Machining an Intake Manifold in the G&E Shaper

[@wambsganz8]

That tilting table is a really neat feature.

[@TheObersalzburg]

There is a long rich history to the Machinist trade and tools, and I thank you for what you do to preserve it and pass the information to others. Beautiful job.

[@teamseacts]

awesome. I spent nearly a week recovering from a surprise appendectomy and your videos made that more tolerable. Your attention of detail is mastery.

[@jeffackley1210]

You've whipped that old shaper into a fine machine. Any one would be proud to own and operate such a beautiful tool.

[@ramosel]

As a machinist I know you go for that great finish and you certainly did! As someone with a couple of SCCA championships I was glad to see you not take it any further. On mating surfaces, especially with positive pressures, you want your surfaces to have a bit of bite to them to keep your gaskets from walking or worrying under heat/pressure cycles. Depending on how good a job you did, I might even be inclined to hit that surface with a mild crushed glass at low pressure before assembly.

[@phil_townes]

Really great to see the shaper earning her keep with job going out the door for a customer. What a fantastic machine.

[@DavoShed]

I forget how big your shaper is until I see you standing beside it. Nice job on the manifold. Thanks for showing the part on the engine. It’s great to see even a still of the finished product!

[@GazinGeezer]

Like everything else you touch, it is pure gold now. Transcendental meditation watching that old girl do what she does best. Love it!

[@jmptaz]

Adam your video has made me calm down after a bad day at work the symphony of old iron yesssss thanks for another amazing video!!!!

[@Sugarkraft]

Once again, the Shaper takes us over the finish line! Came out great. 👍👍

[@colinwolters8863]

Your patience and knowledge for precision is unbelievable.

[@colinwolters8863]

@Tech Six ok bud.

[@edilbertomarmol3395]

Good job

[@RustyDockLight]

That finish is gorgeous. It never ceases to amaze me what the shaper can do.

[@93holzkopf1412]

shapers are awesome for jobs like this, little chatter, low cutting forces. On a mill stuff like this is a nightmare. Keep up the good work!

[@High_Caliber]

99% prep, 1% machining. Just incredible. It's mesmerizing to watch the attention to every detail you put into your work.

[@JustMike2791]

Your skill, attention to detail and commitment to produce the best product possible is the reason I watch and learn. I'm no novice either but you said it all when you said 'We learn from each other'. This is a dying art. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheStrosso]

I found it extremely funny how much I've learned about machining thanks to dudes like Adam, TOT, AvE, Chris and many others and I haven't touched a single working machine like those.

[@pjtsr]

Great job on the "workhorse" of the shop. I remember co-workers not going near the shaper because they didn't understand it. It was one of my favorite machines and I'm enjoying watching someone that understands machine tools and how to use them.

[@dapsapsrp]

It's really refreshing to see such attention to detail and care in someone's work. The setup alone seems to be more than half the effort but the results surely pay off. Very nice work, sir.

[@michijimc9753]

Watching this video I’m suddenly 20 years old again. I began my apprenticeship in machine tool building in the late 1970’s. We built large scale automated welding, assembly, machining, and transfer systems. Like auto body sized equipment. I’ve watched some of the “old school” European machinists operating a huge shaper to flatten welded machine base surfaces. 20’ X 10’ surfaces brought to a workable finish suitable for building up weldments into precision tools. These same craftsmen taught me to tighten Allen head bolts by hand with an Allen wrench until they squeaked. Still have a “firm” handshake from years of this practice. BTW, I’ve scraped in far too many ways and gibs over the years! Prussian Blue rules the earth in machining! Thanks for the thorough setup explantation. Great video.

[@mtang65]

I’m not a machinist but I love your videos. I watched others, they don’t show much of the preps that you do. It goes to show, preparation for any job is the most critical step.

[@robertwest3093]

Most machining jobs are 75 percent setup and only about 25 percent actual cutting.

[@mikebradley4096]

I haven't used a shaper since I was an apprentice forty years ago. Useful tool, but takes a lot of time to do its stuff. . As an old shop hand once said to me "You can make anything with a shaper - except money!"

