Finishing Side Rods - Pennsylvania A3 Switcher, Part 43

[@FFS__Dave]

In respect of “hooking up the caps lock” It amazes me that people will make such comments. In the years I have watched you and followed your work, I have learned (as so many of us have) that you are a no nonsense kind of girl. If you make a goof, it usually becomes a feature of the episode. I trust you implicitly, Quinn. ❤

[@RonCovell]

Quinn - great job on those slender, delicate little pieces!

[@Kim-kl5jh]

Awsome work on those side rods Quinn! Beautifully done. There are many steps and a ton of work in those parts (as demonstrated by the fact that you spent TWO videos covering the side rods!) Wonderful work, as always, with great explanations all along. Thanks, Quinn!

[@Ioughtaknowbetter]

This is a perfect demonstration of the importance of order of operations. Very nicely done!

[@2meterPeter.]

14 days of waiting between locomotive videos is a hard slog. Love your channel. One of my favs.

[@JamesTM]

Me: "Huh. That's a chonky fixture plate." Me: "Wait... there's nothing under that piece. Isn't she's cutting into the plate?" Me: "Ooooh, I get it. It's a rotary table wasteboard. Clever!" Quinn: "Now, I can hear you all typing furiously..." I love that you held off on the explanation _just_ long enough for me to figure it out on my own. I adore how your content constantly teaches me new and fascinating things, but it's always nice to have the occasional moment to feel smart. :D I have no interest in trains whatsoever, and don't even have access to a machine shop, but I love this series.

[@darrinswanson]

Thanks! I'm really enjoying this locomotive build!

[@pkjmfineart1593]

I have NEVER in my entire life, seen a cleaner set of feeler gauges. Not even new ones. Props Quinn. 😉

[@rickfazzini22]

I would never have thought those rods would require so many different set ups, superb work as always👍🏻

[@rexmyers991]

I am proud to be a Patreon. Beautiful rods.

[@benjaminmullin9560]

"they're not perfect but the goal is always to make it as good as I know I can with my current skill set" My favorite quote from this one!

[@Wishbone1977]

Nooooooo! I've been binge watching this series for the past week but now I'm all caught up, so now I have to wait... 😞

[@leoq2]

Now what do I do? ;) Guess I have to wait as everybody else. Fantastic work and excellent editing. Thank you from Sweden..

[@AirwolfCrazy]

That was a fast 15 min. The side rods look terrific!

[@Hyce777]

Gorgeous work, Quinn!

[@joshclark44]

A lot of material removal in a lot of interesting ways 😄 you never disappoint

[@charleswelch249]

I'm very impressed and happy for you. Those rods look amazing, and your skills are very good at small parts that must function and look nice. Great video Quinn and can't wait for more progress.

[@terminalpsychosis8022]

This is the definition of "artisanship". Form and function combined = beauty. Can be proud of those beauties. Can hardly wait to see the next step, but please take your time and do it right. Like Mr Rodgers said.

[@fieromike1]

It is so cool watching you enjoy what you do. I know you are proud of it and you should do. Thanks for the inspiration. ❤

[@zkasprzyk]

One of the nicest parts of saturday evening - new video! Woohoo!

[@Splode_]

It is so helpful seeing both which things need to be precise and why on a moving machine, and then how you achieve that precision. I learn so much watching you create these beautiful objects, thank you for taking the time to share it.

[@LANless]

Super, super cool! Such delicate pieces, love them in situ.

[@gianlucamatarazzo8704]

"They are not perfect"....c'mon Queen, you realized masterpieces with those rods! Don't be shy, you're a great machinist and I am (but i could also said we are) delighted by your talent!Greetings from Rome, Italy❤

[@Radiotexas]

Nice work! Love the sacrificial rotary table top!

[@mickeybags14]

This was definitely my favorite part of the build so far! Thanks for the awesome videos!

[@sfeddie1]

By 13:30 trying to figure out “the process” and what was going on made my head explode.

[@JamLeGull]

Amazing work. It’s exciting seeing the locomotive start to take shape.

[@manythingslefttobuild]

Great video Quinn, looking forward to the rotary table fixture plate build.

[@peterpicroc6065]

Rotary table seems clever, looking forward to the video about it.

[@JMFuller227]

Awesome job as always Quinn! I would just say, give yourself some d@mn credit! I keep hearing you say “that’s really clever and I never would have thought of that…” I’d be willing to bet that a good portion of Kozo’s clever jigs and work-arounds were figured out after trashing a part. You’re just benefiting from all of his experience, the same way that we benefit from your experience when we watch your videos. I’ve seen you come up with awesome setups and jigs that were pure genius so I don’t believe that you “never would have come up with it” on your own. Thanks again for another great video!

[@grahamebell7505]

Beautiful work as always Quinn, a real inspiration to us all! 😊

[@piperjohn_3]

Clever milling techniques and a beautiful result. Great episode!

