Machining a Gearbox Shaft

In this video, I machine a new gearbox shaft using some 4140 shafting material. I show you the process from start to finish, from setting up in the lathe, to milling the final keyway.
Adam

[@WelLRoundeDSquarE]

Nothing in life is more beautiful to watch than a true craftsman at work. I've been a Machinist 35 years, and I can count on one hand the number of men I've seen with this level of workmanship, and just plain caring. Well done sir.

[@Abom79]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@WelLRoundeDSquarE]

+Abom79 You're quite welcome. I'm just telling it as I see it. It is refreshing to see someone with not just haphazard luck, but actual Machining Methods. Machining, be it repair, new builds, R&D, is all about methods. When you take the time to learn the right Methods, and never waver (except when you're backed into a corner, or just plain walk on water lmao) then the process becomes muscle memory, which is where speed and total confidence comes from. if you're that guy that's always in a hurry, you'll never be good, or fast. You will have a huge resume, albeit 99% bullshit. lol Your demeanor, and steady pace, even with distraction of commentary and conscious effort to explain in detail the Method to your Madness, clearly screams of a man that took the time to become a true craftsman, always following those methods burned into your soul, which like the Rubiks cube, if you go thru the correct motions, success is never a question. at the level you're at, there is nothing I could drop in your lap that you couldn't, or wouldn't find a way to repair or duplicate. I'm also quite sure you'd also gravitate toward the simplest, most efficient way to reach your goal. I've wanted to do online Upper level process and program "classes" but don't currently have the resources. things like how to relieve endmills, or how to chuck one up in a tool holder. which end goes into the tube first when putting a tool back. the depth of perfecting our trade is bottomless. everyday is a strive for perfection. We're a dying breed, very close to extinction. I have a daughter, no sons, no one to pass it on to. Kids wanna play effin video games, and when they get their HS diploma they want $30 an hour with zero skills. one more generation could be the end of craftsmen with skills like ours. That's why what you're doing here is so important. It's very selfless, and can only benefit the world we live in for the better. I don't like to call it praise, more just recognition for what you represent. Thank You for being the gracious gentleman that you are, and sharing your beautifully honed skills with the world. I have great respect for what you do, and represent here. ok enough emotional crap, fuck off and get back to work!!! lmao. Be Well my Friend, and God Bless. Peace to All.

[@DMTrojan]

+WelLRoundeDSquarE You guys are cool. I may never be a machinist or a craftsman, but it's really amazing to see you folks at work!

[@WelLRoundeDSquarE]

***** I believe you can be anything you want. The only requirement is honesty. The more honest you are with yourself, the better you will be at anything you choose. Lying to yourself, making excuses for your mistakes, all lead to a big head and no real talent. Always be true to yourself, no matter what goes on around you. It's also very important to see the truth, the real truth in everything you look at, and analyze. Only then can you choose the correct path to built or repair something. Never base your path on others opinions or evaluations, yours is the only one that matters.

[@blv935]

+WelLRoundeDSquarE I have to agree, im a mechanic myselfe from norway, its beautiful to wach such work of art. Thanks for the video upload Abom79 :)

[@nicolek4076]

There's always something comforting and satisfying watching a piece of metal taking shape on a lathe, I think.

[@cosminmitrasca5812]

That "Phiuuuuuu" in the beginning when you saw just how off-center the material was at the end was quite funny!

[@kylesmith9956]

This brings back memories of when I was younger going to work with my dad. He worked in a Caterpillar Dealership as a welder. The next bay over was the machine shop where they they rebuilt hydraulic cylinders. Archie was the first Machinist that the dealership had hired.(Retired with 65 years of service) He was a bit overweight always always had a cigar in his mouth and a paperboy hat on. When he would finish a job he would always yell.. "Damn that's beautiful work!" You Sir are doing some beautiful work!