[@stevoreno45]

Another lesson from the master. Thanks for letting us look over your shoulder Adam!

[@Coach_addis]

Shaper added at least 100 hp to that Honda motor! Great job Adam! 👍🍻

[@stumccabe]

Thanks Adam. Your shaper does a beautiful job - nothing looks as nice as a shaper finish.

[@louissport6663]

I was trained on this type of manual machine tool in high school, this brings back a lot of good memories. Thanks. I graduated in the sixties, thanks.

[@keithrogers5832]

I just love watching you work with the shaper, from the first time I made a 1, 2, 3 block on the shaper, mill surface grinder I had a great respect for the shaper, just seeing those big 50 thousandths chips and feed rates. Just making tools was a art in itself and you have shown how much you love this machine too, great work again Adam.

[@DirtNastyCivilian]

I had a warped exhaust manifold I flattened using my parents drive way. Me and my dad grinded it back and forth for hours. Worked decent enough to fix the tick tick of exhaust leaking at the head. Mom was not thrilled with the driveway.

[@BasedBidoof]

LOL, hey if it works it works.

[@DirtNastyCivilian]

Sometimes you only got what you got. Lol My grandfather preached this to me my whole life.

Great job. Perfect planing, professional job. This channel is a must-see for all people to become a precision mechanic.

[@thetruth6872]

Abom79= A pro’s pro. Best machining channel.

[@johnt7502]

Likely flatter than the head it will bolt onto. Great job. It’s great to see a shaper being used as intended.

[@GregBadabinski]

Man, I really don't understand why there are so many negative comments on this video. I thought it was excellent and I really appreciated seeing the unique setup to cut machine this part on a shaper.

[@richardl4556]

Agreed. like he said, there are a dozen ways to do this. Using the shaper has the advantage of being fun to watch

[@briand6671]

@@richardl4556 He should have mounted the camera to the ram

[@johngilbert6810]

Your knowledge , attention to detail and common sense approach to your work is rare for such a young man. Good job.

[@genxguy]

Totally agree with you! He would make both my Dad and Grandfather super proud!!

[@thechipwelder1253]

I did not know what a shaper was untill I started watching your videos. Thank you for sharing this awesome machine. :)

[@BasedBidoof]

same! The algorithm just popped up with shaping videos one day, and I decided to watch them. This guy knows so much

[@dr.moparm.d.6528]

My dad was a machinist when I was growing up and I always regret never soaking up any of that knowledge or being able to discuss what he worked on before he passed. Love these videos, especially when you show how you need to mount and position the workpiece.

[@randallcribb668]

I really like your videos no BS, just straight forward professional work and procedures, great videos excellent work. Now days it's hard to find somebody that has pride in their work, and smart . Thanks for the videos.

[@dazzlerbob1870]

The machining process is the easy part, the work holding is the puzzle. In a production environment you'd have tooling, but for one offs it's all down to experience. Nice Job.

[@elkvis]

When you said it's for a Honda motor, going in a Toyota MR-2, I fully expected you to say it's for Kyle from the Boosted Boiz

[@SimonTrent8000]

In the mr2 scene for a bit k20 is pretty popular.

[@evilbrat5376]

Pardon my french but damn, that finish is something to brag about. Your shaper did a magnificent job on that piece. Sat me back seeing you set that part up on that table and indexing the throw on the shaper ram. Showed me something new - thank you. Keep putting these videos out and I'll keep watching them.

[@johnapel2856]

Nice! I always appreciate that you spend time explaining the setup. Thanks.

[@79_nuol34]

I really like the patience and time you take to correctly setup your hardware and exactly explain every single step.

[@keithkamps77]

Adam you never cease to amaze me, great video.

[@ron827]

Jigging and fixturing correctly is a good portion of insuring success and in another 50 years, Adam will be an "old jigger". :-)

[@timatteberry3382]

abom79 you are a true craftsman. I would watch all day long if i did not have to work. Keep them coming and great work.

[@gatekeeper84]

Long single takes and excellent explanations. Don't see that too often on youtube.

[@billlasett6474]

I have a shaper attachment on my milling machine. I have had it for 20 years and never used it I will find a reason to do so. Thanks for the informative vid.

