Turning a 1 Piece Miniature Crankshaft....This one is pretty cool

In this presentation, I'll introduce you to 5C emergency collets. They work extremely well for special sizes and shapes on your lathe. When combined with a mill, the possibilities are almost endless. Take a look as I create an eccentric collet and have some fun producing a 1 piece miniature crankshaft.
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[@remiew45]

I started life making prototype camshafts for Boeing and Embraer windshield wipers. Lots of fun. Your video is excellent in showing how to make offset shafts.....(cams and cranks) I ended up training others how to tool up. A lot of people don't grasp it. Brings back old memories. Sadly I had to leave work on disability after 30+ years of prototyping and Tool & Die. Best job anyone could ever wish for. Everyday was a different adventure. What an artist sees when they are done with a masterpiece, is no different than what a machinist sees after finding out what is inside a piece of metal.

[@CorbinAce]

Joe that was so cool. I had completely forgot about safety collets until I watched this video. I haven't seen one in a ton of years. I have never seen anyone turn eccentrics with one ever. We used them for odd ball diameters. You see it's true, you never stop learning. I'm 83 and retired 20 years from proto type tool making. You taught me something tonight. That is so much better for small diameters than a 4 jaw. More precision and quicker setup changing journals... Great job Joe! You're the man. Wish I had that lathe. I have an old 6" X48" South Bend in my garage. It's old but does the job.

[@Joblock-jg2cq]

That is a thing of beauty. Thanks for doing how to video's the correct way. No big drama, No music, and good clean fun.

[@billgilbride7972]

Awesome to see this done, and even more awesome to know what it takes is not unreachable. Success is just a collet away! Much appreciation for your sharing!

[@reginaldmorton2162]

Ive searched KZbin for 4 years for a more definitive example of machining crank shafts. I've have yet to find anything better than this guys great video.

[@joepie221]

Thanks for the endorsement. Much appreciated.

[@jcs6347]

Wow! I have never seen eccentric machining before, impressive skills and a great demo, thanks Joe!

[@rippersix293]

A true master machinist showing his skill. Thank you for sharing!

[@miatakid2]

Thanks for thinking of us model maker's. Not all of us can have adventures with very big pieces.

[@jimmyduncan7650]

I really enjoyed the tutorial. You have a natural teaching ability and the camera work was clean. Thanks

[@andybelcher1767]

Hi Joe, another cracking video, thank you. Just a thought, for those of us with ER collets, what about using a piece of stock a bit larger than the crank stock, say a 16th or 8th, held in an ER collet, marked to line up with the same slot all the time, then bored to size, then slit down one side to make what I would call an emergency collet, more often used in a three jaw chuck. It would cost pennies. A bit more care needs taking to keep everything true, but us model engineers do it more as a hobby so time is not so important. A cheap alternative.

[@anthonycash4609]

Joe your above amazing. I've gotten to the point of keeping a notebook on the things you teach. I sure wish we had more people like you in the school system when I went threw. Thanks for all the videos you do.

[@zumbazumba1]

I download all his videos for my personal collection and keep it in a folder.You can do it with a 4k video downloader(free)or Any Video Converter(program name ).

[@anthonycash4609]

zumbazumba1 thanks for the info. I will check into it. That would make it much easer to keep all the knowledge Joe gives us.

[@drubradley8821]

That was cool.... I never would have thought to drilling/boring off center of an E-collet.. Very clever.. Thank you.

[@ChrisB257]

Another real gem Joe... you are one excellent teacher. :) Turning poetry in motion. :)

[@markcnc]

.... 'turning' motion in to poetry ;)

[@TomChame]

Excellent! You just answered and demonstrated 98 of my crank making questions. Thanks much!

[@DudleyToolwright]

Another fantastic video. Your the kind of guy I would offer to work for, for free just to get access to the vast knowledge you have. Amazing. You, Tom Lipton, and a few others provide an truly invaluable service. One more thing, knowing a subject well is not the same as being able to teach it. You have both abilities in spades. Please keep it up.

