OLD STEAM POWERED MACHINE SHOP 28

Video number 28 in the series depicts what running a small job machine shop under steam power in 1925 might have been like. This episode involves starting up a 1880s vintage stationary "mill" engine that will be used to run the shop. Bearing housings for the line shaft hangars that will run a Racine power hack saw in the shop are also being made on the 1925 American Machine Tool 18" lathe. All comments, questions, stories, and discussion concerning flat belt drives, steam power, old shop jjjjjmachinery and machine work are always welcome here. Thanks for watching, hope you enjoy it.....Dave

[@scottpecora371]

Dave I was watching the segment where you were showing the line shaft hangers that you had casted. On the one part that hangs down and you said that you just wrapped it with tape to make it thicker so you had material to machine off and to cut the threads. How did you set that up to turn it and thread the shaft portion that you adjust up and down. I've been trying to figure out how you set that up to turn?

[@davidrichards5594]

Hi Scott: That was done before I became interested in KZbin. I chucked it by the stub end, center drilled it in the "Y" and then turned and threaded it between centers. IF I do another one of those, I'll show it....Dave

[@scottpecora371]

David Richards Dave, sometime after I wrote that I remember you talking in another episode about turning between live centers, something that's not done much anymore you said, and thought, "I bet that's how he did it" " he chucked up the round end and center drilled with a starting drill to give a center to hold against, marked out the center on the shaft end and drilled it then turned it between centers!! It's not much but I was proud of myself as a non machinest for figuring it out, your a good and natural teacher. I hadn't touched a lathe since high school and yet the other day out at my brothers house who recently bought an old South Bend from the thirties that's been converted from belt to electric belt I felt comforts tinkering with it and showing him a couple things, especially how to change the gears for threading. That was awesome because he turned to me and asked rather amazed how do you know this stuff? Which I responded " I had machine shop my senior year!" The look on my brothers face was priceless! But it's really neat to understand how the machine was originally set up to work and you can see how they converted it to an electric motor. How the motor drives a V belt to a big sprocket which then drives a flat leather belt which was the original belt. It's just neat to recognize how all these machines worked. Thanks Dave, I've learned and relearned so much watching your videos that once I actually get my shop purged of all the junk that's accumulated I'm going to go shopping for a lathe and mill. BTW: Where could someone ever find a drill press like your large one, the one with the square table. I'd love to have a press liked that one with power feed that you can reduce to such a slow speed that you can tap with it. An you know it's a commercial grade machine I can pass on, because it's sure as hell going to out last you and I! I know finding one is probably a long shot. Anyway thanks for everything and have a great turkey day, Scott

[@TheMetalButcher]

@@scottpecora371 They turn up. I managed to snag one complete and great shape off gov deals, with a motor for $160. Had to totally restore it, but it was well worth it. Keep an eye peeled so you can get them before dealers like BlackSmithTools buys it and jacks the price up 6x.

[@ronomdalen3186]

David Richards Hi Dave I wish you would invest in a taller step ladder, you make me nervous on that short ladder.😀

[@TheRatshooter]

This video made me really miss the 2 old geezers in my neighborhood, Ed and JIm. Willing to take a little time to show interest in what I was doing, and pass on a little encouragement and humor. Both had been around, Ed was at the Kaiser shipyards in WWII, and Jim Had been a certified pipe welder for about 40 years. I miss my old friends, but they were examples of a life well lived. Thanks, Dave!

[@normanfeinberg9968]

all that hard work paid off.It's a masterpiece

[@captainhgreen]

Great video!! Lots of work to get the old steam engine running. Great job. Thanks

[@dananelson3534]

Thanks guys for all you do. Glad you were able to meet up with your viewers.

[@63256325N]

Congrats on the almost completion of the new to you engine. Closer every day. Thanks for the video.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Well Dave, all I can say is WOW and double WOW! Liked your golfer buddy too! Yall did a super job!

[@davidmicheletti6292]

There is something about these old machines that is pure magic.