[@Dean5073]

I love how clean your work benches are it really shows what a professional you are. Your Dad and Grandfather would be proud of your accomplishments

[@dragman377]

Good example of having the right tool to get the job done. I had an ex girl friend tell me that once and she new nothing about metal work !

[@phillipchambers8487]

@Abom79 that was an Awesome Job for the Shaper Machine. Everybody always wants to use a Mill. Ever since I started watching yours and Steve's channel I have fell in love with the Shaper. It is way more versatile of a Machine than most people realize. Great Video! Thanks for sharing it.

[@jimbeaver3426]

Plus having a great assortment of clamps, jacks, etc., for holding the part is just as important too. If ya can't hold it, ya can't machine it.

[@phillipchambers8487]

@@jimbeaver3426 I concur 100%

[@adamj8676]

The more I watch the shaper the more I like it

[@Steelshooter]

It's amazing that such a large machine that moves so much is so incredibly accurate. Love watching the shaper.

[@gregwarner3753]

You certainly could flatten the face using a reasonably flat surface and sand paper. But He has a shaper so it has to be used. This video is a great lesson on setting up oddly shapped parts. For those of us without a shop full of machine tools and measuring stuff you can get a decent flat plate by asking a shop that makes stone counter tops. Ask them for a sink cutout. I got mine for free. The operator said he would have to pay to have it hauled so i could take it away.

[@delucain]

Brilliant idea about the granite sink cutouts!

[@bones357]

The shaper gave that particular aluminum an almost prismatic finish. Was really neat to see the finished part installed too!👍👊

[@HWPcville]

I really like your channel. Interesting projects with just enough tech talk to let us know what's happen but not so much as to put a non-machinist to sleep. Thanks for taking the time & effort to video and post your precision work.

[@thegoodearth7]

I have watched just about everyone one of your videos. Your attention to detail is equalled only by your knowledge and experience. You value the tried and true that has gone before you and honor it in your craft. You seem like a kind, and likable fellow. The fellow you did this job for is blessed to be able to call you friend.

[@PurityVendetta]

A really interesting video. I haven't seen a shaping machine here in the UK since I started a college course back in the early 80's. Seeing the surface finish you achieved compared with what I saw at college has only confirmed what I always thought, that being that the tutors were either no good or didn't care. I left the course as I was paying but learning nothing. I'm self taught and run my own little shop here making parts for vintage motorcycles. I believe that engineering is in a bad way here in the UK but at least some of us are trying. Great video, inspiring. Thanks Adam.

[@EZ-D-FIANT]

I'm in the UK and need a small machinest for some of my creations, do you have a website or method of contact? I need brake adapter brackets making immediately, I could just go the engineering firm route of course but I'd rather promote a small business being a small business myself! I build cars and engines, working with alot of composites these days, I'm in Dorset!

[@johndonlan5956]

That shaper is a machine that truly commands respect. When you think of the kind of precision grinding and scraping that it took to get that slide and ways so perfectly straight..... It boggles the mind. As you said, Adam, it's an elegant machine! I take my hat off to you on the clamping setup. It was beautifully done! One thing that I've always admired about you, Adam, is your penchant for precision and accuracy. You really have to be happy with a truly accurate measurement...... Even if it means checking it three and four times. That takes a lot of patience and it's a sign of true professionalism.

[@robertos4172]

cool approach for those with a shaper. Without, old school it on a surface plate (or granite counter, or glass sheet) with successive wet and dry paper will get it close enough to seal. Built many an engine in the shed with minimal tooling, some have gone a half dozen miles before grenading.

[@Dirkxke]

Great to see you are helping the small car enthusiasts around you. It is so hard for us to find people that are willing to do stuff like this. In Belgium it is even harder to find someone.

[@tomwagemans1872]

Ah a fellow Belgian on this channel 👍

[@realfoggy]

Sounds like a business opportunity. Find some WWII era shaper, clean it up and start a Belgium Abom channel.

[@Dirkxke]

@@realfoggy If I had the place, a mill and a lathe would already be in my possession. Have to wait a few more years until I get my garage build!

