Using the line borer to machine external shafts

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In this video I make an external adaptor for my portable line boring machine to allow me to turn a shaft back to round while in situ.
The first job is to profile cut out a block of 30mm steel to use as the billet. The block is then put into the milling machine to have all 4 sides face milled. Next a 38mm hole is drilled and reamed out to 40mm. 2x16mm holes are then drilled through with a slot drill to mark where the edge of the slot needs to be milled, the slot is then milled out. The clamping bolt hole is drilled and tapped then the opening slot is sliced through with the grinder.
Next job is to make the tool post. This is made out of 35mm round bar. An m16 bolt hole is drilled and tapped into the end of the shaft and then a corresponding slot is milled onto the end to match the slot in the block. The 12mm hole for the tool is drilled and also a m8 hole for the grub screw to retain the tool.
Now that’s completed, the line boring bearings are mounted onto the packer roller using the original bolt hole in the middle to align them. The bearings are welded into place and the line borer is mounted on.
The shaft is cut back to remove some of the old weld, it is then built back up with 3 runs of new weld and then machined back down to 50mm
Thanks for watching!
Hope you enjoyed the video.

[@daftDAFdriver]

Any machine shop suppliers out there to sponsor some machines for the guy, he is a top class fabricator, 👍 who agrees

[@nerddub]

or maybe a set of gage blocks at least, to start

[@mikepaul3959]

For a few years I've been watching several other guys that "were" as resourceful as him. Unfortunately, as KZbin made them stars they have been able to afford new equipment, tooling and even buildings. I say unfortunately because with all the new gear they are no longer solving problems but are just another modern machine / welding / repair shop and no longer nearly as interesting.

[@bradleyjames3709]

I do.

[@rgthomson1]

I defo agree, i been in fab shops and they dont do anything like this standard

[@edswider9309]

I do

[@mfc4591]

Brilliant work. This is what its about, a true artisan making a plan to fix the problem instead of just tossing stuff on the scrap pile.

[@dougdelane3642]

That's brilliant, when I see people able to accomplish this level of thought and actually transfer it, into real world applications. Simply brilliant.

[@johnlundh4122]

I'm impressed. It's nice to see it's possible to make the repairs that Oliver does. He obviously has a feeling for machining and problem solving. Im guessing it is a lifetime habit for him.

[@madeljacky]

Here's a guy who can think outside the box, well done my man, even the amount of making that went into making the cutting tool set up is a job on its own, I'm very well impressed. Your Elliott milling machine is the same as my one, its an Elliott Victoria V2, great sturdy machine.

[@bobkonigsberg6907]

I'm always glad to see someone who thinks outside the proverbial box. Impressive!

[@glennbrown1961]

Who said manual machining was dead! Outstanding thinking outside the box. My old machining instructor would love you. He was always getting me to solve weird problems with oddball setups. Even down to pulling the headstock off a lathe and bolting it to a large weldment to machine a spot. Didn't have access to all the modern tooling then. Love your videos. Only found your channel a few weeks ago. Great job! Cheers and G'day from Tasmania.

[@robertlong9029]

That was a fantastic job. The world needs more thinkers like you! Impressive

[@Highlandwoodandmetal]

What I really like is that you show 'some' of the thinking and setting up time needed to produce anything. If I got paid for all the times I was told 'it's only..' or 'can you just...' Great work as always!!!

[@richardtobias192]

Without having every machine, you get the job done. Genius, young man

[@2nickles647]

Thinkers that think out of their boxes to get jobs done and always looking forward to improving their skills. Thank you young man.

[@toxichank6960]

Here, Here. I second that. I have to go back and watch more of your content.

[@robertcrossley9803]

conception to completion, this video kept me riveted to the end. Ingenuity at it's best without having to resort to buying loads of new tooling. Great video thank you

[@bobhudson6659]

You are the type of person when others say it can't be done, bring it here and we'll see. As others have said, good problem solving skills, really good. For a non machinist you also do very well. As for surface finish the carbide tip needs to be on centre line. The tool holder was centred but the carbide cutting tip was above the centre of the arm you fabricated/machined. Some offsetting and you'll be right.

[@MotoRestoFL]

Now that is clever. I really was surprised that handled a 2mm depth of cut. Really a great example of ingenuity.

