Clickspring]

Cheers Michael!

[@awashbowler]

You sir, are the master of beautiful surface finishes.

[@dtb4379]

Never ceases to amaze me how ancient engineers could have made something so complex! Great video, as always, your video production seems to always improve even though it was incredible to begin with!

[@TheOakRoom]

Three episodes in and I'm so glad of Adam Savage's mention on one of his #onedaybuilds that brought me here. Fascinating with an intoxicating level of artful precision.

[@auerswo]

Well, no early bed time tofay for me as I promised myself I guess 😅

[@endeloide4048]

olive1913 Hahaha, same here!

[@naota3k]

It's only 21:00 here, which time zone is that? :)

[@taitywaity1836]

+naota3k We must be in the same country, it's 9 o'clock here too!

[@raa6504]

I wish I found your channel earlier, better now than never. I love your masterfully crafted work, sir.

[@Clickspring]

Terrific to have you watching :)

[@myztklk3v]

this is the most suspenseful video series I've ever watched. Or more accurate, channel.

[@gordonburns8731]

Another brilliant video Chris, mate! Of course, if you'd like to view Chris's videos well before they are publicly released and have exclusive access to some exclusive and exquisite engineering drawings, contribute to Chris's Patreon Channel! I am one of his many patrons and I am bloody pleased to be so! Good on you, Chris.

[@Clickspring]

Thank you mate :)

[@umbra1016]

*casually pulls out undoubtedly home-made older style clamp mentioned in the last video*

[@katjoe1974]

Not only are you an exceptional machinist and craftsman, but you are an outstanding filmmaker as well. The composition and editing of your videos are always amazing.

[@davidrpayton]

Gotta say, these videos scratch a particular itch in my brain. Absolutely love these.

[@JrSaidMonkey]

These are the coolest videos in KZbin. cant stop watching them. Keep them coming!!

[@bergarteric5713]

Mister only one word : You are a genius !!! Your hand are in gold !!! Platinium etc etc ... Thank for the sharing and sorry for my Englih beacause i'm a french man living in Normandy Good Life Mister !!!

[@N1RKW]

I am always amazed at your patience, skill, and finesse when watching your videos, Chris! Great job as always! Please keep them coming, we'll keep watching.

[@SolarWebsite]

I am clicking thumbs up even before I've watched this, I just *know* it's going to be good!

[@-GuitarZero]

Sherline should be sponsoring this - every time I watch this I start looking at buying a lathe

[@zetacon4]

I have watched many crafting and mechanical videos on YT, but your's is the very finest I have seen. It is a true blessing to watch you perform magic in metal! I dream of doing what you do in your videos. I am also an engineer and love your precision and attention to details. That is what separates the pros from the rest who try. I am so delighted you chose to replicate this ancient piece of metal artwork. It just does something wonderful to the human spirit to see (and feel, I would suppose) such a lovely visually pleasing work of art. I hope you have completed the build within the next videos you have already or will post for this project. Can't wait!

[@nachtdiertje1972]

I was afraid You gave up your youtube-channel, Chris. But man you came back, the amount of detail and patience, I really admire you for this. Also your quality of video and editing is exceptional. Your video's are a zenn-moment for me ;-)

[@Clickspring]

Thanks for being patient, this one was a very time consuming one to edit

[@nachtdiertje1972]

But worth the waiting, thank you

[@JBLewis]

Worth it!

[@5chr4pn3ll]

This is really really cool. Actually reproducing methods as well as the product itself teaches us a lot of the context of the object, and also the world it belonged to.

[@rcromehobbies9242]

Presentation and video editing is world class not to mention this guys knowledge and skills is just inhuman.

[@SeanMohundro]

your videos... not only beautiful, but calming, education, and inspiring.

[@Clickspring]

So pleased you're enjoying them Sean :)

[@ryanjpedersen]

These videos are so absolutely well-made. Beyond the skill of the subject, the pacing, timing and video quality is such a wonderful breath of fresh air on KZbin. Great work!

[@kl0xY]

Man, this is art, and that's going to be a master piece..

[@maximebakleh8052]

You really brought this series to the next level! Awesome Awesome Awesome (once is not enought)

[@emo6577]

I could watch the 3D scan of the original mechanism for hours. Just pouring over every inch of it to appreciate all the fine detail the way you have

[@TheWhedgit]

I'm not a machinist, have no major interest in the Antikythera Mechanism, but somehow find these videos extremely interesting and relaxing to watch!

[@lefterismagkoutas4430]

This is my favorite channel now no objection.