[@realfoggy]

@@Dirkxke I understand and can't wait to see the first video. 😉

[@geeano1]

Tom Wagemans, even from The Netherlands !

[@XavierAncarno]

Hello, from the French community. Happy holidays everyone

[@cden19]

This video was awesome! Attention to detail is on another level. It’s really refreshing that you appreciate the process and treat specialty jobs as a piece of art not just another run of the mill job.

[@markvreeken]

Thats a very professional setup there. Thanks for the commentary. I appreciate the explanations.

[@SINNER5150]

I'm a big fan of your patience,and skill! Can't wait for your next video!

[@TheBCSledder]

Always enjoyable to watch a true professional at work

[@CrimFerret]

The level of finish you're getting from that shaper is really impressive. No need to surface grind out the machining marks. I know those often don't matter, but I also know you like a top level finish on the parts you make.

[@capnthepeafarmer]

If you go to put the shaper on the concrete check out E&E speciality products. They make awesome hollow leveling screws that may make leveling the shaper way easier.

[@Kinghauler2012]

Too much in life nowadays i see people who are more proud of themselves at all the steps they skipped and corners they cut to get a job done and never try to do it right , with the right tools and the right way. I’ve come to realize thats what i like most about your work and channel. You aspire to do things the right way , with the right tools and a great example of how those efforts are always well worth the finished results. Way more pride in the time and effort to do it right than the pride of skipped steps and chances taken in my opinion. Wished you lived down the road, would be honoured to have you as a teacher. :)

[@Wunderbolts]

I wanted to see what 70 strokes per minute looked like so I set the playback speed to 2x and I don’t blame you for keeping it at 40

[@Issac_G]

Shaper life! I cant get enough watching this machine, Thanks Adam!

[@michaelpeace716]

I bet that thing is flatter than the head he’s bolting it to now. LOL Great job Adam.

[@jdsharp5036]

Good job,tap magic for aluminum works wonders.When you first got the G&E I kinda thought wow,what a dinosaur,hadn’t seen one since 84’,senior year of HS,we had one in Mach Shop class. For a one man shop it has its advantages,you can set it up,let her run and do other work,and we all know time is money in a shop environment.

[@bcbloc02]

Can't wait to see how you manage that steam engine crankcase in that shaper!! That will be a challenge I think.

[@CM-xr9oq]

Need a bigger shaper!

[@markdavies8037]

Love the joy in Adams voice when a shaper job comes along!!

[@austinyun]

Man I know it's not the focus of the video but I'm mesmerized looking at the hand scraping that went into that shaper ram dovetail.

[@racedouge1]

I've machined just about everything there is to machine and there are three rules. Fast , cheap and accurate...You can have two and you sir, Gave him all three.

[@oliverjh1281]

Nice mirror finish on that aluminium looked like it been bored or honed , class work 👍 happy new year

[@donaldnaymon3270]

That shaper is working so nice. Great setup. Great work. Thank you

[@djamelhamdia134]

Adam is a master of his trade.

[@GNARGNARHEAD]

he;s certainly shaping, up to be.. xD

[@djamelhamdia134]

@@GNARGNARHEAD I almost had a stroke reading your name.

[@Bob-yv7kw]

As always great job! Appreciate the recommended alternative ways of getting the job done. Looking forward to your future projects!

[@rjkejk57]

It would be interesting if payed a angled plate on the flange before and after the GE shaper work to see the difference in flatness!

[@Rail9222]

I was trained on shapers in college but have never seen them used in the real world. Nice job!!!

[@darinspicer2753]

That’s better than any fly cutter would do.Hats off!!

[@fransterhorst3694]

Man this is another great video, now i understand why you prefer this method over milling. now your mate can seal this intake to his motor no worries. cheers!

[@razblack]

you should make an attachment for this G&E Shaper that allows you to put one of your polishing stones in to refine the surfaces with

[@KimbrellBrad]

Nothing to it when you have the right tools and know-how to use them...and man, do you have the tools! Great demo of that nice shaper and workholding techniques. Great job as usual Adam. Thanks for posting!

