Making a portable line boring machine! Shop made. Part 1. Lead screw

The time has come to upgrade from the faithful old mag drill onto something more suited to the job.
In this video I make the lead screw to be used to power the line boring motor along the rails.
M24x1.5 pitch thread is being used allowing the auto feed unit to be able to drive nice and slow.
The bar drive motor is a Eibenstock 1800w high torque rotary drill.
The feed motor is a power feed off of a Bridgeport type milling machine.
30mm chrome bar for the rails with linear flange bearings to mount the slide on.
The lathe is a Harrison M400
Please like and subscribe if you wouldn’t mind, helps the channel grow.
Thanks for watching!

[@catabaticanabatic3800]

Go for it. Plenty of welding content around already. Good to see something that more relates to how an engineering business really works. Problem solving- - not unboxing a new line boring m/c. Great stuff. Real world.

[@snowballengineering]

Thank you. Got to love the problem solving part of the job!

[@gerryboard6615]

The mark of a good engineer is when they can build their own tools, not unbox a shiny one from their sponsors. Yes please, more vids like this one, this is where people learn.

[@the-naked-sailor]

Please continue with the build. It's not everyday you see someone build a line borer.

[@martinwyke]

I think the tool & jig making videos are the most interesting.

[@houchingpu]

Definitely interesting content ! Nice to see a bit of engineering as well as fabrication/welding 👍

[@snowballengineering]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jimsvideos7201]

I'm all for seeing this come together; it seems like you have a good plan for it and your workmanship speaks for itself.

[@jimmacdonald9746]

Lovely job 👍🏻🇬🇧it’s good to have a mix with the content.

[@stuarttinker1462]

Very interested , I’m in a similar business as yourself , plant fitter/welder fabricator and I also line bore using a mag drill, just recently got one with speed control and it’s a game changer , wanted to build a better rig for ages so will be watching closely , keep up the good work and top content videos

[@mikethomas2730]

I think your doing a superb job,,,,, well done

[@snowballengineering]

Thanks!

[@karlp2560]

keep em coming man, show how to lathe to tolerances too please

[@MPenzlin]

threading as workout: nice

[@robertpeters9438]

This homemade boering jig is a great idea.

[@hornetboy3694]

Awesome video, thank you

[@kenwood8665]

Excellent job

[@srp01983]

I’ve given up watching a certain US machining channel, as it has just turned into an unboxing channel. Watching someone with way too much money and way too many blagged products is not my idea of machining. Thankfully, this channel popped up in my feed, and I subscribed a couple of weeks ago. Real fabrication and machining on real projects is much better than watching someone unwrap a massive granite plate while a brand new cnc mill gathers dust in the background.

[@snowballengineering]

It is a nice granite block he has tho 😆

[@srp01983]

@@snowballengineering 😂😂😂

[@paulbrowning8142]

Yep I like it, keep em coming. thanks mate

[@snowballengineering]

Thanks, will do!

[@delboy321]

Keep it coming 👍

[@paulsims9155]

I like all your vids. Keep up the great work 👍

[@trevormansfield6740]

I only subscribed last week. Watched nearly all your videos. Really interesting.

[@snowballengineering]

Thanks! Glad you think so.

[@BurnAndHackett_RC]

I like the idea of making your own version of 'shop bought' tooling. You can make one that suits your needs and your budget and I get to watch a skilled man at work in the real world. Much better than watching some guy in a shiny workshop unboxing the latest fantastic gadget supplied by a corporate sponsor.

[@jameskirby2604]

Keep at it kid,

[@deechase5195]

Absolutely continue with the line borer build. Good job.

[@AW-Services]

Great video mate. Always a fan of self made tooling and equipment. I made a smaller version about 10 years ago using two rods acting as the rail and then used a 24v linear actuator as the drive. Had settable limit switches as the auto stop

[@snowballengineering]

Thanks! Ah yes, I’ve seen people use the linear actuators on mag drill set ups for the auto feed.

