Let's Build a Model Steam Engine : The Crosshead!

[@sivalley]

Tapping and break are two words that make me anxious reading in one sentence. Edit: I'm sorry Quinn, I didn't mean for my comment to get so many thumbs up!

[@twotone3070]

I read then in reverse.... several times :O

[@JamesLee-sw6ss]

@@twotone3070 Seriously, I was dreading that whole time...... And finally read it right... Thank god.

[@BrianFullerton]

Me too. I did NOT like "tap" and "break" on the same screen. It offends my more delicate sensibilities.

[@comictrio]

I've broken more large taps 1/2 inch and above then I ever did with smaller taps.

[@sivalley]

@@BrianFullerton XD

[@pileofstuff]

I'm really enjoying this series. I may be a bit sad to see the completion. But also excited to see it running under live steam.

[@Blondihacks]

Don’t worry, I have two more casting kits on the to-do pile. People won’t let me stop. 😬

[@janwiersma1449]

really sad i already saw the completion. well; let's pretend i didn't see that LOL

[@rustyz4014]

@@Blondihacks maybe you could make one from scratch?

[@tonywilson4713]

@@Blondihacks Well done on this part. I'm certain you've watched some of Joe Pi on this and this part was one of the trickiest because of the irregularities in the raw casting. Its actually a deceptively tricky part and you've done it very well. I've actually ordered a lathe and this engine is sort of project #3 of the fun stuff. I have a couple of other things before I start doing these sorts of fun projects and I am going to start on a simpler engine first like the PM #2. When I'll only have a lathe to start I'll need to go simpler. After that I plan to do the #3 which I have watched some guys build and its certainly easier than the #1. After that I don't know. What I do know its all your fault for getting into this stuff. Your 2 series on basic lathe & mill made it impossible to have any excuses NOT to have a go at this and some other stuff. 👍👍🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘

[@kgee2111]

Ya because dead steam doesn’t work as good.

[@scottroland6577]

I just ordered the kit. Now I have the advantage of your experiences. I sincerely doubt that I could have made, as successful of a model without your and Joe P's experiences have being shared. My sincere thanks. Scott

[@rogerdeane3608]

Qinn, you remind me so much of myself in that the little tiny oversights keep popping up but then you turn mistake around for a winner. I admire you for not hiding the mistakes as we all make them, having the ability to over come them is an achievement.. Thanks for sharing.

[@evanbarnes9984]

As both a scoundrel and a woodworker, I'm glad my people made an appearance in this video! Can't tell you how many times I've eyeballed a mortise depth with a scale and decided it was dead-on accurate.

[@WhippperSnaperater]

This is a good Christmas present

[@steved8038]

I would love to be a fly on the wall at your therapy sessions when you explain why woodworkers upset you so much ! Thank you for another superb video look forward to seeing you in the new year.

[@stephenrose8188]

Love your videos Quinn, your comments here about fitting and shaking down the mechanical fit is really important for guys who were never taught the detail or need to know when and how to do this. Shops (many home and all industrial) are all CNC which is wonderful for repeat process and assured interchangeability of components but the base knowledge is not taught now (well here in UK that I know of). I would really like to meet the policy makers and educationalists that decided that we no longer needed to have metal work and woodwork machine shops in Secondary schools (High schools), they were Soooooo wrong! I went to secondary school '64 - '70 & we did it all from electro plating to shapers, mills, lathes & forge work. Also a whole bunch of woodwork too. Videos like this and the great Joe Pie are absolutely essential, please keep 'em coming.

[@daviduher6219]

Hi there, I have been bing watching the steam engine build and while not a machinist, have been really enjoying the process and your description of the process. You would be a fabulous teacher!

[@DrSuntry]

Currently rewatching this Series while doign some woodworking- I really do appreciate that you always have popups on screen translating "thou" to mm. helps this german guy a lot :)

[@jfirebaugh]

The clickspring guy shows a trick with modifying drill bits specifically for drilling brass so that the drill does not try to pull itself through the brass just before breakthrough. He uses a sharpening stone to just break the sharp edge of the drill bit so that the cutting edge is about 85 degrees to the work, which still allows it to cut, but doesn't let it pull itself through.

