Machining a space shuttle main injector in 1977 - photo

**Jon** · Mar 16, 2019, 03:15 PM

Machining a space shuttle main injector in 1977.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...r_fullsize.jpg

Previously:

Space shuttle thermal tile - GIF and video
How astronauts sleep on the International Space Station - GIF
International Space Station tools
2016 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Research and Technology Report - PDF + images

**Toolmaker51** · Mar 16, 2019, 08:20 PM

How about the tooling behind the workpiece?
Now THAT's a spindle indexer!
Even if it's only a manifold, didn't originate without indexing...still only 1977.

**KustomsbyKent** · Mar 17, 2019, 08:30 PM

I'd be so worried about making a mistake on that one!!! especially as you get closer and closer to the end. Respect for that guy!

**Jon** · May 31, 2019, 09:20 AM

Milwaukee rotary head mill with J-33 turbine setup. Glenn Research Center. 1950.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...l_fullsize.jpg

**Toolmaker51** · Jun 1, 2019, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by Jon

Milwaukee rotary head mill with J-33 turbine setup. Glenn Research Center. 1950.

Toolmaker51 says "This remains the single most intriguing machine tool; in operation and ability to contour with minimal setup."
I too, affixed a rotary table to extend range in replicating iron speed change pivots of Bridgeport type mill. When imported versions first appeared, their interpretation was a poor casting. Even C1018 8" x 1.5" improved that situation; that I made near 30 years ago still operative 100%.

**Ralphxyz** · Jun 2, 2019, 09:59 AM

I'd love to see a video/movie of it in action!

Ralph

**Toolmaker51** · Jun 3, 2019, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by Ralphxyz

I'd love to see a video/movie of it in action!

Ralph

Well,I looked but didn't turn up one I expected to head the list. It's about 1955 from K&T itself, about 20 minutes. It's the only one that puts it through its paces, albeit a demo.
The regular you-tubers playing with them pretty clueless what they are messing with. EVERY-body's a producer or net-star these days, credentials or where-with-all be damned.