[@joepie221]

Thanks for that comment. I present my material the way I'd like it presented to me. If you keep it light and make relate-able references, I find it sinks in quicker. Getting the why and how at the same time really helps. glad you like the style.

[@martinwhittaker9860]

I can’t wait for you’re next video, I learn more in 25 minuets with you than I learnt in years working in engineering thank you joe PLEASE KEEP THE VIDEOS COMING MARTIN in the U.K.

[@joepie221]

Thanks Martin.

[@ryanr2n2yc]

I am at a loss of words here. that was truly amazing. as a hobbyist, i would have never imagined this. first thing tomorrow morning i'm buying a couple emergency collets and i'm gonna give it a go. if you are at the bar z bash this summer, id love to show you my work and it will be all thanks to you. you are the man Joe! keep up the awesome videos

[@joepie221]

I will be there with my son. Confirmed.

[@Legalmachinist]

Incrdibly instructive - wow, thank you Joe. You make it look so easy, the mark of a true expert craftsman.

[@keithslayback4626]

Just like all your videos I've watch enjoyed it and learned something. Thank you.

[@pierrepote998]

Thank you so much for the time and energy you put into these very good videos. I am trained in a foreign country in electronic engineering, but in my country it is not possible to get a good formal education in machining work any more. Since my machining hobby and home shop expanded to a stage where I actually now start to make a living from it, I find your experience and way of approaching problems invaluable. So much more informative than my very large collection of machining literature. Thank you again.

[@joepie221]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment. Its very rewarding to know I am helping you guys. Thanks.

[@blockhd]

Dear Mr. Pieczynski, thank you for the video! During past few days, i was thinking about making a model engine and crankshaft seemed as the most complicated part of them all... Now, i feel like i can do it :) Subscribed!

[@libertarianlife3651]

When I was a young gear head kid there was "Hank the Crank" for all your custom crankshafts. Now I'm pleased to know the tradition lives on with "Joe the Crank" ! Neat as hell man. Thank You.

[@blakewerner4368]

relieving the pins! if i had only known that trick 40 years ago! thank you sir that was superb as usual.

[@notsofresh8563]

Couple thoughts: When trying to line up on one of the four holes, In situations where you need a very small rotation, attaching a handle like a strap wrench can give you better control. Even a simple pin spanner in 2 unused holes. The longer lever allows you to move it small amounts more precisely. Also, assuming your machine is in good shape, you could put a center into the tailstock and use it to line up the hole on center. This could also be done with the compound. Put a center into the toolholder, swap out the eccentric collet for a straight one with a small hole. Align the center in the toolpost with the center of the normal collet. Set a zero on the DRO, then move the center away from the chuck. Reinstall the eccentric collet. By putting the toolpost center into one of the holes and then tightening the collet, you will be really close to bang on.

[@joepie221]

I agree. having a good solid start reference would accelerate the process. A dead or live center would work well.

[@P40BTomahawk]

Mr. Pieczynski, you're a true master. I just learned something I often wondered about. Thank you.

[@joepie221]

Thanks for watching.

[@johndifrancisco3642]

This is something that I never made, seen made or thought of making. It was SO cool to watch and thank you.

[@CaptainSwoop]

Well that was absolutely fascinating. You're a top operator Joe. There is always something neat or clever coming out of your bag. Thanks.

[@joepie221]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markh2128]

That is truly awesome! Excellent craftsmanship.

[@thefixerman1]

Hi Joe, I always look forward to seeing a new video released on your channel as I know I will learn a new technique and something very useful. This video is absolutely brilliant. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills with us - up there with the very best machining videos out there on You Tube!

[@nectouxpierre4634]

Very nice method Joe for eccentric work. In Europe we have the same collet but in W or F style of collet. I never done eccentric work with collet only with 4 jaws. Your method is mor efficient than the 4 jaws Pierre

[@lescotta7427]

Now that's so so awesome. Now I'll have little cranks here there and everywhere. Thanks Joe great work as always!!!!!