[@multicraftman]

Hi Adam My first comment. I'm just an old retired guy taking up home machining as something to stay busy at until the Lord calls me home. I enjoy watching how you do good work and bring it down to precision. Gives me something better to shoot for. I love to watch people that are good at what they do. Your great, keep inspiring me to do better. May God Bless Donald

[@Abom79]

Thanks a lot Donald. Your words are kind and heartfelt. I'll keep making videos if you keep watching. Thanks buddy. Adam

[@jerzyigielski7987]

Z wielką satysfakcją oglądam pracę prawdziwego mistrza w zawodzie. Obecnie tacy ludzie, którzy w tak perfekcyjny sposób wykonują swoją pracę są godni pochwały. Na uwagę zasługuje bardzo solidne przestrzeganie reguł i zasad obowiązujących w dziedzinie tokarstwa i prac frezarskich. Takie filmy powinny być pokazywane młodym adeptom w zawodach związanych z obróbką skrawaniem z komentarzem jak powinna wyglądać praca dobrego fachowca. Gratulacje!

[@carmelpule6954]

When I see such machining, I do not only appreciate the profuct itself but the courage of the man doing the operations, There is accuracy and art and so many more issues that the average schools do not appreciate, I have the most admiration for these silent people I admire their courage and lack of clumsiness and all I can say that any surgeon would learn a lot seeing such a man working to such accuracy. I repeat, I feel that even surgeons should go through this training of guaranteeing such accuracies and such lack of clumsiness. Congratulations.

[@KaptainKerl]

+Carmel Pule' its less art and more accuracy.

[@JOSEPHNGUYEN-gb8bn]

GOD bless you. I am learning Precision Machining Technology. After I watch this video that were helped me get more knowledge about my job in the future. Thanks

[@h4z4rd42]

I love the logic how your following steps are planned. Learned a lot, thank you Sir for sharing.

[@jrpower5]

I'm not a machinist, but I have a passion for technology, wood and steel crafting. I can watch this kind of videos for hours. It just doesn't get boring. Amazing to see this kind of workmanship!

[@Nesmorbutt]

Thanks for posting this, I'm not even a machinist but this just fascinates me. Guys like you built this world, or the machines that run it.art!

[@marshallman1au]

+Darren Corbett Me too .... I find it fascinating to watch ..... :)

[@maxjowett7130]

Adam, I'm a machinist student over here in California, I recently landed an internship at Shell Oil refinery working in the shop. Want to let you know your videos offer a great deal of information and help me immensely. Keep the videos coming.

[@Abom79]

Great to hear that Max! Good luck with your machining journey!

[@MarvinLeeGreen]

Thanks for taking the time and making this one. im 51 just graduated vo-tech. started work as a machinist at a hydrolic cylinder company in Muskogee,Oklahoma. you have been a great help in Florida. Thanks Again! Marvin Lee Green

[@swarfrat311]

Hey Adam, Thanks for showing some more of you on the job. Your shaft build went great! I'm sure your customer will be very pleased. Hope you have a good one! Dave

[@nixxonnor]

I enjoyed this build. I can watch this stuff all day

[@ChrisBrown-dy8ts]

Nicolai I’ve been a manual lathe turner for 32yrs and I also could watch all day. If I wasn’t turning all day👍

[@jawadibrahim2367]

It's always fascinating to see the machining processes on lathes, but the chamfering step is always the most satisfying.

[@onepairofhands]

good work, takes me back to my apprentice days. . .i like the way you don't over talk what your doing and let the results speak for themselves. Peter

[@matthewsykes4814]

Love seeing how a rusty bit of metal gets made into something so polished and accurate with such ease, great video

[@backontrack1697]

Very well explained for us beginner, self taught machinists who just love learning of you guys

[@rusty7720]

Adam,you are awesome at machining,great to watch from a blank piece of shafting

[@TheLimalha]

I have a mini lathe and every time I watch your vídeos, I learn some new technique. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us !!