[@ketankadam5669]

I have never seen anyone doing things so meticulously!

[@CasusBelli1000]

good evening From Beirut. thank you for another wonderfull craftmanship video. you made my day! :)

[@gordonburns8731]

Hello again, Chris. I've just watched this video for the umpteenth time; I just can't seem to get enough of your videos. Being one of your patrons, through Patreon, I get to see your brilliant stuff well before it is released on KZbin. This is an exquisitely precise work yet again and I have come to expect no less from my antipodean friend. I'd just like to comment (and please don't be offended by this since it is no way a criticism of you and your clearly evident skill in engineering practice) but there you are in your extremely well-equipped workshop, running on mains power and you are using CAD and modern precision machine tools to machine and build the Antikythera mechanism. That's really great Chris, but my thoughts go to the guys who made these original navigation devices, with nothing more than basic 'near-enough' tooling. They must have been extremely skilled in their craft to end up with such a sophisticated piece of functioning kit. My one and only comment about those guys: that they cut triangular teeth in their gear wheel set (but they were, presumably cut by hand, using very basic hand tools); try to imagine what they may have achieved had they discovered involute gear cutting. and how much more advanced we may now have been, had they done so. Of course, being one of your supporters and patrons on Patreon, I got to view this video weeks ago before it was released to the public domain on KZbin. I would recommend supporting you on Patreon, even to the tune of 3 bucks per month; it all adds up and supports your work and 3 bucks per month is nothing! As one of your patrons, I also get to download engineering drawings available only to your Patreon patrons. Keep up the good work, Chris... when might we expect Episode 4? Pretty bloody soon I hope, mate! That's me, here in the UK, gnawing at the bit for more of your great stuff.

[@scottgrafton68]

I think these videos genuinely excite me more than Christmas haha

[@darklord4345]

My favourite time of every month (or 2 :P)

[@KnolltopFarms]

These videos give me an odd feeling of intense excitement for the metalwork and a wistful nostalgia from the rich history of the subject matter. It's a filling meal for the mind and spirit, thanks Chris!

[@Clickspring]

So pleased you're enjoying the vids mate :)

[@peterkaminsky4646]

8:45 Safety squints engaged! Beautifully done! Makes me want to go back and watch some of the older videos again!

[@demonshaz]

Your attention to detail is God level!

[@tragicvision775]

That square outline disappearing........heaven.

[@Number_055]

You are without question the best metalworker I have ever seen.

[@damianholder8350]

Each episode is worth waiting so long for. the quality of each video, is just like watching a series on cable tv. Keep up the excellent work u so graciously provide. I cant believe its free to watch. I hope u make a ton load of revenue. I also let each ad play thru so u get as much revenue as possible. Thanks for such a excellent piece of footage and to detail of each part. It really makes this series worth the watch. I would recommend ur channel above any other machining channel any day. Thanks for such great content 👍👍

[@RAIDFIX]

It's a joy to see a meticulous craftsman at work. Great skill and intelligence.

[@greggardner1455]

Well done Chris! The craftsmanship continues. A fascinating build

[@toothpick993]

I had a look last night on your channel to see if I had missed your recent upload but I hadn't so I went to bed and what do I see in the morning? "Clickspring uploaded a video" Thats awesome dude

[@matthewsykes4814]

Fantastic as always Chris, never boring or too long winded but with just the riht amount of explanation and detail

[@Clickspring]

Cheers Matt :)

[@georgeboaru5935]

I feel like a kid every time is a new episode. Thanks for your efforts Chris!

[@Clickspring]

Awesome to hear that George, more on the way soon :)

[@mrtingals2738]

these videos are so worth the wait, seriously this is just an engineering beauty

[@thullen84]

I will never ever try to make something like this myself, but it is so darn therapeutic to watch someone make something to this perfection, wonderful work of art!

[@DannySteel18]

I've never seen something more professional on KZbin in my entire life. 👍

[@MrWokyman]

Stunning work as always!

[@moztheroz]

It's not only utterly fascinating, it's so comforting to the likes of me who has a OCD. Its completely relaxing. I worked in engineering and to minute tolerances. This is way beyond. Its human perfection.

[@Bikeeast]

Mesmerizing work. Fantastic video as always.

[@Cmcmillen77]

i watch your videos while laying in bed before sleep. these are very soothing and interesting as well. excellent craftsmanship!

[@sliphere011]

Beautiful work and video editing. Love these videos.

[@tomasn3]

Amazing video as always Chris. Love it!!!

[@volvok7749]

Dear Chris, your craftsmanship is matched in its excellence only by your video-making skills!