[@leemiddleton8318]

That's why I love your work, and the way you talk, and the way you process. You're a SW person too. Awesome!

[@WorksbySolo]

Those "packing blocks" are a great tip. Always learn good stuff from your vids. Engine is looking fabulous!

[@Blondihacks]

Thanks Bernie! 😄

[@brianrhubbard]

You are very good at working with what you have. I have used a handful of your clever tricks at work. With the depth micrometer trick, I would have sat there staring at my vise for at least an hour because I never think to reference the side of the vise.

[@pauls5745]

I liked the fixturing at 18:00 also learning perfection of the dims is not important, but consistency end to end/side to side makes for happy parts

[@matc87]

the more I watch this channel the more and more I love it

[@StuartsShed]

Your engine is coming along nicely. I’m making one of these also. These are not simple parts at all - any hobby machinist who tackles one of these and makes it run should be very pleased. I’ve made some errors along the way, and had to “fit” parts together. That’s OK - the parts don’t meet print, which sticks in my craw somewhat, but I think my engine will run. Looking at yours, I think it will run well on low pressure, which is a sign of a well fitting engine. Looking forward to seeing that. P.S. referencing from gauge pins was a game changer for me.

[@robertjeffery3237]

I really enjoyed this video. She explains the steps and thought processes very well. I did fear for her fingers once or twice with that large file so close to the lathe's head. Good job young lady!

[@scorpion2nz]

You go girl . You are making good progress . And showing some hobbyists some practical ways to,get things done . I like your measure twice cut once working . Something we all need to remember.

[@alvabaker8162]

Love it, a good common sense approach that is understandable and works!!

[@richardhunter607]

A set of 4 inch calipers are extremely handy for measuring in tight spots.

[@smacknives754]

G'day, Quinn, for the Caliper under the small Mill conundrum, MachineDRO(ebay) in the UK sells a 75mm digital caliper, being a cheap bastard, I bought a cheapo, and cut them down, it worked so well, that I'm going to get a better quality caliper, since I...umm..accidentally trashed the first set. Have an awesome New Year, Scott.

[@sheep1ewe]

Awsome as always! I just came here from Keith Appleton. I know therer are people sayng that there are more skilled machinists on youtube, but Your videos is on a level where i can easily understand and actualy use the information my self without dumbing down or requiring previous professional experience in order to fully understand what's going on, for me they are perfect!

[@Blondihacks]

There is always someone more skilled in the world.

[@sheep1ewe]

@@Blondihacks You are a great teacher!

[@AJR2208]

Hi Quinn, Merry Christmas to you and your family. Have a safe and happy festive season. If you blue the rod, you can see where it interferes with the gland. I've had this happen on several real life shafts & glands.

[@oldhick9047]

"The last resort of the scoundrel and the woodworker" , I can't wait to repeat that amongst my wood nymph friends. Thank you Quinn.

[@roylucas1027]

Thank you for making 2020 a little better.

[@soundmaster1966]

Blondihacks, your logically perfect explanations are absolutely clear and a fascinating motivation for everyone to start even a little first project on their own. Thank you for this entertaining and lovely work. Have a happy new year and stay safe and healthy. Regards from Germany

[@RafaelAcurcio]

What a nice crossover between software development and mechanical builds! Loved some of my background getting along with my entertainment. Great video :)

[@kristinamckeown5106]

Thanks for the quick breakdown on troubleshooting fitment. Helpful! And as usual, very concise and thoughtful explanations throughout.

[@quickturn66]

You might use granite impregnated string for packing instead of the Teflon that I think comes with the kit. I’ve got the 10 v Stuart I made running on 2 psi.