[@warrenjones744]

Another excellent technique Joe. The indicator centering trick is a handy idea I will keep in they back of my mind. Cheers

[@joepie221]

Its a very good way to assure your orientation is right where you need it.

[@Vinlaell]

Absolutely incredible I did not think you could possibly make a camshaft with just a lathe

[@johno9507]

It's a crankshaft not a camshaft.

[@d.martins4471]

the collet trick was genius man, thanks for the idea!!

[@talkvideo9059]

Awesome of course. Is it too much to ask for a follow-up video on how to make the mini engine block, cylinder heads, camshaft, manifolds and valve train? Electronic ignition would probably work, so you can skip the carburetor. Thanks.

[@jameswilliams-tn2sf]

hey Joe I love your videos . and i miss doing machine work. i was a gunsmith but retired and have no way to make anything anymore . thanks once again .take care and keep making your videos .

[@dannywilsher4165]

I am going to try this first thing after I get another lathe. Harvey stole mine!!! Thanks Joe!!!

[@renecastro5356]

Very informative. Thank you for taking the time to create this video.

[@joepie221]

Thanks for watching.

[@culmalachie]

Well now, that's something different! My take on a small ( model ) crankshaft was using accurately cut sections of Chrome Rod Pinned together to look like what you've done - would have the added advantage of bored Oil galleries and would be using the 4 jaw chuck. Hmm you have shown up the simplicity of this over setting up the angles on the lathe chuck .... but wait ! I could do that using the Bridgeport and Stevensons collect holder, ( I think). Thanks for this - probably saves me some frustration . Best wishes!

[@camatbattler2233]

Would never have thought of doing a crank that way. Out of the box thinking again. Love it! Cam

[@johnlayzell4748]

your machining blows my mind I have a small lathe and am learning so much from you videos [I am a diesel mechanic of 30 years]

[@joepie221]

This is a trade where you can learn something everyday. I'm glad you get something from my material. Thanks for the support.

[@SpruceSculptures]

Joe, you hit the nail on the head in this one. You hit my hobby needs square on the head. Though I don't have lathe collets, I got the idea and it will be so useful to my machining abilities. The explanation of how to deal and use emergency collets was also very appreciated. Thanks...ya I do steam

[@katherinegordon901]

Thank you, love watching you work and all your different ideas. Please keep the little engine parts coming.

[@brucematthews6417]

Yet another great video. And not just for the crank idea. So many of your videos, as this one does, makes me think outside the box. And isn't that what much of machining is all about? I know that this will end up as a conversation item on your desk or the front counter but it would sure be a treat to see you build on this and create a 4 cylinder compressed air driven "steam" engine.

[@joepie221]

When I get a comment like this, I feel i picked a good subject to shoot. Feeding someone a thought they take and grow on is a real success. thanks for the comment. Also..I have always wanted to make a small V-8. I may just post a series on that topic.

[@jaketank3217]

Thanks Joe, I've never seen an e-collet used in this way. Great work!!

[@joepie221]

Thanks. They are very handy and often overlooked for anything outside straight bores for odd sizes..

[@blob_87]

Wow that was really awesome! Definitely going to remember this one

[@keithrees6437]

Keith Rees. England. Cheers Joe. More like this for us engine modellers.

[@ghl3488]

Must have missed this one Joe! Mesmerising as usual. I like the way you seem to break things down, you make it look like anything can be done. Learning so much so thank you so much Joe. Regards from Wales

[@joepie221]

Thanks for the comments.

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

Great work as always Joe! Thank you for sharing!

[@rayfalcone6897]

prieless,Joe you are phenominal.thanks for sharing

[@aaronyoung7242]

Incredible!!!!! Mined blown! I learned so much in this short video that I can employ on so many different things, thank you. A wealth of knowledge. Stuff like this is why I fell in love with machining!

