Free 186 More Best Homemade Tools eBook:  
Get 2,000+ tool plans, full site access, and more.

User Tag List

Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Steam-powered machine shop

  1. #1
    Jon
    Jon is offline Jon has agreed the Seller's Terms of Service
    Administrator
    Supporting Member
    Jon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Colorado, USA
    Posts
    25,451
    Thanks
    7,928
    Thanked 38,621 Times in 11,284 Posts

    Steam-powered machine shop

    From David Richards on YouTube:


    186 More Best Homemade Tools eBook

  2. The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to Jon For This Useful Post:

    C-Bag (Aug 27, 2016), chainsawd (Dec 26, 2021), gunsgt1863 (Apr 29, 2018), Hayson (Sep 18, 2016), jjr2001 (Sep 18, 2016), Paul Jones (Sep 19, 2016), PJs (Sep 19, 2016), rendoman (Mar 5, 2017)

  3. #2
    Supporting Member C-Bag's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    California, central coast
    Posts
    720
    Thanks
    689
    Thanked 876 Times in 471 Posts

    C-Bag's Tools
    Thanks for posting that Jon!

    It's remarkable how little pressure I takes to run the one device. For a one man shop that would definitely be a lot of work but shows how it was done before electricity. I will definitely subscribe.

    2000 Tool Plans

  4. #3
    Supporting Member Toolmaker51's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Midwest USA
    Posts
    5,330
    Thanks
    7,041
    Thanked 2,977 Times in 1,892 Posts

    Toolmaker51's Tools
    Stunning. That twenty minutes went by too quickly. I'd be interested to know if he runs primarily commercial or self generated projects. Like C-Bag, I've got to get on the list for his postings. Is he an HMT'er? Should be. His humble manner about a first youtube video struck me, way better than many of the theatrical efforts we see there; perfect focus, depth of field and clear diction. And though unscripted, it's evident he is knowledgeable and comfortable with the subject, certainly had many 'guests' to polish that delivery. I want to see the mill run! What really lit me up was when the camera panned to the second lathe, the 16". Immediately said to myself "That's an American". Sure 'nuff! Gramp's to my 1954 Pacemaker!
    The work ethic and no nonsense atmosphere is much like what 'the building' might capture sans steam. It shows me there are interested parties, that's a market. I won't care how small, so long as they're loyal more will follow.
    Sincerely,
    Toolmaker51
    ...we'll learn more by wandering than searching...

  5. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Toolmaker51 For This Useful Post:

    C-Bag (Aug 29, 2016), Paul Jones (Sep 19, 2016), PJs (Sep 19, 2016)

  6. #4
    Supporting Member C-Bag's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    California, central coast
    Posts
    720
    Thanks
    689
    Thanked 876 Times in 471 Posts

    C-Bag's Tools
    Did it seem like he had always had this setup, or had he pieced it together?

    I had read during WWI they went around and bought up and scrapped all the old steam equipment. Not only for metal for the war effort but also phase steam out to bring everything up to electricity and oil. I've always been very curious about steam and when I first was able to get on the net I couldn't find much about it. But as time has gone on there is more and more info with forums etc. it's really interesting to see it in action. While it does kinda scare me seeing all those belts flying around I guess it like anything else in a shop you have be aware and keep your wits about you.

    Did you guys see the other thread about the Amish air powered work shop? I don't think it would work as the steam for like the lathe and mill. I didn't see how they were running the compressor. Was it steam too?

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to C-Bag For This Useful Post:

    Toolmaker51 (Sep 19, 2016)

  8. #5
    PJs
    PJs is offline
    Supporting Member PJs's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Northern CA
    Posts
    1,841
    Thanks
    8,333
    Thanked 1,118 Times in 718 Posts

    PJs's Tools
    I was totally enthralled by this and subbed his channel...it'll be a fun binge watch. Like TM said his demeanor is what sets him and this stuff apart from the other mainstreamers. Wondering if it's actually a working museum of some kind? The pre 25' machines and boiler/engine and belt system were beautiful, well kept, amazing and seen pictures of that stuff before but never running~@!@~ A real treat! What lit my candle though was the boring bar forged by a blacksmith, who knows how long ago...Oh My!

    C-Bag,,,heading that way now...

    Thanks Jon for posting this!! ~PJ
    ‘‘Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.’’
    Mark Twain

  9. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to PJs For This Useful Post:

    C-Bag (Sep 19, 2016), Toolmaker51 (Sep 19, 2016)

  10. #6
    Supporting Member Paul Jones's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Del Mar, California
    Posts
    1,231
    Thanks
    5,810
    Thanked 1,440 Times in 655 Posts

    Paul Jones's Tools
    I have been watching David Richards' YouTube channel since he went live last year and have gained a lot of knowledge that is ageless no matter what era you are working in. David provides a wonderful explanation of the horsepower rating of stationary steam engines and the torque they produce. That small steam engine is pretty powerful. It is amazing when he has a couple of machines running and machining at the same time and having to be watched. You have to know what you are doing in this shop.

  11. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Paul Jones For This Useful Post:

    C-Bag (Sep 19, 2016), PJs (Sep 20, 2016), Toolmaker51 (Sep 19, 2016)

  12. #7
    Supporting Member jotasierra's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    país Argentina, provincia de San Juan
    Posts
    118
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 13 Times in 13 Posts

    jotasierra's Tools
    que espectaculo de taller "A VAPOR":cerveza:

  13. #8
    Jon
    Jon is offline Jon has agreed the Seller's Terms of Service
    Administrator
    Supporting Member
    Jon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Colorado, USA
    Posts
    25,451
    Thanks
    7,928
    Thanked 38,621 Times in 11,284 Posts

  14. #9
    Supporting Member Frank S's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Peacock TX
    Posts
    11,179
    Thanks
    1,974
    Thanked 8,766 Times in 4,195 Posts

    Frank S's Tools
    Take special not of the young apprentices in the foreground
    Never try to tell me it can't be done
    When I have to paint I use KBS products

  15. #10
    Jon
    Jon is offline Jon has agreed the Seller's Terms of Service
    Administrator
    Supporting Member
    Jon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Colorado, USA
    Posts
    25,451
    Thanks
    7,928
    Thanked 38,621 Times in 11,284 Posts
    Good point. Mostly kids, and some teenagers.

    I'm all for children working - just in small doses, and in safe conditions. I was a paperboy when I was a kid. I don't even know if those exist anymore.



    186 More Best Homemade Tools eBook

  16. The Following User Says Thank You to Jon For This Useful Post:

    Paul Jones (Dec 8, 2017)

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •