OLD STEAM POWERED MACHINE SHOP 14 Steam engine crankshaft

This is number 14 in a series of videos I created in my shop to depict how work might have been done in a 1925 steam powered small job shop in "up-state" New York, under steam power. The job for today envolves repair of a crankshaft belonging to an early 1900's vertical steam engine which will be completely rebuilt in the shop. All comments on steam power, old type machine work, line shaft operation and the such, are always welcome. If you try to imagine a time when Ford was cranking out Model Ts by the thousands and we wouldn't see model As for a few more years, horses, buggys and wooden wagons were a major part of transportation and most small industry was still powered by water wheels or steam , you get the picture. Pioneers by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/

[@kd1872]

I can tell Dave was born at night, but not last night. He does a lot of work, but it never looks like he's working hard and he makes it look easy. The final reason, any pro is finished the job right around the time to go home, every time.

[@stratocaster1greg]

Dave that cylinder turned out beautiful. You and your shop are a national treasure. God Bless.

[@julesf7816]

It's Great to see someone who can pretty much start and finish a job like that crank repair without the need for ultra modern equipment. You're a credit to all machinists and I hope your knowledge and passion for the trade is passed on to someone(s) worthy of your teachings. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks for the kind words Jules.......Dave

[@brycenew]

Hi Dave, I emailed my 86 year old father Kel New, back home in New Zealand, a link to one of your vids. Dad's a retired builder, cabinet maker and all round practical bloke who loves machines, engines and hands on work. Dad's loving your videos and what you do. The word is getting out . Dad might not comment himself, as computers aren't his thing. Anyway, we both love your channel, your shop and what you do. Take care and many thanks for the videos!

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks Bryce, I hope he enjoys it...Dave

[@jasonnra1]

Now that was awesome. The oldest steam job shop in North America.

[@derekgee8504]

Gives the feeling what it must have been like in days gone by. Great video

[@philipburkwood2917]

Dave great videos I am 94 years old the fiirst machine shop I workd in age 17 was completly belt d riven your videos realy do bring history to life as far as I am concrned

[@davidrichards5594]

Great comment Philip, glad to have you along...Dave

[@JohnBare747]

Loved that Babbitt Lock Washer, kind of leaves you scratching your head trying to deconstruct their thinking.

[@davidrichards5594]

Hi John, Yeah, looking at a lot of "cut an Try" engineering. "If it breaks, change it so it won't" type thinking....Dave

[@not2fast4u2c]

I really enjoyed watching how you repaired the end of the crankshaft.and watching the machining of it .....Adding the weights at the chuck was a great Idea !!!

[@davidrichards5594]

Weights are Abom's idea...probably passed on from his Grandfather....Dave

[@5695q]

To have the knowledge to know what your looking at when you see a tool somewhere and know what it's for even though it's been out of use for decades and then put it to use is great. the old ways should never be lost to time even though modern machinery does wonderful things only dreamed of back then, the old machines and tools can still get it done but you have to work at it a bit more.

[@FastSloW-qt8xf]

Its cool knowing there are guys out there preserving this

[@carryitaround]

I love the old stuff. But it's not the end of the world if steam goes the way of the dodo bird.

[@tubeu28]

Great video, we appreciate your attention to detail! Wouldn't be a machinist without it. Keep up the great work and God bless!

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

The shop may be old but it is certainly busy. Keep on keeping on.

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks for stopping in Harold....us old guys have to entertain ourselves.....dave

[@Mrx9999999]

Hello David, I know you are trying to do everything old school but you have to remember that the indicator you use is a mechanical indicator and not a dial indicator. You called it a dial indicator at 38:19. I love watching you do things old school, it is amazing what folks accomplished without electricity. All the best, Edgar

[@shaunblunden294]

This is my favorite you tube channel of all time. thank you so much for sharing it is greatly appreciated.

[@terrycannon570]

I managed a tool and die shop for many years. I love the steam power and the great explanations that come with your videos. Thanks for providing it to us all.

[@shanek6582]

I wish you made videos every day, I can't get enough of this. Please film everything! You don't even have to edit it, just leave your camera running then upload it!