[@AW-Services]

@Snowball Engineering pretty much a voltage controlled lead screw and protected from sawrf etc

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Line boring machine video 👍

[@snowballengineering]

😁

[@Junkboy888]

I like a wood worker and when I'm in the shop I spend more time making stuff for the shop. This seems to be a trend for all the trades but pluming LOL. I'm slowly getting in to metal and enjoy watching people making stuff , and make stuff for their shops. Making your own tools to make your work and shop better and more productive is great.

[@snowballengineering]

There’s that extra satisfaction completing a job with a tool you’ve made yourself.

[@runamonk]

For sure man. Interesting stuff indeed.

[@ACUARIOS100X100]

great job

[@Peter-V_00]

I too am considering making my own align boring setup using knee mill power feed components, watching your progress with great interest and yes I did subscribe to you the other day.

[@kbye5323]

Another great video. Thanks for taking us along!

[@gav2759]

Looking forward to seeing how this progresses. Thanks for posting.

[@CSWeldFab]

Hello! This is this first of your videos I have seen. I look forward to seeing more of this build, as well as other projects, so you have my subscription.

[@snowballengineering]

Hello, Thanks for the sub!

[@rohanhooker5195]

Yes really keen to see you make this unit. 👍👍

[@fabs3771]

Oh yeah very interested 😃👍🏻

[@kenwood8665]

happy watching you build a line boring machine

[@martinsmallridge]

Really interesting with a good cometary keep up the good work.

[@snowballengineering]

Thank you!

[@TheChristeepher]

Looking forward to the build and yes it’s sound content. Please roll with the series. Very interesting. Thank you. Regards, Chris.

[@h2ouxb]

Yap happy watching you build a line boring machine 💪👍

[@davidroberts30]

Nice to see someone doing their own thing and thinking outside the box a bit👌👌

[@JulianMakes]

Definitely like watching you make tools!

[@joebenigni1074]

It will be cool to see a series on you setting up your own line bore

[@camerondadams]

Great video, love your inventiveness, can't wait to see how this project turns out :)

[@jameslonergan4581]

Definitely interested to see your idea come to life

[@6604135011081]

Fantastic plan u got. Neva even thought of doing boring with a magbase.

[@Dmenbiker]

Love your talent....

[@francoisgrobler3504]

I'm excited to see the rest of the build . It would be awesome if you could share the hand-drawn drawings with the size when you are done

[@johncollins2037]

Hi, I looked into building a line boring machine a couple of years ago, which appears to be a similar route i was going to go, after working out costs of the rotational drive and speeds, feed unit rates, bearings, materials for bearing housings, rails, stand off's, overheads ETC ETC, making boring bars of different diameters, tooling costs plus unforeseen expenses (maybe a machining error) and finally buying boring bars to complete the final requirement, and still no bore welding capability. Finally i decided to work my spare time on customer jobs and get paid, and bought an off the shelf line boring/ weld boring machine 35MM to 300MM works fantastic up to 160 MM, (300MM i have doubts) and my paid spare covered most of the cost (could have worked more spare time) , obviously not of Climax quality. First job in paid for the remainder without any unforeseen overheads. If you are are interested it is a YSPower machine (i have no affiliation, no remuneration, just think its a cracking machine for the money). just looked on tinterweb price now £2900.00 delivered .

[@snowballengineering]

I did look at them but I wanted to make my own just for the satisfaction and for something to do in my spare time.

[@ghilreese3413]

That will be nice. Thanks for the videos.

[@eastunder55]

I heard of line boring when I attended diesel mechanic school but never saw the work. It wasn't until I retired and had time to watch KZbin that I saw how line boring was done. I'm quite interested to see how you build your new tool.

[@jamesriordan3494]

Always enjoy fabrication and invention 👍🏻

[@alangraham4526]

Some of the best tooling is home made, you know exactly what you want. Off to a good start.

[@rogerhutchings5811]

Can't wait to watch the next part love jobs like this 😍

[@phil6465]

Can’t wait for next instalment.