[@Hobi6411]

I just stumbled onto this video, Abom79 you are an artist. In the world of digital machines to find a true artist is a pleasure. Keep the trade alive :-)

[@dtdavie01]

Its always nice to sit and watch a real engineer at work, I've always been in engineering and you know when someone is good at there job and is a real craftsman. What is it they say quality always shows and we can all see you know your job inside out and back to front, just by how you make tuff jobs look so simple. Great video Sir, I really enjoyed watching you flip about a big chunk of steel.

[@leewilliamson1406]

This is one of the better lathe videos because of the perspective and also because of the running commentary.

[@frankpitochelli6786]

You are a master machinist. ...I have been in the electronics bizz for 35 + yrs, lathe work and machine shops always fascinated me, and I can see you are a seasoned vet at your craft, what's more amazing is you don't need cnc machines to do your work for you, you earn your talent and prove your craft.... Splendid work...!!!!!!

[@AndyTaylorprinter]

Its great to watch a skilled tradesman in action, you make it look so easy. Thank you

[@Mr880881]

Nice job on the shaft. I read the comments below and I am struck by how many think thats art or magic. Thats a simple shaft with key ways in it. Don't get me wrong, its not simple for new machinists that get nervous when they need to hold .0005 on a bearing race. I have 38 years on stuff like this, so doing this is just another day at the shop without even thinking about it. You young fellows keep at it because this is an awesome trade. I don't fart around with stuff like that any more because I have 8 machinists working for me now that do it. And most of the time they do it on the cnc equipment. I still push them to go to the manual and do stuff like this when there is only one or two. Man I have never seen a collect holder that old. I am 57 years old and nothing in our shop looks like that but we do have a paint brush that looks the same.

[@WOODBARK100]

Sir, you are one cool headed cat. Impeccable work and great quality videos. Thanks for caring enough to share!

[@yanwo2359]

Michelangelo would be jealous. Great work! I like how "good enough" to you is perfect.

[@w056007568]

I enjoy very much you showing us this type of heavy machining work that you do and it must be most satisfying using good materials, tools and equipment to achieve this sort of outstanding result.

[@southlakelife]

Great Video! I could watch these for hours. True craftsmanship right there.

[@patrickroeill8746]

Hi adam this is the first video i watch I'm a mechanic of 30 years and to watch you work is awesome you make it look easy great job.I will be watching a lot more

[@MrPawillie]

This is Machining Architecture at it finest,great video and thanks for posting.God bless you.

[@sjacobson005]

It is a pleasure to see a gifted machinist do his work. Also, very clean editing of the video. Many thanks. Steve in Los Angeles

[@wheelieking71]

As always, fine craftsmanship Adam!!! And, quick too.

[@Abom79]

Bill right? Good to hear from you!

[@Positrack]

It's amazing how quickly you can center a part in the lathe. That's the hand of experience right there.

[@GunvaldRacing]

A true professional! Those 42 minutes went quickly. Thank you!

[@OmahcronOmni]

The amount of dedication and precision its just humbling watching this no detail missed. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@pointer2null]

Love watching these - boring but strangely compelling at the same time. I love seeing how it all comes together.

[@MyShopNotes]

Enjoyed watching the whole process Adam. Thanks for sharing. You are the master of the 4jaw.

[@Thatguyyoumettoday]

I have no idea what's going on but its fascinating to watch you work.

[@metaling1]

Nice work Adam. The 4140ph turned beautifully and that shaft looked perfect. Tim

[@eiclan]

Gday from Western Australia,hi Adam,as an old machinist I have to say that you do nice work.In the days of my apprenticeship in the early seventies out the back of Kalgoorlie in the mines we would have metal sprayed that old shaft. Since they bought the machine to do it then we had to . lol That 4140 is tough stuff and I am glad to see that there is another person who likes to polish down to the size. Cheers mate and keep up the good work. Ross

[@barriewright2857]

Very informative, a good video of how a component, is made by lathe, nice. It shows a craftsman at work.

[@Geordo1960]

To those of us who have never done this kind of work this is nothing less than amazing. I really admire the skill involved here, you guys don't get paid enough!