[@stanleygraham352]

Nice work David, the new engine will take care of the extension when you build it..... Now imagine doing the same thing with a 3,000ihp engine, absolutely no difference apart from scale and I know how it feels when you get the first run out of an old engine after you have rescued it. More of the same please. (Your videos are so well made as well...... A pleasure to watch.)

[@smithjones1906]

This is really magnificent. So much torque, even under minimum steam. Greetings from Missouri.

[@paulduffey7975]

My grandfather worked as a machinist for the railroad in the roundhouse in Springfield Illinois for about 45 years. He died when I was about 10 so I didn't get to know him. Now in my late 70's I have found an interest in steam engines and a desire to learn machining, I was surprised at the elation I felt when you started the old steam engine. Great. Thank you.

[@davidrichards5594]

Hello Paul, Glad you are aboard our channel.....Dave

[@jamespollock2500]

Mr. Richards you are doing some great work reviving these once beloved machines. Please keep up the good work and looking forward to more videos!

[@zephyrold2478]

Hi David Nice sound from "new" old engine, nice that someone checks up on you from time to time, keep up the good work, Getter done

[@vdubjunkie]

David, Your work is impeccable, and your skill is undeniable. It's truly inspiring to watch you work. Thanks for making these videos for our enjoyment.

[@tubeu28]

Good job Dave, I learn something every time. You are a great teacher weather you know it or not!

[@yokomzare201]

Excellent job on the rebuild. Thanks for the videos.

[@mikewinkelman7015]

Beautiful shop love steam power and its history great videos keep up great work thanks

[@philrulon]

Love the power down feed on the drill press.

[@sidneyarnold191]

What a beautiful piece of machinery.

[@bruceraggett4506]

Just worked out what makes this type of workshop unique, it is in 3D, stuff going on up down and sideways, not just at floor level where we focus on. Makes it more alive.

[@lyntonr6188]

Excellent work guys!

[@johnneedy3164]

Machinery in motion, feel the machine ,the love of it, man an machine

[@MalcOfLincoln]

Fantastic. Really pleased for you Dave. That new/old engine runs a treat. It was our steam rally last weekend. Took the Nuffield. Only a brief video this time of the 100plus steam engines as I've got most of them before.

[@davidrichards5594]

Looks like a great show....Dave

[@terrycannon570]

Thanks Dave It is raining here in Texas so your update is greatly appreciated today.

[@davidrichards5594]

Looks like you really might get hit, take care of yourself.....Dave

[@ke6bnl]

love that drilling put the bigger drill in for clearance for the smaller drill to go deeper, simple why haven't I been doing that.

[@maxrunout2989]

Congratulations on getting the old girl running, Dave. It sure looks and sounds sweet. Paul

[@Waushass]

Excellent first steam up ! Always enjoy your videos

[@phooesnax]

Great stuff. So cool to see that engine run!! Jim

[@kbmorozov]

With pleasure I watch your video about the workshop on the steam drive, though I do not understand a word. You do a good job of teaching patience, taking care of the creation of your ancestors. With a bow, Edward from the USSR

[@jamesmcalarney2991]

КБ Морозов use google translate

[@SouthrenShrek]

Man I would die for a quill that free that is magic.. Great video and keep them coming..

[@davidrichards5594]

When I put on that heavier wheel from a Lodge-Shipley it just did that....Dave

[@unpob]

Looks beautiful

[@johnfry9010]

Congratulations on the engine !

[@douglaslodge8580]

Great job Dave the engine sounds great.

[@tomherd4179]

Really like the whole video, especially the engine and description on the line shaft. Great work!

[@MichaelLloyd]

This was the high point of my week. After non-stop hurricane and floods this was a nice change of pace. Thanks for your videos Dave.

[@joshsellner7213]

One word: awesome.