[@baggypantstoo]

I am using the last steam powered computer at work , let me down again today , ran out of coal, awesome vid Dave

[@baggypantstoo]

I tried burning cardboard , worked for a while

[@dirtybird4528]

man, just treating those leather belts is a full time job by itself

[@davidrichards5594]

I just do one every once in awhile and get around the shop in a year...Dave

[@placidolozano2303]

Hi Dave I am rely impress the way you make your shop work, I have always liked steam engines so keep the good work going I can't get enough of your videos

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks for watching, glad to have you along....Dave

[@terapode]

That was the coolest dial indicator I´v ever seen.

[@johnnyholland8765]

That overhead shot of the swaying light fixtures was cool. Your shop is ALIVE! My shop is sterile with only the hum of the machines and the occasional sound of a crashing NC someone programmed wrong. I mainly run the conventional lathes. Keep the videos coming. Just load what you have mistakes and all cause it is all good stuff.Thanks for taking the time to make them and keep em coming.

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks Johnny, watch that CNC stuff......Dave

[@PikaPetey]

first video i've seen from this channel and im smiling when he said "you can see us on our....uh... Gee-Plus page" I love the charm.

[@Nubby007]

I keep running in to you in the strangest places...

[@DaveBardin]

Dave I am a Blacksmith and Woodworker. I work in 19th century tools. I am mostly muscle powered. I started watching you when you came online to KZbin. I dearly love what you are doing and the way your videos are placed together. Well done and keep it going. The ones of us that are trying to save the way things were done are far a few between. Some of the things we do you cant find in books. I do hope one day one of my grand children will take interest in what I do and carry it on. My question to you is, do you have an apprentice that you are teaching?

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks Dave, like you I'm just trying to pass on some of the things I am interested in and know about, Hoping that it will generate some interest with folks to learn more about it. Sad to say that few young people have interest in history, making or repairing things these days....Dave

[@Pow3llMorgan]

I think there's hope yet! I am 27 years old and (belatedly) studying Tech Management & Maritime Engineering. Although I know I won't be able to use amazing machines and tools like this when I'm graduated and on hire, it's something I am very interested in as hobby potential. I live in Denmark and we do actually have quite a lot of museums, public and private, who display and use industrial revolution-era equipment like this and, furthermore, there seems to be a sort of resurgence in the interest of fundamental and/or orthodox handcrafts, at least over here, among the young people.

[@DaveBardin]

Wonderful comments guys. Povl here in the US we have a lot of agricultural museums and some small towns that do full reenactments. My brother in law was a blacksmith for one of our local ag museums. Its still out there but there is nothing like the hands on training. Not with the internet age things like Dave's shop will be recorded for history and further study. Thanks again for the replies guys.

[@RickRose]

The new technology is being used to preserve the old. Pretty cool when you think about it.

[@DaveBardin]

Agreed!!!!

[@benrobertson7855]

Ouch! That’s the best set up I have ever seen by far .great.I run mine from a old stationary engine,nothing is electric ..so really appreciate your workshop. Thanks from nz.

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks, good too hear from New Zeland. By the way, do you know Burt Monroe?

[@GpunktHartman]

Well done... working on the Lathe is my edjucated Job . I like to have such a old one. Indepent from elektric power will be perfect.

[@TytusG]

You are an OG machinist Sir.

[@flaplaya]

That is the best hand turned weld I've ever seen. Trust it against any other is all I got other than the respect I got for all the old timers who invented all this while kids sit and zone out on video games learning nothing.

[@harrisongage8548]

fla playa sorry bud better look again at that weld it's full of porosity. All this little pin holes are bad. Looks like he used cold/old rods. The only reason it will most likely be ok is because of the thickness. But that wouldn't fly at my job.

[@stevengrotte2987]

I am from North Dakota originally, I remember that in Mankato Minn. they have a big steam threshers show in the fall, so it is probably over by now and it would be about 1500 miles one way. You might wish to look it up on the internet to verify that I am correct. Thanks again for your episodes, I really enjoy them.

[@stevengrotte2987]

Sorry, bad information, it is at Rollag, Minn, near Detroit Lakes, MN about 80 miles east of the Minn/North Dakota border, A.K.A The Red River of the North.

