Machining Bronze Cylinder Slide Valves - ep62 Project Tinkerbell - 7.25" Gauge Steam Loco Build

In this video I machine the bronze slide valves for the cylinders on my 7 1/4" gauge Tinkerbell steam locomotive build. Using the Bridgeport milling machine I face the edges of the bronze casting using end mills, two flute slot cutters and face mill down to size. The slide valve is an important part of the steam cylinders, as it directs steam in and out of the steam ports within the valve chest.
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[@jbhtrams]

'Two Fute' is that Wooley Back for a 'Slot Drill'?😂 You're doing a great job. Keep it up! From a John the Scouser!!!

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

It was a..... can't think what they are called kind of moment!! 😂😂

[@richardboucher6904]

Just took a moment off from making my slide valves for my "Coles" steam pumper fire engine . Mine look so much smaller than the beauties you just made but that is life. Latter's to you.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Thanks Richard, much appreciated as always. Sounds an interesting project! All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@masterpiecesinminiature8299]

Nice work Darren. Great tool. Nice video and explanation. Thanks for sharing

[@jbhtrams]

Cant wait to see it running!

[@jbhtrams]

I bet you paid a lot for that Bridgeport? I've used then at nearly every machine shop I've ever worked in. A brilliant machine. The other machine you see in nearly every commercial workshop is a Colchester Triumph 2000. Used loads of them too! Nothing like the old machines! One of you valves looks like it might be Gunmetal??? It's got a slightly pinker colour to it???

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi John, I can't wait to see it running either, been a long adventure so far and I've many more hours to go! I will get there eventually. I didn't pay as much as you think for the Bridgeport, it was in a filthy state and looked like it had rusty ways... it was just dirt and grime!! It was a bargain. All the best, Matt 👍

[@markgarforth279]

There’s nothing quite like seeing a rough casting milled into a beautiful shining object with beautiful smooth surfaces…..

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Thanks Mark, for something thats not seen on the engine they turned out all right. All the best, Matt 👍

[@ELR1-C]

Yep! That'll do.. Some more superb bit of machining from a master craftsman. Another step closer to seeing the girl in a steamy video. Many thanks Matt. - Fletch -

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Thanks Fletch, your comment is much appreciated. All of a sudden it will all come together!! All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@julias-shed]

Looks good Matt much nicer machining bronze than Cast Iron 😀

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Julia, 100% yes!! This I consider a clean job.....cast on the other hand......probably just about got my hands clean from machining the cylinders! 😂. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@seamusbolton215]

Another great video, thanks for all the effort

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Many Thanks, Glad you enjoyed it. All the best, Matt 👍

[@tamarmolerick3814]

Enjoyable as always.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Thanks Rick, Glad you enjoyed it. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@grumbum1]

Warning!! Bodger alert!! Why do you need a buckle around the valve block? Why not machine the slot a little wider to allow the valve rod to pass through, plus a tubular spacer the width of the 1" section plus (say) 2thou. Pass the valve rod through the spacer with stainless nuts each side and hey presto all is well. There is clearance to allow the valve to raise off the port face if necessary and it is dead easy to adjust. (A little birdie said it would, not that I would know....) Another great video my friend, just wish I had your patience!

[@RobertBrown-lf8yq]

Or…… a cross slot in which sits a floating threaded rectangular block. Adjustment of valve position by screwing in or out valve rod. Allows valve to seat properly. Regards Robert PS Nice machine work Matt… and yes the bronze/gunmetal does smell different eh? Might be the lead content …

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

🤦🏻‍♂️ dear oh dear...... there is enough people who think I'm a rookie engineer...... lets not add cowboy to that either!! Your idea will work, but thats not my direction 😂. Plus a man has just delivered a buckle casting for me😂😂. Patience?? I'm like a swan..... all calm and elegant on the top, underneath is going like crazy!!. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@ronniescott5179]

Good Video. The music is not required

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Thanks for the feedback. All the best, Matt.

[@WarwickRoadAndy]

Chuffing good 👍🏻

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Cheers Andy. All the best, Matt.

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Good job, but no boring 😃

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

I'm sure I can find a boring job for you 😂. Thanks Alan, All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@RB-yq7qv]

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Thanks RB, all the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@schwarzermoritz]

😮 7:32 what the... The faces aren't great? Look, I'm only a naval architect working in mobility and traffic engineering. Either way, when we say tolerances, we're talking centimeters. But no way was that a repeatable setup! How in God's green country is that face anywhere close to perpendicular to those edges???

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

The only important parts of this is the valve face with the pocket and the slot for the valve rod, everything else is just along for the ride. Not everything has to be to the nearest micron. All the Best, Matt.