[@SBBlacksmith]

Awesome video, and great work. As an aspiring machinist, I am amazed with how fast you are wight the four jaw chuck.

[@Antagraber]

Hi Adam. I appreciate you post this video. My father worked on this job and I've always be curious about. I watched and enjoyed the whole video, and now I better understand why he was always very meticulous about all that he did in his life. And how this job fitted with his behavior. Thank again. Tony.

[@Abom79]

Antagraber Thanks Tony! Glad you enjoyed!

[@chrismills5110]

Adam, Very many thanks for your work. We can get no tuition at all in metal turning in England, and we really appreciate what you guys are doing with these videos. Best wishes, from Chris, London, England.

[@knightlangelot5238]

I'm not a machinist and I enjoyed watching this. incredible workmanship!

[@davidduffy9806]

Zso cool, I love your very business like commentary. If I had my time again I would have been a machinist. Love your work! David

[@stevenvt1]

thanks for posting this. nice to see there are still real craftsmen around that know how to build stuff out of metal.

[@MikeDittmanmachining]

If I get half as good as you Adam I'll be happy. Your four jaw skills never cease to amaze. Thanks, Mike

[@Bookerb2004]

Well damn, this one took over an our to finish watching cause I had to revisit some stuff. Sounds like your real tired Adam, thank you for taking the time to share a great build. Wow!

[@moclab87]

Before this video, I never found myself watching videos over a few minutes long. Before I realized it, the video was over. You do great work, and I really enjoy the quality of your videos.

[@AstraWerke]

Aaand I just noticed I wrote the exact same compliment as many did before :D I guess that's why one becomes a machinist - rusty chuck to gleaming shaft. I am currently building a steam engine out of the tons of rusty bolts and chunks of metal I found on our streets - also a very satisfying job :D

[@bazmon]

Great video Adam... none of the nonsense 'tool tests' or "Fan Tributes" just great machine work... Thank you...

[@Abom79]

Thanks Barry. I enjoy making the true machining videos and sharing, but also like doing my SNS videos so i can talk about a mix of subjects as well.

[@sequorroxx]

That edge finding tool was amazing! The rotating bit that slides along an offset and gets closer and closer to center when it hits the edge is genius. I fucking love engineering!

[@harleyghost]

Adam you sure do nice work! I always enjoy watching your work.

[@kenzpenz]

Incredible work, watching that thing take shape and be turned into an identical part was great. You make it look so easy, but I know it takes years of experience to become this proficient. This was a two cups of coffee to watch this morning. Thanks for another great video. Ah well, back to turning wooden pens....Ken

[@twitchietwat2980]

Beautiful work, and nice to see how you do this. You are very relaxed while working. I bet that helps a lot.

[@jonathanlink1006]

Adam, thanks much for this video. I machine only to compliment my hobbies and this video as others you produce have taught me practical techniques I will use to further my skills. Keep up the great work. Jon

[@Hardturnin]

Hi Adam, I liked the work and can tell the process is known well by you. Very nice shaft.

[@billmoran3812]

Adam, I could not help but think your dad must be looking down and smiling. YOU are the master machinist now. he did a good job training you.

[@Abom79]

I hope he is Bill, and that he is proud of the machinist I have become.

[@unchained_0177]

Hello And thanks so much for your videos I enjoy watching them As an older guy who is taking a manual machining and CNC college course I appreciate your talent !!!

[@lightning655]

Only recently came across your videos but they are some of the most interesting videos on this subject you seem like a genuine guy keep it up

[@Abom79]

Thank you! I have many others so be sure to check them out.

[@Brad1962Fisher]

Watching you turn that shaft reminds me of the shaft in the gear box of our Ghel Grinder mixer! the shaft came in and split I think 3 or 4 ways, there was a up auger, a mineral input auger, and out put angled auger and a long delivery auger from the angled out put to the feed bunk and they all were running through that 1 shaft! and it would get twisted about 3/4 of a turn and then things wouldn't stay engaged anymore! I know I put 1 in and I know they had to change it I think 2 more times over the years! then all the pto shafts on our hay mowers, Etc.... great video and great work!