[@joepie221]

Me too. Glad it was helpful!

[@SteamCheese1]

Oh... I never knew of this method. This more than enough for a hobbyist. Thank you!

[@Fr1day-RT]

That was very cool. I've done eccentric turning in a 3 jaw chuck before but I didn't have to index since it was the entire bore that was offset. We didn't have a 4 jaw chuck to fit the machine we wanted to use for it.-cheers

[@bencesarosi7718]

Looks like I watch this video at least once every year. Amazing work, Joe!

[@joepie221]

Thanks. Someday I'll make the rest of the engine. At least the block, pistons and rods.

[@bencesarosi7718]

@@joepie221 That'd be absolutely wild! I hope "someday" is not that far away.

[@mr1hander]

thats the clearest way ive ever seen this done, ive always been super intimidated by the thought of making a small engine crank..this video rocks man..than you

[@joepie221]

I plan on doing a miniature connecting rod video on the turntable. ( very detailed and very small ) Come back for that one.

[@mr1hander]

Joe Pieczynski You know I will

[@joebainter]

So cool I subscribed! Been a Machinist most my life, never had to do this and didn't know how it was done.

[@billy19461]

I always wanted to lear how to be a machinist but never had the chance to learn. Taught myself some things. Tried to explain to a machine station the difference between me and him and I finally showed him my tape measure and told him that was my mic. What you do is fascinating!

[@markrichardson239]

Joe, that was awesome! I always threw crank work out... but seeing how you went about indexing the offsets here just enlightened me. No, I don't do motor work at all.. but the technique, so simple ... I love it. Mark

[@stanwooddave9758]

That was a BIG TIME TEXAS WOW!! Great video, thanks so much for taking the time to teach us out here in KZbin land.

[@joepie221]

Thanks for watching.

[@skeeter50001]

Very good video as always Joe. The people that watch this just got another great lesson. Thank you for letting us enjoy some of your knowledge.

[@JRo250]

Hello Joe. You are really understating your work here, this is awesome! Very, very impressive. From technique to execution, it just flows naturally in a way that tell us all you've kinda done precision machining before ;-)

[@michaelegan6092]

As always excellent,been a machinist for years but you inspire me to get my finger out and DO SOMETHING, Thanks.

[@cameronmccreary4758]

I always use emergency collets for small odd parts; one can fixture them in the collet then turn offset studs, pins etc. Very well accomplished.

[@joepie221]

They are very handy when nothing else will do.

[@middleway1885]

Bloody well done... more please, and thank you.

[@josephchiarella4769]

That was really was amazing, you made it look so easy, I learnt so much watching you thanks.

[@grahameblankley3813]

Hi Joe, Enjoyed it, this is a very clever way to get the crank positions timed & journals true then you get balance, good work joe ,thanks from U.K Coventry.

[@Preso58]

Oh, how I wish I could part off in my lathe like Joe does. Nice work!

[@karlvella7627]

Mark Presling hi mark yes joe parting tool are quite perfect. He have a video how you can do it... I have done it also and the work now is coming out like it was a butter... thanks to joe...

[@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760]

Karl, thank you. I need to find that video. My parting is seriously terrible.

[@karlvella7627]

J Wilson Handmade Knives hi j wilson... find that video and you will found super tons of information about parting tool... joe explains in detail how to set the tool and everything..

[@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760]

Thank you Karl. I will search Joe's videos to find that one!

[@trackie1957]

You are so right - I'm a few weeks from retirement and looking forward to making chips making things I WANT TO MAKE!!! Learned a lot from you, thanks a lot!

[@brandontscheschlog]

So cool! I think I was one of the ones who asked you to do this. I believe you showed one of these when you were doing a video about your lathe. Thanks Joe! Now I know how to make crankshaft keychains and best of all how you did this!

[@joepie221]

Take one to an auto parts store and ask for a main bearing kit. tell them the crank is out of a smart car. Keep a straight face.