[@davidrichards5594]

Rollag is a great show from what I hear, I'd like to make it some year....Dave

[@tedfarwell9812]

Great work, Dave. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@JoggingWithForks]

Beautiful video as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnfry9010]

David , thanks for sharing what is a labor of love , very cool stuff !

[@PMPCMining]

Love the channel. Love seeing old iron put back into use.

[@TomChame]

Very neat Dave, especially the G&L!!

[@Wildman4910]

Very cool, love the old stuff in action.

[@georgewocosky]

I usually read all of the comments before adding my 2 cents . . . but I'll just dig right in - Counterbalancing at the chuck can become super critical with relation to speed . . . harmonic imbalance sets in , with potentially catastrophic results ! * Glad you had a chat with A - bom ! I've seen all of your videos , & relish peering into the past, and seeing 'Old Iron' being kept alive ! Thanks for being so kind in sharing this with us old horses !

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks George, as you can see I run everything at very slow speeds, even with HSS or carbide. Older machines are pretty rigid so heavy cuts sort of make up for it. So, when something starts going very wrong, it does it in "slower" motion. ...Dave

[@offtherockcycles]

Thanks Dave,another great video.I really liked the look of the old indicator used on the lathe.

[@nightriderrv1139]

Awesome work love the older machines...

[@PeterWMeek]

Always happy to see another episode. Thanks for keeping the tradition alive and thanks for recording it on video.

[@Brasspounder100]

This is fascinating stuff! Thank you for sharing it all. I enjoy watching immensely.

[@MichaelLloyd]

There's something relaxing about the sound of the steam engine, belts, and machinery running.

[@staffy109]

Very interesting, love that sound of the single cylinder working in the background cheers Dennis

[@johnmcdonnell6109]

Great work and explanations of what you are doing and why! Thanks for sharing! - John

[@arrbam02]

Still with you and watching every video. I think the series of videos featuring with the project engine is the best stuff you have put up yet!

[@OldGrumpyBastard]

Excellent as usual sir !

[@joed3786]

Wonderful Craftsmanship. Take care of the indicator. They don't make them like that anymore.

[@DobleWhiteAndStabley]

I don't know if you have seen my comments in the past. I'm the one that made a comment saying he wanted to make a steam powered machine shop because of you. Well, I have a large shed as a starting point. Ill be casting components for the lathe and shaper that will build the steam engine to power the shop. Starting next month in May lord willing. An added benefit of steam powered industry. I'll still be building and repairing things long after an attack on the electric grid. The way I see it, I'm adding to the resilience of american industry. And this is all thanks to you and your work here.

[@davidrichards5594]

Mr Knight: Good luck with your shop...Dave

[@williampugh6699]

Good stuff Dave, very interesting.

[@allannoyes4560]

Thanks for the new video. Glad to see move vintage machinery and engines saved. A.Noyes

[@monkfry]

Man, what a great shop. How'd I miss this channel?!!

[@jamesciampi6392]

I really love watching you doing it the way it used to be done. You are truly an artist.My compliments.Thank you for sharing

[@stevepuyear2738]

This is absolutely fascinating! 👍

[@ClassXIRoads]

Thanks for another great video, I look forward to each one of them and have told many friends about your site. Good stuff for sure.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Hi Dave and glad you're back! Nice job on the crank and good find on the hacksaw. The short bits don't bother a thing. It's all easy to keep track of, even with me with no attention span. Thanks again. Pleasure to be here!

[@mikewalton5469]

you have the coolest shop i could imagine!!!

[@exilfromsanity]

Another great video, thanks for taking the time & trouble to post. The bore job turned out really nice and the crank repair is looking good too.

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks, I glad the crank is salvageable...Dave

[@Gareths_kitchen]

great work , and great to see old methods still being used

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks Gareth, that's the way I've always done it....Dave

[@richkellow1535]

Nice one Dave, I cannot wait to see you restoring that Hacksaw machine back to it's former glory.

[@dvddale111]

Just amazing what you have produced from wood waste! I enjoyed this very much, thank you.

[@1973mre]

That is really beautiful, a real piece of artwork. I never thought you could add an extension to a shaft like that. I am very impressed and learn something new today. Keep up the good work I will be following.

[@FrenchieFrench1555]

Always excellent. I learn a lot. Thank you.