[@ZeroNilNada]

I look forward to these videos every Saturday morning. There are times when it's too hot/rainy/cold to get in a run outside so these videos keep me sane while on the treadmill. And I learn a lot, too! Thank you for all your initiative on both the machining and video work. I know it is a lot of effort and it does not go unappreciated!

[@raymitchell9736]

Quinn, you have taken me on a journey into your world of locomotives in a way I never expected; I have learned so much. As a small boy I had fascination with trains, but I had no clue that there was all of this amazing engineering and machining involved. Now that I'm older I can see and appreciate it. What you are doing here has been a master class level of education for me, I enjoy learning new things and you are a good teacher. P.S. on that point about being an education, It is truly humble to hear you say that it is the best you can make with tools and skills. I will guess that it is likely more than most (not all) hobbyist can achieve, and furthermore it means that your are hungry to step up your game in achieving higher and better skill sets and better tools as well. I wish you a lot of very Good Luck, may the machine gods smile upon your projects and all will go according to plan!

[@edwardmiller4048]

Quinn! Thank you for this channel! Long time listener, (subscribed!) first time caller.. Machining is something that I love watching, but nothing that i know about. Thank you for the effort you put into your videos, your wonderful hindsight, and your fearlessness of admitting when there were better ways to do things! Keep it up, I anticipate your uploads weekly!!

[@brickleyyard4966]

Dont be so hard on your self thay are fantastic looking give yourself more credit you deserve it

[@soundmaster1966]

Hi Quinn, that was such a good example for your excellent setup skills and thinking about every tiny step ahead of the machining. A pleasure to be watching your great work. Nice outcome. Cheers Ulf👍

[@badger44]

great work Quinn, like the rotary table jig, we use to have sacrificial spacers that did the same but also fixtures like yours, that we re-skimmed, that`s the whole idea, you`ve got to think out of the box sometimes, great to see it all working out. as for the "hooked up caps lock" brigade, I agree with others, go get a life! . keep up the great work.👍

[@DavidLindes]

Nice work! And yeah, some cool Kozo suggestions, it seems... like keeping that bottom section on there, still thick, to be support while you cut the other side. Neato. :)

[@BetweenTheBorders]

That's beautiful. Makes me appreciate why castings, forgings, and fabrication are so highly valued. The machine time for full scale locomotives must have been phenomenal.

[@jimmythejock4376]

I just love and admire your modesty. Very commendable. Thank you very much for showing us your fantastic work.

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Hoping for mill and lathe comments now that you’ve lived with them a bit during these last two big projects. I think I’d already buy from Precision Matthews but it is fun hearing your thoughts.

[@markmonroe7330]

Excellent presentation. Thank you. Really enjoying and learning from this series.

[@allenlandis4504]

Looks real good

[@JonesMetalCraft]

I love the little tips and tricks I pick up from your videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@luckyirvin]

Quinn's breadth of knowledge and very talented hands add up to epic. i love this site

[@terrytopliss9506]

The rods look great Quinn,some good setups too. Thanks for the video.👍👍

[@mikepettengill2706]

very cool!

[@donaldsutherland244]

I love your videos!

[@lroyson]

As good as you can make, it is pretty dand good. Very nice-looking parts so far.

[@thercbarn5001]

Very nice! Learned a lot from this one. Mike

[@jpaulkepler4638]

Nicely done. Really enjoying this project .

[@heighRick]

Great video! Thanks Quinn, helps a lot!

[@TheMechanic626]

Another beautiful part.

[@robertpearson8798]

A sacrificial rotary table fixture plate is an intriguing idea, I look forward to the pending video.

[@johnapel2856]

That turned out nicely! Yay! Thanks, and Meow to Sprocket.

[@HDTech22]

Love the series. I will get into lathe and mill work,Just expensive to start. But I use your videos as guidance. I’d rather not learn lathe safety by experience. 😂 This steamer is going to be awesome.

[@laserfloyd]

One of my favorite parts of any given Saturday.

[@ttargetss]

Those look amazing! Great job! Just wondering if a fuller with a ball nose end mill would give a nice spot for contrasting paint to really make them pop?

[@davidapp3730]

Great progress

[@warrenholmar1129]

I have been looking forward to this video all week. Thanks, Blondie.

[@OGTtom]

Looks great , good job

[@Spartan-j7s]

If you get any better, you will be a grand master! You did a great job with this project so far.

[@HangarQueen]

Your "found this chunk of aluminum in the scrap bin" are my "priciest piece of metal for the next project". :-/

[@Nemozoli]

Yes, I'm always astounded by Quinn's "scrap bin", wish for such a container for my shop as well!

[@Blondihacks]

It’s taken many years to build up this scrap collection. I mainly do it by intentionally over-buying material for every task. That way the cost is spread over many years and before you know it you’re fearing for your life under a giant wobbly pile of scrap metal.