[@herbhartman7528]

New/old engine sounds awesome! Liked watching the big 18" lathe, chips falling, smoke rolling and the sound of the engine working out in the background! Really enjoyed vid! Thanks for taking us alone Dave. Life on Machinist retired

[@BrettRyan78]

Love watching your videos Dave, your style is so relaxing and enjoyable to watch. Keep up the great work.

[@mrkhokhar4895]

Omg waoo beautiful rebuilt like new life given with lots of new parts. And sould vey smooth less congregation mr david

[@Ujeb08]

another great video. Your choice of music to lead in is just perfect!

[@drawvenmusket]

Hi Dave thanks for letting us visit you again and thanks for all the great steam work too, maybe you will have the oldest junior shop man to come. shows that you are a good guy all around have a good day and a better tomorrow

[@Blackcountrysteam]

Nice work good to see it running !

[@jeffreylehn8803]

great job ! I would love to see this shop in person.

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

Another one right out of the park Dave! That engine runs sweet. I really enjoyed the video where you re-worked the crank shaft. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@charlescompton4495]

Amazing work! Don't know what else to say, Greg.

[@DorkAhoy]

Awesome! Very nice to see some of the process of troubleshooting a live engine.

[@PacoOtis]

Thanks for the video and for bringing back memories from the late 40's!!! We kids would horrify the adults because we would not stay far enough away from the belts as they fascinated us! We kids had nary a clue as to how much work went into keeping those machines going but now I know! You all are hard working, smart, clever people! Again, thanks for the video and best of luck!

[@NuclearHedgehog]

Great video as always. It's nice to see old machines come back to life again.

[@not2fast4u2c]

Congratulations on getting the new engine running ...I enjoyed watching all the moving parts ,,,when it was running slow It really showed up well on camera

[@twentypdrparrott694]

I kick back and watch the vid and the rhythmic sound of the belt driving the machine just puts me to sleep!

[@paulduffey7975]

Been away for awhile. Glad to get back and watch vids. Watching that engine run is one othe most relaxing things I know of. I would like to get a set of prints for a model of an engine of that type. Thank you.

[@johnpate2835]

As the first drill started, I noticed the chips came evenly from both flutes and I wondered if you sharpened the drills by hand. You answered it later by grinding the big drill. I'm surprised how many people have no idea that drills can be sharpened, never mind where to start to do it. It was one of the first things I learnt as an apprentice in the 1960s. Really enjoying the series BTW. Regards John UK

[@davidrichards5594]

ahh... apprentice programs, they don't exist anymore do they?.....Dave

[@ClassXIRoads]

I just got done with my 4 year apprenticeship (at 63 years old) and now working as a journeymen machinist still under the guidance of some fine old toolmakers. So yes they do still exist

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

@@ClassXIRoads The programs exist but unfortunately few young people are interested in them any more.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Very cool heavy drilling , Engine is running great ! Enjoyed Dave..

[@kroghsmachineshop4708]

Great to see the engine running, it's have a wonderful sound, I enjoyed seeing the clock in your last video, enjoyed the video very much 👍😊

[@davidrichards5594]

Needs a few things tightened and adjusted but It will come around very nice I think.....Dave

[@fzapp]

HOW SWEET David How sweet !!!!!!!!

[@stevengrotte2987]

THANK YOU!!!!!! It seems like I have been waiting forever for #28, thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@stevengrotte2987]

It always amazes me how quiet steam power is!

[@GorhamWorks]

Man that engine just looks like it loves to run. Great work on bringing it back to life! Really love the videos.

[@1479andy]

Great day for you run nice and slow too well done

[@royreynolds108]

The sound of the big engine is really nice. Quiet! I am thinking of making a endless loop of your engine to go to sleep by--aahhh! ZZZZZZ!

[@jerrylong381]

It's alive! It's aa.live!! You've done it! It's aliiive! Nice work Dave. She sounds happy.

[@iancraig1951]

I on occasions use a lathe dog on drills that spin--that works pretty good...Good content Dave, keep them rolling..