[@borgejoh]

I'm studying in Germany in order to become an engineer and I've done some small parts on an old 3-jaw during an internship this year... All the theory and my "knowledge" just seems worthless compared to the skill and experience you show here. Truly inspiring work! I will always respect people working manually like this and I hope I can work with some as soon as I'm done studying... Watching a skilled machinist will always amaze me. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@japhygoldman8856]

How quickly and accurately Adam trues up a shaft in a 4 jaw is amazing. It's been a long time since I did any machining, I started out an apprenticeship at Boeing a few decades ago, ran a manual lathe mostly and I can tell you he is a real pro. thanks for the fun videos

[@saladbrain]

Fantastic! Wonderful to watch such a talented engineer at work. Very inspiring, and I hope you will upload more in the future.

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

Yes, beautiful to watch; seeing a piece of steel become a workable part and almost art. Thanks I'm just getting into this and its great to watch how you proceeded through the process.

[@fredschmidt3148]

I am a retired mechanical engineer. This is an exceptionally good video. The machinist is a master of the 4 jaw chuck and wastes absolutely no time or motion. The video lighting is good as is the audio. I have only one suggestion, Abom 79, make more videos.

[@HP_rep_mek]

Pure joy to see you machine a shaft like this!

[@BoffinGrusky]

Hey Adam: Appreciate you taking the time to shoot and post these videos!! I always learn something new by watching your craftsmanship!! I liked the way you found the center of the shaft when you had it in the milling machine vise....very clever!!

[@thatlittleworkshop]

Liked the video it nice to see another machinist at work using similar procedures and techniques. By the way I like that big belt polisher. Thanks, Ian

[@Abom79]

That belt sander makes polishing jobs a breeze, also helpful when cleaning up rust or paint off the OD.

[@Dsp.Studios]

Great job Adam! I kind of think of you as one of my teachers. I'm a machinist too, but I have loads to learn from you. Thankyou!

[@ElijahIan]

Thank for showing us your love for this kind of art because you are an artist a Dr of your trade. Great work sir!

[@jeffstowasser9176]

allow me to clarify something... An old machinist once told me. "Laborers work with their hands. Craftsman work with their mind and their hands, but an artist work with their heart, mind and hands." that can't hold anymore true. Adam is a true artist.

[@44magsw]

Nice shaft build Adam, That 4140 is nice to work with, will resist rust and corrosion well also! Thanks for sharing some more "at work" time! Jeff

[@MarcusHelius]

Watching lathing is relaxing, and satisfying... Such clean precise cutting. :)

[@g2macs]

Excellent! I really enjoy it when you take us to work, thanks mate!

[@kalmankeri]

Your videos are entertaining and nostalgic at the same time. They remind me of school time in polytechnic. Later I went to a computer programmer what I also love to do but I miss the smell of engine oil.

[@DisVietVetUSA]

I am honestly impressed with your skill

[@drienkm]

Great video! I was stunned how quick you trued up the 4-jaw when you flipped ends:)

[@immolationangel4124]

Not trying to sound pompous or arrogant, but i honestly thought that was pretty standard. Maybe i just had an incredible teacher (my old boss was a phenomenal teacher). I can usually true up anything from 3-18 inches in diameter in about a minute on a 4 jaw (two years experience). Don't get me wrong though, when it comes to running manual machines, he's on a whole other level, i mostly do CNC work, and he's much faster and more proficient on a manual than i'll probably ever be. His skills remind me of my old boss.