[@edvannerson3778]

woo, thanks. I needed a good laugh today!

[@hoppercar]

Excellent.....this is the way i made my crankshaft for my 1 1/2 scale kozo shay locomotive

[@siliquaesid703]

I could watch you work all day! A true Engineer!

[@joepie221]

Thank you.

[@BasementShopGuy]

You hope we enjoyed it?? Man I LOVED IT!! What a great video Joe.

[@joepie221]

Hey Brad. Thanks for stopping by. Did you ever get that new truck?

[@neilleach5249]

Thank you very much. Been away from machining for a while. Your video brings back all the good things I remember. Go well and stay safe!

[@Tools4Machines]

Thanks for sharing another great technique, Joe. Cheers, Gary

[@1AMERICANWORKER]

I built a 4 cylinder boxer engine that was about 5 or 6 times bigger than your demo. It was based on a 180 deg. 2 rod jurnal 1 1/4" stroke. I used the same center drill method as you but to keep the index I made a fixture for my face plate. I took the round blank and welded it to a piece of 3 1/2 inch square stock and milled it square and true. Then I put it on centers and bolted stops to the face plate using gauge blocks to space them out on the index sides and on the other sides they were set up as guides to keep the part square. To get my stroke on the rod jounals was set with 1 1/4 gauge blocks on the longer set of stops. And the center drill holes were used for tail stock and live center. The finished motor puts out a guestomated 10 hp on nitro but I have some inconel coming and I will be trying to make a pair of turbos on a manual mill.

[@glenj.taylor2938]

I talked my dad into getting a Subaru and your project sounds absolutely awesome! Do you have a website, or KZbin channel, or anything that displays your work?

[@ronpeck3226]

Thanks Joe, you are a jewel! Like the old Timex commercial said "Takes a licken and keeps on ticken!"

[@shannonstebbens6992]

Way simpler than the fixture I made for the last crankshaft (steam engine). I should've emailed you before I went down that rabbit hole; would've saved a lot of time and trouble.

[@TeamDoc312]

I remember having to make one of these the hard way in the Air Force, Marine Corp and Army Joint Service Machinist School in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 37 years ago!

[@twinstaged]

love those shots at the end. Make for great conversation pieces.

[@James-fs4rn]

now for the balancing. nice work as always.

[@cooperken11]

Thanks again for an awesome informative video. You’re always very clear and straight to the point and a brilliant teacher. I just hope you have a decent apprentice working under you that appreciates the opportunity he has to learn from such a master of his trade.

[@time7559]

Hey Joe you be the MAN I'am a relatively new subscriber and when there is over a foot of snow on the ground this winter I'm going take a week and sit in my easy chair in front of the fire place and watch all of your vids from begining to end. Including the AR vids that the PC gustopo forced you take down

[@beaubrowning7307]

Another trip up the Himalayas to ask the great Joe a question I've been pondering for weeks how to just the offset indexing to make a mini one-piece crank. Why do you make everything so simple and easy Joe!

[@joepie221]

I've made many trips up that mountain before you. thanks for the comment.

[@dennissimmons1348]

Thanks Joe I learn something as to methods, techniques and skills from every KZbin you post!!! Keep them coming Double thumbs up Doug

[@joepie221]

Thanks Doug. I try to include something useful in every one.

[@christurley391]

I wouldn't have expected indicating a tiny diameter hole. But instead a sacrificial milled square or a bolt on locator plate. Interesting solution as always Joe, thanks for sharing.

[@Gottenhimfella]

A cylindrical hole would not have been a good option, but a conical hole with tip relief (as you automatically get from a centre drill) is a great and very compact option for indicating, one I have never thought to use. Thanks, Joe!

[@jimbeaver3426]

Well planned and presented. Really enjoy your topics and clever solutions.

[@cdffreeman6663]

This is one of my favorites Joe!!! As usual Great Work !!!

[@BundyBearsShed]

I really enjoyed this video, learnt from it too, Good stuff.

