Basic Milling Machine Operation

with Steve Chellis

This video is a demonstration and discussion of the basic operation of a vertical spindle milling machine. Included are: setup, the use of different cutters, center and edge finders, boring heads, drilling, sine plates, milling a spherical shape using a rotary table, gear cutting with an index head, and a variety of other applications. Written notes on gear making and cutting a spherical radius plus a detailed drawing are included. VHS approximately 1 hr.

 

Order #VTBMM1 ........... $32.95 plus shipping

Basic Metal Lathe Operation (And More) Volume I

with Steve Chellis

A master machinist discusses and demonstrates metal lathe fundamentals. Layout, setup, facing, offset turning, boring, thread cutting, tool grinding, and more. Use of the three-jaw self-centering chuck and steady rest are used to pick-up a damaged center and to cut an external thread. The four-jaw independent chuck is used to turn down, face and bore and eccentric and to turn down and drill an offset nipple on a steam chest. Use of dial indicators and center finders are shown as well as a discussion of recommended tools to get started. Drawings and a chart are included. VHS 61 minutes.

 

Order #VTBML1 .................................................... $32.95 plus shipping

Basic Metal Lathe Operation Volume II

This is "Volume II" of the video title Basic Metal Lathe Operation (and More). Demonstrations of additional operations that were not included on the first tape are shown such as: use of soft chuck jaws, making extension and compression springs, collets and their application, the use of internal and external grinders on the lathe. As in Volume I, the viewer is encouraged to refer to a basic lathe operation textbook and use it along with the video.

 

Order #VTBML2 ................................................ $32.95 plus shipping

Greensand Casting Techniques (Volume II)

with John S. Dilsaver

This video builds on the information presented in Volume I to show three more advanced techniques of mold making. The split pattern is fine when one has a straight parting line such as on a flywheel, but how is an irregular parting line handled? This is demonstrated using a pattern follower to make a mold of an "L" shaped yoke with a parting line that has a 90 degree curve in it. Second, how are hollow castings made? Industry uses a variety of methods that are beyond the scope of home foundry practice. A very simple method to do this is the greensand core. It is well suited to the home foundry for this purpose. Using a two piece pattern and a piece of pipe as an arbor the video demonstrates a process known as "booking" or "book molding" the viewer is shown exactly how this is done. Third, what about making a number of small parts? The use of a type of pattern known as a "matchplate" is used in this case. With this method halves of a number of split patterns are carefully aligned and attached on opposite sides of a board (plate). Runners or gating forming a path for the molten metal to follow are added to this. The matchplate is then used to make a greensand mold. This technique is well adapted to short production runs and is almost a must when casting many small parts. Using the same format as Volume I, this video was taken in a rural setting that is more like a blacksmith shop than a machine shop. VHS 42 minutes.

 

Order #VTGCT2 .................... $ No Longer Available

Steam Engine Video

Rudy Kouhoupt, long time editor at Home Shop Machinist Magazine, has put together a complete set of video instructions that take you from start to finish in building a small steam engine. The VHS video itself runs 3 hours and 38 minutes and offers a wealth of information on machining. With the video you get a set of dimensioned plans which detail each individual part. You also get a complete bill of materials showing you which raw materials you will need to assemble before starting.

 

This is the perfect way to build your first steam engine. It's like having a machinist with 30 years of experience standing by your side while you turn the handles and crank out the parts. And when you are done, you will not only have built your confidence level and gained a lot of very valuable machining skills, you will also have a beautiful working steam engine for your office, den or coffee table.

 

Order #5328 ..................................................... $ 60.00 (plus shipping)

Build an Oscillating Steam Engine from Castings

This video is based upon the Model 2A (click to see our kits web page) oscillating steam engine casting kit. Ideal for the hobby machinist with some experience yet may be a little intimated by a box of castings. Done by Steve Chellis and Bob Bailey in a very relaxed informal way. The viewer is shown how to approach the project using a very logical straightforward method. From layout to setup to machining, the video shows the key steps without being repetitious. When completed you will not only have a beautiful little steam engine, but will also gain a lot of confidence and knowledge about the whole process. So much fun you may want to order two casting kits instead of one. VHS 60 minutes.

 

Order # VTBSEC .......................................... $24.95 (plus shipping)