[@cavemansmancave9025]

A suggestion. If your vise is centered on your table, offset it to one side a couple inches to gain room for measuring. Great video. Thanks, John

[@howder1951]

Looking good Quinn, just a refresher on hydraulic principle, the rod end of the piston generates slightly less pull because of cross section of rod on working area. Proof of this is low pressure pull is a little less than push, I'd say you did a bang up job! And everything looks great as well. Thanks for the vid and Happy New year! Cheers all around!

[@Blondihacks]

That end also leaks a lot more because of the unpacked gland, which I suspect is a more important factor. 😉

[@jimsvideos7201]

Big marine diesels use crossheads too for longevity and to separate lubrication systems. Merry xmas!

[@Blondihacks]

Cool, I didn’t know that!

[@dragade101]

Hope you have a lovely holiday!

[@MerlinZener]

Merry Christmas from Australia, Quinn. I must say, It's a nice routine to wake up in the morning on a Sunday, make a double short black and sit down to watch a new BH video :) All the best for the new year for you and Sprocket!

[@fraud_hunter]

loving this , that said my eyes wince at how grubby that magnifying glass looked you must have great eyesight to see through that !

[@ch34pskate16]

Great stuff. I enjoy your build quit a bit more than Joe P’s since he’s comparing his build to yours. (He’s got about 30 years and a ton more tools than you). So that being said, thanks for keeping it real and representing Canadians in true light!

[@Zarlax]

This is so cathartic to watch. It’s therapeutic.

[@burgle66]

I enjoyed watching you make this thing! Thanks for explaining everything so well, made it really interesting to watch the whole process.

[@DavidPlass]

Love the software testing analogy. (I'm a software engineer with a passion for testing, so... it's like shooting fish in a barrel.)

[@edhibbard1030]

Having been a systems engineer, integration was always the fun part. With a steam engine, there is no fight between the hardware and software engineers on who is causing the problem. 🙃 Thanks for the video!

[@alwaysbearded1]

Merry Christmas Quinn. Enjoyable build. Only a little more to do.

[@andyfreeman660]

Thank you for another therapy session Quinn. Happy new year and hoping to see the finished article in full steam in 2021 ❤

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Going along just right. Only about a million more operations before it is finished. I will get to watch a lot of video. 👍😁

[@PatrickPoet]

In your intro when you show your Rigol scope I always look at my DS 1054Z fondly:) When you're talking about testing you made me miss my career as a software engineer and before that my career as an automotive technician. Same debugging skills.

[@formdog9861]

i lmao on the coffee cup scene this is fun to watch and love the work arounds for milling and measuring projects that would stop many in their tracks thanks for the videos

[@offyouselfsbuddy1683]

Thank you, I loved this... I hope you had a great Christmas and have an amazing safe New Years too!

[@burninpwder76]

I love the precision air feed hold device at 24.42. looking good. can't wait to see it steamed up

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Very nice works as it should. Way to think it through.

[@2WHEELSor2WINGS]

You have managed to make its heart beat for the first time. Brilliant! 😎

[@robertpearson8798]

As I learned from the old Pattern Maker that I worked with, with the right skill and experience hand work can rival the accuracy of even the most precise machine tools. There’s a reason that extremely precise optical mirrors for large astronomical telescopes used to be finished by hand. There’s also a reason that hand scraped machine ways are so desirable.

[@VintageTechFan]

You forgot patience. Lot of patience. Stuff like this takes ages and if you give in to the temptation of using the rougher tool one time too many, you ruin everything.

[@petem6291]

Quinn, You do nice work , I admire your never ending attention to detail , and problem solving skills ... You are the" Quinn" Essential professional .... Pete M

[@paulmorrey733]

Thanks Quinn Have a happy and prosperous new year

[@tylerkrug7719]

Love the soft jaws!nice!

[@mchiodox69]

Cool.....good stuff and happy holidays wishing you the best for the new year!

[@ad2309]

Thanks for sharing your project.

[@markabner4046]

Follow your videos, very nicely done. How about a tip. In my home machine shop i bought a small 12x14 dry erase board. This way i can jot down all my measurement numbers, make notes about machine steps etc. Its small enough that i hang it next to my mill or lathe or surface plate for quick refrence or to add notes and measurements as i go. Plus it saves note paper from the trash.

[@joecolanjr.8149]

Looking good Quinn!! Almost at the finish line!! Again Merry Christmas and hopefully a Happy better New Year!! Take care!!

[@jraybye]

It will run differently on steam than compressed air and in a good way!

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Quinn, Good progress this week, I like the software analogy to testing/debugging. Your approach to drilling and tapping at the end would suggest this waterfall project rather than agile.... Enjoy the rest of your Christmas break. Take care Paul,,

[@martinpanev6651]

Hey! Im *only* two hours late! For machinist's christmas I got a PM2 AM Steam engine- Guess what Im doing this month! (Edit) I really cannot wait for this engine to be finished... The puffing of steam calms me :D

[@markpack4494]

Good idea about checking one part at a time and see what part is tight and rubbing, I have a Stuart 5A steam engine kit that has a rough spot, I think I will run it on air for 20 minutes or so with lube and see if it smooth's out if not I will do what you did, I also enjoy your KZbin and learn a lot...

[@pedalcarguy]

Ooh, lovely! Hope Sandy Claws brought you something nice. Stay well and keep the good work up!

[@stefantrethan]

Drill length reamers, and aircraft length drills. Makes perfect sense.

[@Blondihacks]

There are also screw machine drills, which are short drills. 😂

[@lynnbryant9866]

Having watched (and greatly enjoyed!) the series this far, I can say with complete authority from my own observations and experience that the original full-scale engines from which your version is modeled each had their own little eccentricities built into them as they were brought to life. Think of the times. Then remember that every machine tool that touched each part of those early engines was almost certainly driven by a flat leather belt from an enormously long line shaft that ran through the heavy wooden rafters of a building that was cold and drafty in the winter and sweltering hot in the summer. Did the same person (Were there really workers who could be called machinists in such shops? Maybe so, maybe not.) efficiently complete a stack of identical parts with skill and precision all day, every day? Or did a few moderately-trained-and-skilled people work under the one person in the whole shop who actually knew how to do everything well? Or did they move from machine to machine and/or operation to operation at the boss's direction to meet the demands of a cast-in-Jello production schedule? (Always one of my pet peeves!) Trust me, Quinn. The level of skill and attention to detail (as well as conformance to the blueprints) that you pour into your steam engine (and everything else I've watched you do) are far above those actually in evidence from EVERY LAST ONE of the working examples of steam engines and even the restored museum pieces I've seen. Further, your skills have improved over time. Most of the "machinists" I've worked with reached a plateau early in their career and stagnated there with neither the ability to improve or the desire to do so. I sincerely applaud your drive to grow and to add to your skills and to push yourself to learn new things. It absolutely is NOT universal. Chill Sista. You got this. :)

[@danbreyfogle8486]

Closer and closer, I am enjoying every step of this, has it really been six months?

[@adamduerr1203]

Your self promotion "mug" shot cracks me up every time. Thanks.

[@JonatanGronoset]

You shouldn't need to worry about any minor tight spots, they will wear and bed in as the engine runs a bit. I'm fairly certain your machining standards exceed what they were capable of in those days!

[@VintageTechFan]

I once read a story where they rebuilt a steam locomotive with original spare parts and it kept binding up on the first test runs. They then hired a retired mechanic from the days they were in current use, he was about to tell them what to do over the phone but they insisted on paying him to come over and fix it. He took a hammer, broke the bound up parts loose and basically said: "Do this everytime, it will soon stop by itself. It's just normal. The couldn't machine it to that tight tolerances back then, so they made it that its a little stiff in the beginning and wears itself to dimension."

[@toolbox-gua]

Yes, I’m late, catching up. Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year 2021! Thank for such a joyful learnig series.

[@beebobfennoland9486]

love your note pad with black Sharpe

[@gswitz007]

YESSSSSSSS. NEW BLONDIE HACKS VIDEO! Been waiting impatiently for this one!