[@94XJ]

"Too late to change your mind now" still makes me chuckle every time.

[@Dudeonrails]

This is so far from anything I know about. It is absolutely fascinating. Thank you for making these videos.

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks Josh, stick around, we will do some things...Dave

[@j.mshrader2347]

Threshmans ball is a awesome show,so is pageant of steam in berryville va. We didn’t have the show this year and last year I couldn’t get time off so I missed running the stationary frick for the shingle mill.

[@barrykenner]

your shop and work is the coolest educational video I have ever watched, go old school...

[@thsanderhoff]

Thats some amazing work!

[@SeanHodgins]

I'm really happy I discovered this channel. I'm learning a lot.

[@timduthie6399]

Keep up the good work mate. I am looking forward to seeing the engine working! Cheers Tim, ( From New Zealand ).

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks man, so am I....Dave

[@paulduffey7975]

I've watched all your vids and I love it. I can't get out and see things like I want to and this helps a lot. I still play around with old junk in my garage but nothing like what you are doing. Keep on keeping on. Thank you very much.

[@davidrichards5594]

Will do....thanks Paul.....Dave

[@MatthewTinker-au-pont-blanc]

Thank you, I enjoyed that!! Regards, Matthew.

[@juanrivero8]

Oh joy! Another steam machine shop video! OK, the welding was cheating but forge-welding would be impossible. Loved the :new" belt-driven hacksaw. Who needs a Harbor Freight bandsaw? Loved the old-style DTI, lever-operated. And a nice piece of turning. And I agree, it is very difficult to set up a crankshaft on a faceplate. The old-timers apparently did it all the time but I for sure can't do it! Keep them videos coming!

[@juanrivero8]

Do your research before you post. The first arc welder is about 1890. See www.millerwelds.com/resources/article-library/the-history-of-welding. This is well within the time frame for this shop. I retract my "cheating" remark.

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks Juan, That crankshaft was turned from one piece. I probably could have keyed and pressed a new whole PTO end into the throw, but the arc welding was necessary to save the crankshaft. ...Dave

[@TheMetalButcher]

I had this video in my watch later for ages, I'm glad I finally returned to it.

[@douglasross4968]

Hey David, been waitin for the next one of your always great videos. Keep up the good work. Enjoyed this one as usual. Thankyou

[@terryrobinson9503]

I could watch you for hours I am serious, This is machine art You are one gifted guy.

[@joshward7896]

65429 views! congrats! Used to bore and build DeLaval vacuum pumps for a dairy service outfit until they started robbing single parts from pumps that were carefully set up, and they had trouble paying. Must have done scores of 'em. I bored them on my 24 inch 1925 Bullard. She is in very good shape. When I got her it was still driven by flat belt. That belt would come right off the pulleys and hoop snake right by me across the floor. I replaced that system with timing belt running on the same pulley, but with teeth cut into the OD.

[@bradrichards6107]

Excellent work. Your shop is so cool. I have enjoyed all of your videos. keep up the great work.

[@thenorthamericanphonograph1039]

Your shop will be more valuable than gold when an EMP wave wipes out CNC and electric equipment. Keep up the great work.

[@GorhamWorks]

Very much enjoyed watching you repair the crank shaft. Reminded me a lot of when I worked in a hydraulic repair shop and fixed so many bent or broken piston rods. Whatever bent that one... golly that must of been a bad day. Nice balancing trick in the lathe. Looking forward to episode when the engine runs again.

[@davidrichards5594]

I posted a photo on my g+ page of marks left on the rod and engine base where something big got in the engine...Dave

[@wadebrewer7212]

Well done. Just learning as a hobbyist...my late Grandfather was a machinist most of his working life. Love the videos, keep up the good work!

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks Wade, I would like to have lived in his "time".....Dave

[@TheTreegodfather]

Still catching up on all of your videos... But this is definitely one of the most satisfying channels going. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jeffnagel918]

I just found your channel yesterday after watching Keith Rucker's video. I watched all your episodes and can't wait for more. Just like Keith Fenner, jobber's getting it done! Thanks for what you bring to us all watching your channel. Thanks, Jeff N.