[@ronaldwalker6790]

Dave you can do something about drill slipping in tailstock,clamp a lathe dog or something on drill that will reach a solid point on machine.If taper tools slip to often in the taper will ruin it. I have seen this so often in my work days. ( retired UK maintenance turner) great videos Dave.Thanks.Ronnie.

[@henkvanderwal2424]

Wunderfull. Lovely engine .. And again you made my day. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@peterpjj7380]

Henk Van Der Wal `

[@henkvanderwal2424]

Wat up Peter pjj

[@northstar2007]

congrats! sounds wonderful! beautiful rhythm

[@markavis7232]

Another great video - congratulations on the new, running, engine. Thought I might note that with a big bit in the lathe, I sometimes hit it (carefully) end-on with a big copper mallet to tighten up the morse. It can stop one spinning, as you mentioned yours sometimes did, and if it grabs it makes it less likely to pull the bit out of the tail stock (annoying), and in a bad one, less likely to snap off the tang (embarrassing, when I did it in front of the guy I work for!).

[@LeonRFpoa]

really cool stuff.

[@ChrisFerLOL]

Im requesting an interview with your neighbor. Someone that old always has great stories to be told!!

[@davidrichards5594]

He does have....Dave

[@chuckthebull]

Thanks for showing the line shaft transmission at 17:27 I always wondered how that actually worked..I guess there are a lot of ways of doing it...But that seemed simple with the free spinning pulley, How it just lets the belt glide over to the drive pulley . I always look forward to another installment!

[@hacc220able]

Resurrection Day!. New life for a grand ole machine.

[@JonesAndGriesmann]

WOW thats a monster steam engine

[@jamesshanks2614]

Even with the problems that old girl has she has a quiet beauty about her when you slowed her down to essentially tick over speed. Is that going to be the new shop engine or is this just another shop job? She might use a bit more steam to run the shop but damn she has some power. Nice work gents getting her going.

[@normanfeinberg9968]

I was browsing thru one of my beside readers "Lathe work for machine shop practice"1941 edition and it's got a picture of a big lathe dog around a drill shank in the tailstock with the offset "L"resting on a tool bit in the cross slide,to prevent the drill from spinning when she grabs.Simple ,but neat

[@davidrichards5594]

It works like that, if necessary...Dave

[@mogulsmoke2428]

I am really enjoying your channel and seeing the large steam engine run. I enjoy the back ground music too, but the engine is the music to my ears. I am surprised the you don't have a continuous oil bath when drilling the bearing with the large bits. Is there a reason that my novice mind has not taken into consideration?' Please keep the videos coming... I am somewhat of a shut in and do not have a machine shop to tinker in or learn from. I am continuously amazed at the tools and devices you have accumulated. Thanks!!!

[@davidrichards5594]

Hi Ron, Old machinery was built to use lower grade cutting tools which won't stand up to speed (heat). At the speed I was drilling, cooling and lubrication was definitely not a problem so a squirt now and then was enough...Dave

[@MrKmoconne]

Continuous coolant delivery was maybe not in use when these machines were new?

[@bcbloc02]

Good to see the big engine running under steam! Did you have your steam trap muffler on it? I am thinking not by the amount of steam in the shop.

[@davidrichards5594]

I'm working on piping the exhaust through the floor and out. There is a 20" crawl space....Dave

[@davidmicheletti6292]

You have every right to be proud.

[@steveskouson9620]

David, sounds like to me, the play is in the valve linkage. (Eccentric, valve cross-slide, or the steam chest valve.) Either way, it is GOOD to see another Steam engine running. steve

[@garyc5483]

Great job on the new engine Dave. Nice to see it run after its long vacation. Was waiting to see your neighbour get a slick of oil down his nice shirt. :-) regards from the UK

[@justanothercanuckian]

Hey David - I love your setup and videos. Wondering if you've ever thought about doing some power generation off your lineshaft too? Would be pretty cool to have your shop literally be self-sustainable with nothing more than wood fuel and water. Generate your own electricity (at least for lights, etc).