[@jodygarcia9892]

I think this man could make all these machines with a rock and some scrap

[@craigulatorOne]

a few things -as a millwright I have to say please get your machine on the concrete, I know you know wood enough to know it won't last especially when it's being rocked on, but also consider that the wood retains moisture and that the absorption and evaporation of moisture is actually changing the footing of the machine differently at each point of contact, this can and will adversely affect your machine including the wear on your ways, the rocking will add to the problem. Sorry for the run-on sentence. I know you're a busy man and getting it on the ground and the perspective/finality of getting the machine in it's final place sometimes takes away from the magic/character of the machine. I always enjoy your videos and the final product your craft ends with. All the best.

[@carlbliim4456]

Great job of setting up. Finished product better than original. When serving my time in 1947 we were warned not to get too close to the shaper as many student were hit on the head by the ram. Carl from down under Woy Woy Australia.

[@zexsrah5836]

Nice work 👍 love the shaper

[@gmjquin]

My favorite shaper video yet.

[@xenonram]

Man, the "makers" that have blocked to this channel have completely ruined the comments section. No wonder Adam doesn't rely to comments anymore. Since they're makers, and are only watching machining videos so they can feel like they're actual trades workers, they completely miss the point of the videos. If you consider yourself a maker, may I suggest Laura Kampf, or Colin Furze. Those channels will be more your speed.

[@57BAwagon]

Great Video. Having been a 30+ year machinist in a papermill we used the shaper for many jobs, including 4" internal square couplings. It is a good alternative to a mill.

[@specforged5651]

Honestly a lot of times with things like this and especially with cylinder heads, you want a little bit of the tool marks left as opposed to a mirror finish (I know this isn’t exactly mirror, but you see what I’m getting at). It helps the gaskets seal. I’m sure that will work just fine as well and you obviously know what your doing, just an observation from an engine builders perspective. That’s pretty damn cool.thanks for sharing again!

[@dougankrum3328]

You're right, especially on head gasket surfaces. Sometimes the gasket company will give a 'spec' for surface finish...

[@dontimberman5493]

I say it every time but you can’t beat a shaper for that finish!

[@SandBoxJohn]

I was hoping you would have run the indicator across the part after removing the clamps and jack to check for any deflection. If you charge admission to watch shaper projects I would pay.

[@billmckillip1561]

I always find that the more difficult holding challenges are the most interesting!

[@drlegendre]

Always impressed with your videography skills, Adam. Did you take classes in that, or are you just one of those self-taught trial & error guys?

[@dcw56]

Cool setup for the end of the year, Adam. I don't know what it is about a shaper, but the darn things just keep me watching. Kind of hypnotic. Very nice finish and a fine job. Dean

[@Potti314]

I've see a couple of videos from your channel and love them. Your dedication is outstanding. However, I wonder why you never wear breathing protection. Also a fume extractor would be appropriate when welding. You're doing this for a living...

[@lavrentiyberija9123]

Excellent work of the welder and finishing by the jeweler to an ideal!

[@doughills8024]

I would have liked to see you run the indicator on the finished surface after you removed the toe clamps and jack screw. Wondering if that inadvertently moved the intake? Good work and it was great to meet you at GOTLF.

[@tbernardi001]

I was thinking the same thing, but maybe blue the surface plate and give it a rub

[@Coffreek]

I'm pretty sure Adam would have swept the face after installing all the fixturing, to make sure it hadn't moved. Especially with something awkward, and made of aluminum. He knows better than most how much Murphy's ghost likes to try and screw you over when it comes to custom jobs. Sometimes, you can even hear him laughing. I bet the factory tolerance for this flange is +/- .002". If he got it to within something like .0005" (I think that was a tenths indicator?), it's probably the nicest fit on the entire car.

[@tom7601]

Gaskets are designed to mask machine tolerances. :-)

[@Coffreek]

@@tom7601 Ha! Yes, they are! Although with the different thermal masses of the manifold, block, and bolts, as well as the finicky nature of modern emissions systems, I would want the seals there, even if the fit was perfect.

[@tom7601]

Coffreek: I fully agree! :-)

[@gliderp]

Another great video Professor Booth! Surface looks about perfect, and the only reason a gasket might be needed is to make up for the irregularities in the head mounting surface.