[@jscancella]

Also let people know you want scrap metal and soon you have more than you know what to do with

[@MrJoey1003]

@@Blondihacks I absolutely enjoy your command of the English language, the old timey Brit word/ phrase choices, and simply spoken with intelligence. This is a missing element in our society currently. Thanks for the pure class. ❤

[@MegaDada1995]

@@Nemozolisome metal shops will sell you boxes with unsorted off-cuts at a reduced price. A little investment that will pay dividends for years to come.

[@paulmorrey4298]

Thanks Quinn

[@firebird8600]

Yay!! It's Blondihacks time!!!

[@BloopTube]

Always happy to learn new sneaky fixturing methods. It is required to clutter the mental toolbox just as much as the real one

[@johnlinquist2998]

They may not be perfect but they are pretty damn good.

[@OnlyTheEd]

Short video about sacrificial parts.....to make actual parts. 👍🙂

[@SethKotta]

Ah, yes: the part of the choo-choo that makes the whole thing chugga-chugga along.

[@RGSneaker]

[@richardlincoln8438]

Your side-rods turned out to be quite handsome Quinn. Congratulations ! Best Wishes to You and Your Family.

[@bobqzzi]

Very nice. I'm feeling like you should gold plate the side rods to really make them pop

[@Tek_0135]

I would love to see those connecting rods nickel plated

[@kimber1958]

Thanks

[@davidtaylor6124]

Very nice! The only thing keeping those rods from leveling up is some emery paper, and it that would be simply gilding the lily. The size & shape look spot-on.

[@jesperwall839]

OMG! YOUR RUNNING IN TO YOUR FIXTURE PLATE! 😱😂

[@etcher6841]

Ermagherd*

[@todaywefly4370]

My OCD needed this.🤤

[@yowie0889]

Nice touch with "your" instead of "you're" too. It's the little details that make it true to internet whinger character.

[@Nemozoli]

Nice detail on those side rods!

[@keithpattison6763]

Hello Quinn, A friend of mine, is building a full size Z class locomotive in his shed on his property in the Adelaide Hills. He has been on the project since 2003 and plans to be running by 2027. The smokebox, frame, cab and all of the running gear is finished, along with the Tender. The next part is the boiler, but he has to move out the Tender, to give him room. You could Google "Adelaide man builds Z class steam loco" to see his progress.

[@RichardMiller-o4w]

You do excellent work. I would sometimes do things differently, I have a toolbox full of clapped out special vise jaws that I made for special projects, but then I spent the last 8 years working on an nc mill. I made pockets to hold odd parts but I am not working anymore, so I can pop off with useless advice. One thing though, you should try form taps. When I first started machining back in the 70s, they were unknown. And me, being a knucklehead, didn't want anything to do with them. Then about 12 years ago I started using them exclusively for everything up to softer grades of stainless steel. They are not recommended for cast metal, especially cast iron. I hope that I don't sound like I'm mansplaining, I don't mean to.

[@gabrielleyba2842]

beautiful

[@keveburd]

My thought was actually “I wonder why she is doing it that way?” I am glad you explained the sacrificial plate!

[@BrunoWiebelt]

super good job

[@johnmcanulty7341]

Very entertaining.

[@jmmandg]

Perfect is the enemy of done :)

[@steveg4iwr]

I do love the stop typing comments. Great video as usual thank you for taking the time to produce them.

[@jimsvideos7201]

Thank you for sharing the journey though; those rods definitely look like steam engine parts now.

[@donpeterson7414]

My dad, who was an old logger in the cascades, called the woods boss a “side rod”, meaning I imagine something that created a lot of movement and bother, but didn’t actually do the real work.

[@vannoo67]

Nice use of gauge bits

[@BarryLitherland]

super!

[@ibid49]

ME AND MY CAPSLOCK KEY LOVE YOU QUINNN!!!!11!!!!ONE!!!!

[@coreybonsall]

The "ERMAHGERD" comment made me laugh way too hard 🤣

[@johnmoorefilm]

Between that aluminium block and the “curvy bits milling block thing that looks like a cheese wheel (Swiss , obvs: holes…)”, you could make your own spanner’s?!

[@wanglydiaplt]

Does the plunge milling along the faces reduce warpage, compare to just milling them right across?

[@ADBBuild]

I was wondering why you mounted them so far down on the fixture block, then you pulled out the brass screws and it all made sense.

[@Blondihacks]

Well it was just lack of foresight really. The brass screw trick was a lucky accident. 😅

[@mr_pizza7663]

Yay

[@bobcoombs7924]

cool.

[@KX36]

Sidebars :)

[@GEV646]

The fixture plate is clever as heck. Almost as clever as all the problem solving that went into figuring out how to do the rounded ends of the side rods.

[@jamesriordan3494]

🙌