[@davidrichards5594]

It's on the big "list"...Dave

[@woodywoodworkerfuller9921]

Nice !!!!

[@noneofabove5586]

Excellant video Dave, really enjoy watching your channel. I wish I lived closer, you would probably have another apprentice. I have to mention the micrometer on the wall at 18:42 looks like the Abomb channel. Mike

[@davidrichards5594]

A tribute to my fellow creator....Dave

[@sharkrivermachine]

Wish I had known that you were at Rough and Tumble. I spent the day there on Thursday. Just posted some video of the Line Shaft Machine Shop to my You Tube Channel.

[@jerrylong381]

The young apprentice did a fine job on the oil pump linkage. Maybe you should start letting him sleep indoors.

[@roleic7246]

Congratulations on running the big steam engine. I was surprised how smooth and quiet it runs. Of course it had no load on it yet. Why are these steam engines so fascinating to watch? Is it because of their slow motion and relative simplicity so that you can see and understand them when they run? I have one topic that I would like to hear more about and I am sure you know quite a bit about it: What were the different steel types they were using in the steam era? On which part of a steam engine would they use which type? Were they standardized? Or did every steel mill have their own flavors? What would be corresponding modern steel types? Maybe others are also interested in this and you might mention it sometime in a video. It probably applies to most of your videos.

[@scottpecora371]

rol eic I know what you're saying about what seems to be a universal fascination with steam engines. I think there are several small reasons that come together. First you but rarely ever see this form of power being used in our world today. Second, steam is very quiet there is no sound of combustion unlike combustible fuel engines. Third steam engines can run at almost a stand still, because their not dependent upon internal combustion. Fourth, although steam doesn't generate a Lot of horsepower, they generate tremendous amounts of torque. If I remember correctly on one episode of Daves he was calculating the horse power and torque of the O&S 5x5 engine that was used to power his shop. If I remember correctly it generated something like 6hp but 126ft lbs of torque. To put that in perspective a 6hp Honda gas motor will generate somewhere around probably 8-12ft lbs of torque @ 3000rpm (you can get the exact specs on Honda's web sight I'm sure). This is what made steam the perfect power source to power the emerging industrial world of the 19th and early 20th century. Because the main building material was cast iron weight was always tremendous making internal combustion difficult without a Lot of gear reduction. Steam was perfect. Fuel was varied and abundant, combined with fire and water. This is what made steam the perfect choice for trains for over a century until diesel and electrical generation were perfected on a mobile level. But steam is like a living creature, hissing, groaning, smoking and mechanical sounds, making it almost magical!

[@robertkutz]

david cool video.

[@raylord4809]

I was looking forward to seeing the engine come alive. Are going to install a governor safety mechanism like the one on the other engine? Looking good. Enjoy watching these videos.

[@davidrichards5594]

We put up a quarter turn shut-off in the overhead feed line which will have a pull chain, maybe in a couple locations. ...Dave

[@paulbreaks7680]

That shop is poetry in motion what happened to the old timer I would've like to meet him and hear some stories

[@koliloaloa]

Dave, if you grind a flat on the boss of the drill you can put a lathe dog on it and rest the other end on the ways, it'll slide along but can't spin. Had an old lathe that was worn out where I did my apprenticeship but it had a great swing so it was still useful and we had to do that with all the drills, it didnt fit a tang either.

[@davidrichards5594]

Yeah, that would work...Dave

[@mimiporsche]

beautifullllllll👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@timr31908]

Dave 'This has to be the best old steam youtube channel .Makes me feel right at home seeing all your good old USA machery powered by steam .I remember as a little kid seeing some old shops like yours hear and there ...but of course the steam engine was long gone and replaced with one big electric motor ...Ive got my steam engine on my pontoon now and pretty happy with all my lucky estimating .My paddle wheeler is called smoke for short and smoke on the water full name .....Take a look on my FB page under ..Tim Rostar.. lots of video

[@davidrichards5594]

Looking good Tim...Dave

[@timr31908]

Thank you ..for your videos

[@kylec3296]

That is quite running engine

[@sjur2108]

New video! Beer and popcorn :-)

[@RickRose]

It's great to see your shop building itself. With a little help from the owner, of course. Question about the new engine: Will the larger engine represent a real improvement in the shop (meaning you needed more oomph than you were getting with the old engine)? Or is the upgrade more for the fun of it?