[@splinky99]

You should get smaller calipers for the mill....I have 4 inch ones....I hardly ever need 6 inch calipers....they come as small as 3 in.

[@MrNigel1340]

Hi Quin, hope you had a great Christmas, always enjoy watching youre build video,s, you are an excellent engineer, one thing that amuses me is your definition of scrap and offcuts, over here in England they would be classed as prime cuts, Happy New Year to you Kind Regards Doc Cox.

[@paulp96275]

Great have a happy new year 👨🏻‍🏭👍🇬🇧

[@kirstysinclair9021]

It looks like it’s binding on the centre connecting rod seal/bushing . Beautiful work .

[@Blondihacks]

It isn’t

[@rachelpanth5527]

Great video! I can’t wait to see it completed

[@larryshaw6517]

Very nice , Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@MrZielonyzx]

Can't wait Blondi for the final episode will work like dream :)

[@marinavvs5189]

Awesome project 🤩 waiting to see the finish product 😍 New subscriber here 😊

[@MaxWattage]

@5.00 Oh, I sympathise with this small-mill measurement issue so much. I need a sawn-off digital vernier.

[@BNETT21]

maybe use the valve seating abrasive to get it all in perfect alignment?

[@Carlos230023]

Hey Quinn, just finished watching your full catalogue of vids, this was another great entry! Nice to see the engine progressing. My (exceptionally similar to yours) lathe is on it's way over soon and your vids have got me feeling prepared to start my chip cutting journey into the world of machined parts. Keep up the great work!

[@mattomon1045]

I do love the supervisor

[@chadgriggs7989]

Another great video! I love the notes on the vice. :)

[@irishwristwatch2487]

"Zen tapping break" Nothing zen about breaking a tap! 🥲

[@jalechavez6042]

Beautifull...!!!....que lindo trabajar Con Esa Presión......!!! Ji ji ji ji...Muy lindo...espero ver pronto....aahh mery Feliz Navidad...!!!...chaoo

[@tonypotter1949]

Fantastic job...

[@34k5]

Zen tapping 'break' is a scary choice of words

[@ChristopherTate]

The crosshead running slightly tight on the rails at first -- is that the sort of thing that will run in? Bronze and cast iron sliding against each other, seems like that might be the sort of "bearing" that might be expected to settle itself into exact fit. Or is it important that there be minimal friction right from the jump?

[@Blondihacks]

It’s not the head on the rails that was tight, it was the piston. Maybe it would run in, not sure

[@tonyc.4528]

Thanks, Quinn!! I can't wait until the next installment...but I'll have to...

[@BrianFullerton]

Have you considered doing a first power up with live steam live stream? Perhaps do some Q&A while things come up to temp and such. Would make for a great New Years event.

[@KevinWoodsWorkshop]

Looking good Quin.

[@carbide1968]

You might wanna chamfer those inside rails, you have two sharp corners sliding together and they may be hitting each other?

[@Blondihacks]

They are chamfered

[@sjefleenaerts7277]

11:55 : seeing tap and break in the same sentence didn't make me zen

[@jonathanherrin116]

I thought the same thing

[@howardosborne8647]

I thought very much the same. I had a sharp intake of breath hoping Quinn wasn't about to break a tap in the component. I reckon the shop supervisor may have yeowled out some unpublishable expletives if that had happened.🙀

[@ianweir4662]

Merry Christmas

[@davidtaylor6124]

I just realised how important some of those numbers are when it comes to the crosshead and the surfaces they slide on, and having them match up with the piston rod centerline - yikes! At least on a loco you can shim the slidebars, or take a bit off where they bolt to the rear cylinder cover. You must have been relieved when it all worked smoothly enough, until it "runs in" (wears something out!) If it runs that well without gaskets and packing it should be a good one.

[@Zarlax]

I love this project.

[@Leaf.Commented]

Good work, well done.

[@kangurkolczasty]

I definitely want more!

[@celestialbeas9214]

I remember watching clevis and crosshead growing up!