[@JMJValleys]

Yes please! I think 'projects' are the best idea of all. I love it when there's a Part 1 & 2 & 3... etc, on YTchannels like CEE Aust. and On Fire Welding and others.

[@kgfarmfab8807]

I'm a huge proponet for shop made/DIY tools and machines. Most of my shop made tools or machines ended up costing just as much or more than if I would have bought it, but I didn't care, it's the learning, and trial and error experience, that makes it worth it (also that sense of accomplishment of having done it yourself)! Like everyone else, I would like to see the completion of this.

[@workingovertime4429]

Yes start making it or it will be like me. I have had all the same stuff sitting there on a shelf ready to go for over a year but don’t have time to finish it

[@snowballengineering]

Mines been sitting a while but not quite that long 😆

[@kentuckytrapper780]

I'm building myself a lineboaring setup, this is some great information, thanks.

[@manuelcv9475]

Like y subscrito desde hace meses. Este tipo de videos y los de soldadura son mi pasion me gustan tanto unos como otros asi que son bienvenidos siempre. Un cordial saludo.

[@TimTurner115]

Just making it. It's very interesting. .

[@ls2005019227]

Really looking forward to seeing the finished product and how well it works- Thanks

[@snowballengineering]

Me too!

[@Biokemist-o3k]

Agreed, Plenty of welding content to watch while I weld. I have been thinking about building one of these so absolutely keep going! I am recovering from getting run over on my 1957 Harley so I have time. Thank you.

[@snowballengineering]

Oh dear John. Hope you’re recovering well. There’s another 2 parts so far after this for you to watch.

[@Biokemist-o3k]

@@snowballengineering Thank you. I am doing really well. I can walk without assistance and if you did not know it might be hard to tell. I was training for classic physique bodybuilding when O was hit and being laid up all my friends kept bringing me pizza and junk food so I have a bunch of garbage weight to get rid of but other than that I I get to keep my right leg. It was touch and go for almost 18 months but the circulation is finally back and I can live with the pain but I couldn't live without my lag. I am an actually a chemist by education but I really dislike all the people I worked with in big Pharma so I am starting a mobile welding and fabrication business with small engine repair specializing in obsolete equipment . I am building a machine shop with the central belt and pulleys. I have been learning about metal casting so that I can make parts that they do not make anymore or can't get for whatever reason. Super excellent series of videos. I would like to replicate your device in aluminum for weight reduction. Thank you again and keep up the great work. I just found a Drilling/tapping station from the 40's that I should do a video on as my first of my channel. Thank you so much my friend.You are a Brilliant maker.

[@kennethashcroft6699]

All ready made one like that years ago

[@briansaier4929]

Nice job

[@cab8188]

Great content in all your videos Keep up the good work.

[@snowballengineering]

Thank you! Will do

[@richardormrod5758]

good vid looking forward to seeing finished machine keep up the good work

[@edwardsmith9049]

That sounds like a great serious. I look forward to seeing your videos. You are a very smart man. And you have great content. Keep up the great work.

[@brandonculver2403]

Absolutely I'm thinking about making one for myself

[@andrewrobinson2869]

Yes really enjoying it I was going to make my own so this will help out heaps.

[@Florian5120Pro]

Very interesting! Take your time to finish this project I'm excited to see the result.

[@keenanhosking659]

Yeah super interesting

[@dalelyons4366]

Good effort lad .🇦🇺

[@backyardmechanic921]

Plenty of welding videos but not so many on building tools, interested to see your take on making a line borer. Have watched most of your videos, good content so keep making them.

[@chrishigdon1070]

cool stuff mister I build alot of my own stuff also good for you.

[@pjotrkuh]

I like these video's they give inspiration to other people... even me and I'm just a pastry baker🤣🤣

[@liamcannon1213]

great to see this ! Keep up the good work.

[@ThePottingShedWorkshop]

I'd be very interested to see how this turns out. Please continue!

[@snowballengineering]

Will do!