[@kreazyv8]

you had a phenomenal teacher.. working a 4 jaw is a pretty nasty thing if you dont know what to turn, let alone how much... so be proud at your craftsmanship.... XD

[@immolationangel4124]

The way i learned was to kinda eye where the jaws need to be with a steel ruler, snug them down a bit (not very tight, just enough to hold). Stick an indicator on it by the chuck and spin it, lightly loosening and tightening the jaws a little bit until it's within a thousandth or so, and check the end of your part away from the chuck (tap it true with a deadblow). Then apply equal pressure to each jaw gradually tightening each of them. The trick is to have a feel for it and know how much pressure to apply each time until the part is tight enough to run, but not so tight that you make the part into an oval or mar the finish (if it's already at nominal diameter). If you tighten all the jaws down until they don't want to move from the start, you're going to be fighting yourself trying to true it up, and have hell doing so. The first part i tried to true up on a 4 jaw was a piece of 6 in diameter pipe with a finished OD. I tightened all the jaws from the start and it took me 30 minutes to get it true, until my boss came by and just trued it up, teaching me in the process.

[@johnearland9961]

fdrienkm

[@emilbader1524]

I so enjoy what you do and share. Mahalo much. I am new to the world of machining. I've always wanted to learn about it. I am a 25 year transmission builder and just got a 12"Logan lathe willed to me. I have repaired several transmissions pumps and drums. So I really enjoy seeing this cut. Keep on keeping on. Aloha..... Emil Bader

[@Abom79]

Congradulations on your new lathe purchase. The Logan is a nice machine. I'm glad to hear you enjoy the videos. Thanks for the comments. Adam

[@mikesheppard6810]

Amazing work. Thank you very much for letting us watch..

[@paulmetcalfe2467]

What an awesome machinist you are! Simply delightful to watch you work so methodically and accurately. Makes us proud to be an American. This is what makes "Made In America" so great! Keep up the great work and all the best in all you are doing.

[@jeskelson123]

Adam, thanks as usual. Wonderful watching. Almost have my Bridgeport and Clausing-Colschester setup I'll send you pics of my paltry shop one day :)

[@davewalton2358]

Fantastic! Beautiful craftsmanship and a pleasure to watch. Well done on a great video!

[@calraines6931]

Great video! Takes me back to my Dresser-Rand years. Mostly ran NCL & CNC equipment, but spent several years on ELA/TLA machines. Ran loads of 4140, mostly for studs, though Dresser had their own numbering system. To them it was 135.

[@Thunderstixx77]

Great job again Adam. You and Keith are the best shop teachers I have seen in my considerably long life, so far anyway !!! I'll let you know how next week looks, but so far you two are right there at the top !!!

[@Starliner428]

Another great piece of work, Adam. Thanks for the video.

[@erikdevaney4781]

i know this is an older video, but love to watch them over and over again. got my new ABOM TORQUE shirt in the mail today. my birthday present from my girls. thanx

[@Abom79]

+Erik Devaney Thanks great Erik!

[@MrCdrant]

Watching this guy take a minute to set up the piece in a 4 jaw when it would've taken me 10 is pretty humbling.

[@JTBUGTECH]

10 minutes? Would take me 30 minutes. This guy does nice work.

[@ericartis6960]

Indicate,indicate,indicate!

[@ndchevy4fun]

What do you mean by indicate? I am just learning thanks.

[@DBest1966]

You use a dial indicator to zero the work piece in the four jaw chuck. You slowly tighten down the jaws until you get the same number as you turn the piece, usually a machinist will use ZERO, but any number works as long it's the same all the way around.

[@pnwrider4818]

When you only loosen 2 of the 4 jaws when taking the part out the 2 that you didn't touch are pretty close. That's only when you are chucking up on a diameter that's pretty close to what was in there at first

[@screwpull1]

Don't you just hate it when those stringy little buggers get between the tool and the job on a finishing cut. ;-) Great work!

[@ericcorse]

Boy that 4140 machined well looked nice even before polishing.

[@r.ranjithkumarr.ranjithkum856]

Excellent work Adam

[@pdiesman]

I'll say it again: When I grow up I want to be this guy : )

[@tomauth3419]

Great job always enjoy seeing the work you do

[@h0lx]

Why am I so entertained by metalworking videos?

[@martinrohm5469]

Exelent job Adam, thanx for sharing it.