[@davidrichards5594]

Jeff, You watched all of them? Man you are hooked on old stuff too....Dave

[@garytodd5605]

I have never been comfortable around steam since the training videos in Navy boot camp. I think how dangerous it can be overshadowed what i was supposed to be learning about it. But with all that said the steam powered equipment is still more facinating than the new CNC equipment could possibly be. Wonderful explanations David. Thank you. Your channel is the first channel i subscribed to at end of watching the first video.

[@pmaci56]

Tanks David for this video It's given me ideas for my restoration of an old stationary engine with heavily rusted main shafts I was looking at making a complete new shaft but i can still use the crank and the weld join would be where the main bearings are

[@RyanWeishalla]

Nice repair. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks, I was hoping to save it...Dave

[@scottpecora371]

Obi wan Dave, once again my mind hath been enriched from observing thoust sharing your great Wisdom! As always thank you....Scott of far away Washington State. Which BTW, if thoust every journeys across our great fruited Plains to the scenic Pacific Northwest lunch is on me!

[@davidrichards5594]

Well I might just take you up on that...BTW same here.....Dave

[@raph2150]

Yet again Another great video. This summer i had the chance to work on a super heated garret traction engine. There's nothing like being on the footplate on a large road locomotive. Its nice that we have people around willing to preserve these engines and machinery for the next generation to see. Keep up the good work!

[@davidrichards5594]

Agreed, thanks,,,,Dave

[@aceroadholder2185]

I wish my lathe had the T-slots in the apron shears like your lathe has. It takes some blocking up, but cylinder blocks and what not may be bored on the lathe like you did with the boring mill. It takes a lot longer to set up, but it can be done within the limits of the lathe's swing and cross slide clearance. Always look forward to your videos.

[@davidrichards5594]

Oh yeah, That's the idea with the apron T slots. You sort of make a small boring mill out of it...Dave

[@henkvanderwal2424]

Just came home from our local steam and vintage tractor show. Now to end a perfect Day a spot of steam driven workshop. Life is good. Thank you Dave for an other nice video. Good as always. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks to Netherlands Henk...Dave

[@pcbvwaterland]

Here also a Big fan from the Netherlands :) Awesome keep it up !

[@doubleboost]

Fantastic viewing really enjoyed that

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks John, it's coming along.......Dave

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Great fix thanks for sharing.

[@camg6603]

Dave I love your channel. I"m a 3 Generation Blacksmith in my family and have a fond for steam engines. I'm 16 and still ways to go in the great department for blacksmithing but like Dave Bardin said somethings you cant find in books. To make a long story short love your channel and keep it up on the steam work up. Be nice if i could see your shop myself.

[@nicholasjoy7006]

Dave I really do admire your ability to machine everything the way you do. I wish the people my age, in our twenties, had more people like you that we could learn a trade and skill that would carry us though our life.

[@davidrichards5594]

Nick, Thanks for the great comment. This is exactly why I put up this channel, to show what used to be done in this country that has now been lost. Most high schools and community colleges (but not all) have removed their industrial arts "shop" programs years ago. I general terms, not much of anything is being done industrially in this country anymore and we are starting to see the results. If you need something built or repaired, you really have to hunt for someone that owns a lathe and can run it. Viewers here should demand that their schools reinstitute some form of basic industrial education. And you should support it. enough said. ....Dave

[@ShuffleSk8Ter]

Nice to watch very old machines doing quality work 👍👍👍👍

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks Lawrence....Dave

[@billglatzel9427]

Great videos! I can smell the wood smoke and the hot oil.

[@paulrussell623]

Hi there Dave, I really like the way you show in your vids the maintenance that you carry out on your equipment (line shaft oiling, belt conditioning, and such.There are a lot of people,me included, maybe wouldn't have realised what needs doing) whilst the boiler gets up to working pressure. Thank you for giving us a chance to see what's required to run a steam powered shop. Cheers, Paul.

[@davidrichards5594]

Thanks Paul, There's a lot to keep in mind, but I do a couple things each time....Dave

[@IronHeadMachine]

This is the coolest machine shop I have ever seen. Just found your channel. Thank you so much for sharing your shop and what you do Sir. Subbed

[@jeffdiamond3900]

master machinist, period.

[@noelhenderson700]

Love that old indicator. :-)

[@rickhigson3881]

Incredible!