[@ralflisell3287]

I really like the way you solve problems, Mr Snowball! One can spend a million quids on fancy devices, but still just end up in the same spot as you do. And your ways are probably faster!

[@waynedunne4507]

Excellent work snowy. Great to watch a young fella thinking and working out the needs he requires and then producing the items! Keep it up old mate. Cheers n beers

[@Spinnaker617]

Hello! Machinist 40 years here and my career is nearly at an end. Performing field machining with a line bore rig is highly sought after and you will be very successful! Brilliant work sir! 👍

[@brendancrowley9283]

Snoball engineering excellent on a budget 8

[@tntltl]

You've got some major ingenuity. All success to you.

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday, I’d call that a big win and a job well done, on my Cincinnati mill which would be around the same era as you mill, it’s got it own gear pump, I run soluble oil in it with no trouble at all, I’d say you could do the same with yours, the line borer you made does a brilliant job mate, cheers

[@AW-Services]

Morning Olly. Another great Video of problem solving and classic engineering

[@warrenjones744]

Well done Oliver! It's aways amazing what what a person can come up with when they color outside the lines. aka.. think outside of the box. Like you pointed out, not the most rigid set up, but the job got done nicely. I have a short bar with a 1" hole in the end for accessories and I have done similar repairs using a milling machine boring head and a cantilevered setup. I really enjoy and admire your creativity and get it done attitude. Cheers

[@ShainAndrews]

27:11 With your tool holder hole dead center your insert contact point is elevated. Which is fine so long as you have enough relief behind the insert. With the cutter above center line the work is always rising into the tooling so it takes more relief than what is typically used. You can make your own HSS inserts... although that does open another can of worms.

[@sackvilleweldingservices]

Quite the task that young squire. Great work as usual!

[@catabaticanabatic3800]

The local farming community are lucky to have you watching their backs. It's all about the rigidity. Those box section standoffs were a bit of a no-no. Other than that,your re-designed ,sturdier legs will sort it. Should be well proud of yourself .

[@deechase5195]

Congratulations! I don't know anyone who could have done that. It is a lot of weight hanging. Probably results in the finish. Heavier studs a must and maybe consider an adjustable floor stand of some kind for support. Unbelievable job!!

[@gbentley8176]

Good video as always. Glad to see your transwave is performing well. Bought one for my home workshop when they were new to the market decades ago and it has never faltered. Best wishes.

[@thompsonschwabbel6622]

i subscribed instantly 5 sec into to video. *This* is the content we need on this platform, not reactions to reactions to reactions. Thanks for your time and your effort man, keep it up!

[@gerryboard6615]

Necessity has, and always will be, the mother of invention. If you don't have a tool for the job.......make one. Good video.

[@Invinciblemoam]

Great setup! A counterbalance may help with surface finish too, on your fist trail run you could hear the motor tone changing without the tool touching anything. Possibly a new slotted backplate with more mass opposing the cutting tool slot could help 👍

[@BurnAndHackett_RC]

I was thinking the same myself, perhaps more of a pear shaped adapter with the tool holder at the narrow end and the shorter wider end to act as a counterbalance without drastically reducing visibility or access to the cutting tool.

[@boydovens4180]

Heres an idea make the three attaching arms different diameters , hopefully that helps get rid of the vibration .

[@ToreDL87]

Or just slap it at the back of a crankshaft and call it a day.

[@charlietabone6162]

You’re a clever fella and a very skilled fella, excellent job which not too many could do without your home-made tool

[@peterhall6656]

This was the pinnacle of resourcefulness. Despite sub -par equipment and no gauge blocks etc etc you managed to do it in situ. Really top drawer stuff.

[@noelconnor8539]

Snowey you are THE MAN.😊😊😊,PURE GENIUS THAT LETS NOTHING GET THE BETTER OF YOUR SKILL & ENGINEERING PROWESS

[@hrenes]

pure genius, hats off!

[@paddymickiemickie8221]

First time viewing your channel As a bloke who spent 25 years line boring in Western Australia You are obliviously innovative and prepared to give it a go We used Climax boring gear bore welders etc We set up equipment to weld and machine the OD on Tamrock Pantera drill axles yes a bit larger diameter 130 mm and 260 mm In length ,did lots of them until new model of drill came on the market but that’s another story Yes you are correct Rigidity in your set up is very important it’s better to over engineer The other problem small engineering companies face with once off work, is costs as the costs of setting up for one or two jobs is generally prohibitive as it cuts into your regular work cycle Of course there’s the local effects and sometimes it’s your best customer is in a bind and there’s the good will etc Keep up the great work

[@Hey_Its_That_Guy]

Top work, Ollie. Pleasure watching you work!