[@markrich6657]

Superb stuff. All things engineering, swarf, oil and using your skills to make something that would normally cost mega bucks. Well done. I think anything that you do in your workshop is worthy of a video. Your down to earth commentary is so easy to connect with. Well done, keep the videos coming. They WILL be enjoyed.

[@snowballengineering]

Thanks for the support!

[@sebastianhuddlestone597]

Like seeing this content. Started getting the bits together to make my own from how you made it so interested to see how your new setup is going to work. 👌🏼

[@nmccw3245]

Good plan Oliver. About a third of the way cranking that lead screw die I would have been tempted to use the lathe spindle. 😝👍🏻

[@Frank-bh3cm]

Please keep the line boring content coming 👍

[@sjv6598]

The only issue I can foresee is the power feed has a plastic gear in the back, if the ‘line borer’ jams for any reason it’ll strip it. The good news is they’re only about £15 on eBay, I have the same power feed on my mill. Great idea though, looking forward to seeing it in action.

[@snowballengineering]

I did wonder what might happen if it jams. There are ready made line boring machines that use the same feed unit though so hopefully it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

[@normesmonde5332]

Good stuff

[@anthonyshaw7251]

Very interested in content for “How to” like previously said, plenty welding out there.

[@steveg4iwr]

Definitely good to see a variety of videos. Good luck with the new line borer.

[@snowballengineering]

Thank you

[@Christopher-iu6lg]

Definitely will enjoy your working on the line boring project. If you can share the specifications and materials when you are finished that would be much appreciated. Shared learning would be good. Perhaps I and others can share improvements as they arise if you share your work product.👍👍👍👍

[@gutsngorrrr]

Very interesting, as buying a line boring machine is just too expensive for me too.

[@snowballengineering]

Very expensive. I’ll do a costing at the end of how much it’s cost me to make.

[@gutsngorrrr]

@@snowballengineering I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out and how well it works.

[@richardcawthorpe]

Enjoying your videos , Lots of detail , good content , will look forward to you completing the line boring rig

[@snowballengineering]

Glad you’re enjoying them 😊

[@samherbert1724]

Great bit of engineering work, fella.... enjoy all of your work....

[@pauldarch1882]

Yep I'm interested, I really like how you're always focused on the task in hand... do you enjoy making the videos

[@joseluismontoya2501]

Atento a como lo va a terminar, genial saludos desde México

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Just found your channel. I am enjoying this bit a lot. Line boring fascinates me and I hope to see you use this machine a lot in future videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@bertjetolberg103]

I already liked your old line boring machine I might build one too but i wait to see how your autofeed turns out Best wishes

[@bryanlatimer5000]

Very impressive and would like to see more like this

[@snowballengineering]

More to come!

[@mourne]

Great video. Keep up the videos. Very very interesting

[@davetaylor4741]

Mate you called your channel Snowball Engineering. Not Welding. I'm all for the diversity and the ingenuity of making one's own tools. Fascinating project. Looking forward to seeing the various stages. And then watching the tool in action. There are hundreds of welding channels on here. But they can't do what you do. So keep doing what you are doing. Going by the comments your current audience would agree. With KZbin as I understand it. The number of complete views is the key. I see for a fledgling channel you are off to a pretty good start. Have a bit of faith. A growing number of people think you are doing a good job.

[@snowballengineering]

Thanks for the support 😊

[@dirkeisinger4355]

wanna see both, welding and tool making, please :)

[@darrendean21]

Crack on ... can't wait to see the next video on this .... :)

[@bradsztynda5492]

Keen to see

[@kenluther9948]

cool

[@normesmonde5332]

Gday I built my own line borer and used used square hole sleeves threaded type to insert in the bar. Made adjusting the tool height easier they maybe available there I bought mine here locally in Australia probably USA or chineseium made

[@snowballengineering]

I’ll have to look into that. It’s a bit tricky changing the tool height on my bar.

[@swanvalleymachineshop]

Grest mix of content. I have one of those power fed units that i will make an ID welding set up with . Cheers.

[@snowballengineering]

That’ll be good! I could do with one of them.