[@davidrichards5594]

Hi Rick, I really question switching engines sometimes. The small O&S worked so well....Dave

[@rhavrane]

Bonjour David, Great machine ! Which pressure did you use ? I am surprized to see no lubricator on the excentric of the side valve (heat), this is why you checked it ith your hand I guess. Amicalement, Raphaël

[@davidrichards5594]

I think we had about 50 psi. when we started it. We kept the eccentric oiled with a can. I was trying to find the knock....Dave

[@MultiArrie]

Hi Paul.

[@scottpecora371]

Dave, no insult was meant or intended and I sincerely apologize if I offended you in any way. My concern was genuine as I really have seen, and come to think of it experienced the results of falling off a ladder. In my case my nose has never been straight again since that day in my early thirties. An when I saw you standing up towards the top of that ladder hoisting that pulley up over your head it triggered memories of my accident. So once again if I offended you in any way I apologise. Scott Pecora

[@davidrichards5594]

Seriously Scott, I was just "funning" you...Dave

[@scottpecora371]

David Richards I'm glad, you know that's the one thing with email and texting, emotions and humor can be difficult to determine sometimes. An I only know you from videos, although it comes through that you have a very dry sense of humor. I laughed for a day and told a couple people about when you were describing the technical aspects of how the water injector worked for the boiler and you commented that 70% is such and such, and....the other 30% is uh....magic! I still crack up because it's probably closer to the truth than most people realize. BTW on the new 8x10 engine on the govener it doesn't have the drop down pulley like the Pickering for emergency shut off if the belt breaks? Does that bracket opposite to the pulley shaft have something to do with the shut off valve? Speaking of overspeed shutoff did you catch what the guy said about the big Snow twin compressor when the governor stuck and it started to overspeed until the centrifugal weights popped out on the fly wheel which engaged the over speed shut off? Also I thought the extra u-shaped bracket you added to the overhead line shaft brackets was extremely smart and adds a nice little margin of safety. Best of luck, Scott

[@timduthie6399]

Are you going to do some more on that old engine that you found in the woods? I have been looking out for it for some time. And hi from the South Island of New Zealand!

[@davidrichards5594]

Hi Tim in NZ, When I get the big engine hooked up, first thing is to make new rod brasses (bearings) for it....Dave

[@rocketman13f51]

Dave, I think I finally figured out that the main drive belt runs at a constant speed/RPM and then that constant RPM is sent to the line shafts which then transfers that power to the machines. There will be some speed changes because of the different sizes of of the pulleys but overall there is a constant speed. The change in the speed and torque is accomplished by the gearing of the individual machines. It is like a modern day turboprop aircraft engine that runs at a constant speed and then the torque and speed for the aircraft as it flies is controlled by the pitch of the props. Did I get it correct or do I need to go back to the classroom? LOL

[@davidrichards5594]

That's about it, except that the faster you can run the belts (within reason) and the more you can use the gearing reduction in the machine, the more torque (= power) at the cutting tool without belt slippage..Dave

[@ProperLogicalDebate]

Occasionally I hear you mention these worn old machines & I wondered if they can be used to repair themselves. Hard to drive a 4 wheel car with 3 wheels but can one machine be used to regrind something In another machine?

[@OnlyTheEd]

I'm betting "Keith Appleton" or "mrpete222" would love to stand there and watch this engine running at 28 pounds of steam pressure......

[@bardrick4220]

You should get an exhaust fan of some kind, since you love to burn oil while cutting! Lung cancer is no way to go! . . . The main reason I try to stay out of welding shops these days.