[@johnlynch4655]

Love your videos Joe, even after 50 years as a toolmaker I still pickup a tip here and there.

[@joepie221]

Imagine if we could all share our years of experience with each other. Scary how clever we would all be afterwards.

[@georgelewisray]

Thanks so much for being there for/with us . . . . guess that soon reciprocating engine cranks will be an anacronism so we should start moving towards the parts/tech for electric motor drives ?

[@MalJ-eb7nv]

Mal. Thankyou Joe, I watch your vidoes as I Iearn so much as a hobby machinist. It also saves trying 221 times to get things as good as I strive for. Yes I undertook a good hobby machinist course at a technical college buy your experience and videos add significantly to my knowledge.

[@joepie221]

Great to hear. Thank you.

[@StripeyType]

This is awesome! It's basically what George h. Thomas (British postwar model engineer author with some *great* books) advises but way simpler. Ol' GHT suggested building two offset holders with setscrews to hold the work, one at each end, and center drilled for driving between centers. A lever-lock collet closer makes that so much faster! I wish I had one, but I make do with the chinese 5C collet chuck, which is very slow comparatively.

[@turningpoint6643]

Yep GHT, my favorite machining author by far. I'd recommend both his books to both amature and professional machinist's no matter how much experience they have. There's a whole lot of nuggets of information in his workshop manual.

[@StripeyType]

Totally agreed. I'm no professional, but the wealth of information is staggering. he makes me wish full size engine lathes were manufactured with t-slotted saddles the way the myford ML-7 was.

[@turningpoint6643]

:-) Now that's extremely funny. And I'm no professional either. But GHT's writings had a massive influence on me when I started looking for my last lathe and making a list of what I wasn't willing to do without. That t-slotted cross slide was high on the list just for it's vesatility. Lathes with the t - slots are out there, mines only 11" x 27" because I'm limited on weight and size in my shop. But larger ones with the slots are also made. Acer? I think makes some, and I think the new Clausing's might be. Mines certainly not Myford quality but it's ok even though I'd like better and larger. Likely the only reason they all don't have the T - slots is because it could weaken the cross slide and lifts the tool post a bit as well. I'll take that trade off to gain the extra versatility. Georges shop made adjustable horizontal boring bars, retractable tool holder, etc are the best designs I've seen anywhere.

[@chrisdemchalk3491]

Joe if possible could you do a deep dive into coolant options that you use. I find you have the perfect blend of analytical and practical. I just finished a 4140 project on my tormach that i wanted to shoot myself. I have mostly carbide tooling outside my drills and use fog or just air for chip evac. I saw many problems and just want to narrow them down. Would be great to get your read on material vs cutter type snd best recommendation on coolant/chip evac.

[@mudmansteve2]

Simply amazing. Always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@MrJugsstein]

Good to see your smiling face and I learnt something too. Bonus

[@nathanstahlwirth4823]

Thank you for sharing your very valuable knowledge.

[@Chubbza5]

That's really cool! I've always wondered how these were made. Let us see the whole build!

[@joepie221]

Hey Chubbza5, always good to get a comment from ya. Thanks for stopping by. I may do the connecting rods on the turn table and show that as well.

[@chrisj4570g]

Joe Pieczynski Yes please! I’d love to see the rods made.

[@randysmith106]

I second that! Yes Please!

[@davidmclean5067]

This is pretty fantastic! The last crank I built from drillrod and square stock. It was a hassle. I appreciate this immensely.

[@joepie221]

Glad it helped!

[@TheMadManPlace]

Very nice technique! Did a full size VW crank in the 70's and although it only has 2 off-sets it took days on a lathe using a 4 jaw and offset center holes on the other end. But we got there. After heat treating and grinding to size (and balancing) it could handle 10k RPM no problem. Got destroyed when the buggy went into a river and the motor hydraulic-ed, sad day but...

[@dmanco1]

Thank you Joe for sharing this technique. Inspiring.