[@BallBusta]

Solid work. Even the build up welds for the shaft were spot on.

[@wxfield]

I wish I had known this kind of engineering/repairs work was available when I was a young man back in University. This is the kind of work I would have rather done for a career rather than banging on a keyboard for some soulless corporation. Love the videos..living vicariously through them.

[@BrucePierson]

That was an incredibly difficult and tricky repair. The way you made that tool to work externally on the line borer was brilliant. With the modifications to the tool that you mentioned, it will be ready for the next time you get a job like that. Not having a giant lathe meant thinking outside the box, so to speak, to come up with a solution that worked well.

[@johnwhite6899]

Brilliant work I'm amazed how much engineering skill was needed even before the job proper could start.

[@davetaylor4741]

Absolutely bloody brilliant. A lot of work in set up for a relatively small job. But like you say. Now you have the set up to do similar jobs. All this new exposure. Should be quids in for you hopefully.

[@thepagan5432]

I think you did a marvellous job with that. Not easy having to do jobs out of the normal run of the mill, but utilising your line borer was an inspiration. The length of the cutter was probably the reason for the surface finish not being as good as you'd like. Having beefier supports, as you said, and reducing the length of the cutter bar out of the bearing housing should help. Thanks for posting mate, much appreciated, be safe, be well 👍

[@snowballengineering]

Thank you!

[@matthoward923]

It is just amazing what you can do with your old style manually operated machines. Brilliant

[@ls2005019227]

Excellent repair and tool build! Won't be too difficult to make some more rigid standoffs. Now, you just need to make a facing head for it, & you'll be set- Great job again and thanks for the video!

[@brucecliffe6213]

Smart thinking there Olley. That job would have had a lot of people thinking of doing it the hard way. Once again that line borer of yours has proven its value is way above its cost. Good work mate. Keep it up. Very enjoyable viewing. Cheers from Oz.

[@johnoler357]

From America. That was a genius solution. That customer was lucky to find you!

[@Arthur-ue5vz]

Massive kudos! Great job! Very innovative! Thanks for sharing an ingenious solution to a big problem! 😊

[@ydonl]

Many points for the creative thinking of the solution, and how to use your existing tools to implement the solution!

[@tomivy1052]

i could watch your videos all day long , great job. some really great machining talent !!!

[@DuncanAitken]

Awesome result, Oliver! Well done.

[@punduhmonium3663]

So cool that you built your own line borer... those were good videos.

[@donnowakowski4224]

Awesome work! Your ingenuity amazes me.

[@user-iy6de7qi1r]

Always a pleasure watching good welding technique!

[@normcameron2316]

Love the milling machine. That's a sturdy machine.

[@brianalder2234]

Nice one ! Nothing like making a tool to do the job first . Great vid.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@melbice9906]

That was brilliant, could rabbit on about it, but simply bloody brilliant. Thank you for sharing 🇦🇺

[@mariankosik9169]

Doskonała robota , znakomity pomysł na narzędzie do naprawy .Super!

[@gusviera3905]

That is a damn fine piece of kit. And I am sure your saved a couple thousand quid making it yourself. Well done, Oliver. Cheers.

[@beakittelscherz5419]

I think its awesome that your customers can see what you are actually doing. Thx for showing! Subscribed to the channel as well!

[@nmccw3245]

Not only did you add a string to your bow, you added an arrow to your quiver. Enough with the archery metaphors - great job Oliver. 😜🇬🇧👍🏻

[@upyours3457]

Great job, young man. I consider myself a 'Make it happen guy'. and I am totally impressed with the way you.MADE IT HAPPEN. :) Charlie

[@ronmcdavid7084]

you are a very clever and innovative problem solver, good work!

[@danielgriffith7694]

Excellent thought process on making the tooling to do that job 👍

[@theradioweyr]

Really impressed with the setup's rigidity!

[@jeremyah78]

Wow! The tooling set up and manufacturing is absolutely amazing!

[@TechOne7671]

Well done lad. It’s good watching someone who doesn’t have every machine known to man, instead overcoming problems and having solutions with what you have got. Good on you. Here is also a good example of poor maintenance by the farmer, shaft wrecked for the sake of a £50 bearing. I bet he only changes one side too!!😂😂😂

[@thelastreformationarizona8132]

Well done .. great video taking us along for the tool build and job.. I was taught always use cutting oil with reamers at low rpm and taps as well 😊 peace

[@johnkaup6382]

Mate that line borer is a really nice bit of work

[@eduardogarcia3049]

Subbed. No frills, just getting things done. Love it.

[@EL34XYZ]

That is awesome! Your DIY mount is genius!

[@TIREDOFEVIL]

Son, you have some mad skills there.

[@skrymerU]

An absolutely brilliant solution. Really, really cool.

[@alangraham4526]

Excellent effort considering the options! A thought I did have was a dowel pin center arrangement that would locate in the shaft to be machined and to a reamed hole in your boring bar this may negate the need for "heavier standoff legs" to reduce chatter? Anyway I am sure the client is well pleased that you are around!

[@mftmachining]

Very well thought out and brilliantly executed. Top-Job.

[@stratocaster1greg]

That was impressive. You are very talented. Thanks for sharing.

[@Longtimerolling]

Well done! I think Curtis would approve..

[@Manshedvince.]

Well done young man love the way you work ,TOP FABRICATOR 👌

[@williamweesner1191]

Amazing work! Very impressive!

[@davidmotoman4956]

Thinking outside the Box Makes for a Good Machinist! Job well done i say!

[@b.malnit8983]

Good job Oliver. Worked great!

[@padraiggluck2980]

Brilliant, Oliver. ⭐️

[@jimmacdonald9746]

Worked perfectly , great job 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@jrd02wilcox]

Very smart idea. Great video. Greetings from the great state of Alabama, USA.

[@bhoiiii]

Gorgeous engineering and work here. Happy to have found your channel. Cheers man.

[@QuietsailorNo1]

That's a brilliant idea and it adds extra purpose to a machine instead of having to buy a second machine to do the job. When you're using the dial guage to set the tool depth - the way you mounted the dial guage on the work piece meant you can pick up a small error if the tool bar swings as you are adjusting it. If you mount the guage onto the drive bar/drive arm it can't introduce an error as the guage will swing the same amount as the tool if it rotates.

[@jasdunlop9907]

Well done class job good to see someone thinking outside the box pure skill worth wile putting the time in making your own tools to help with up coming challenges keep up the good work

[@michaelbabatunde3915]

What an excellent idea, highly commendable.

[@Sydney268]

Nice work, you're a clever chap - you already clearly run a successful business, and I can see the channel doing well in the future also, so keep it up!

[@bostedtap8399]

Great job, innovative thinking, nice addition your line borer kit 👌. Thanks for sharing.

[@joeblow4639]

Damn! Talent and thinks outside the box.

[@tsheritageengineering]

We have an Elliott Victoria Universal and there is even less space under the head. For such a robust machine I thought there would have been more! Great work!

[@brandontscheschlog]

Im very impressed with your line boring tool.

[@thinking-monkey]

Amazing job, my friend! I didn't think it could be done but you did it and beautifully. I described this job to my brother who is a machinist for 20+ years and said I had an idea how it could be fixed, in situ, with a line borer. He told me it couldn't be done because there would be no way to a) know you were parallel to the shaft, and b) (the worst part) no way to make it rigid enough. Then I showed him this video and he couldn't believe it 🤣 He thought what you did was incredible.

[@dougwood6186]

First time watching one of your videos and must say I’m impressed . Liked your honest comments about what you could do better and you fast forward enough to stop it being boring but do enough real time to not lose the detail . Top job and your customer has to be pleased with that repair , must have saved $$ not having to cut out shaft and as you said with know idea how much that would take . I say top marks for thinking outside the box . Will be looking for more of your content thanks

[@rescobar8572]

Wow!! Excellent work! SUBSCRIBED!

[@astravanmk2]

Well done Sir! Another engineering triumph.

[@mattnoyes7729]

Fantastic ingenuity...great stuff!

[@Brainmalfuction]

Nice work man great video !

[@wilsonlaidlaw]

Brilliant improvisation.

[@hornetboy3694]

Awesome video, thank you .great job

[@bradanderson1627]

Hell of a job no doubt about it! 👍👍👍👍👍👍