Model steam engine cylinder block stud making

**thehomeengineer** · Dec 13, 2025, 10:34 AM

Hi All
Been a while since I’ve lasted posted, but have started back in the workshop after a long break.

I decided to make the cylinder block studs for my 3”scale Foden steam wagon and thought I would share the process I use.

There are three sizes and different lengths to suit the various items that need to be clamped to the block. The studs are variations of BA and made from stainless steel.

As I have a 5C collet system with a Acrogrip lever operated closer this speeds up the production of the studs. In conjunction with a Dickinson tool post I am able to use two individual tools in two tool holders at once to face and chamfer the stock. This also sets the datum length for the thread to be cut using the collet face

To cut the threads I prefer to use a Coventry die head however I only had a 4BA and 2BA set of chasers so the standard split die was used to cut the 5BA studs.

1/8” diameter stainless steel was used and a length was cut into four pieces so a stud could be cut on each end and then cut off to complete the second thread. Using this method allows 8 studs at a time to be produced.

Once the first thread is completed on each end of the stock it is transferred to the vice and cut with a hacksaw. A line is marked on the vice jaw to speed up this cutting process.

l modified the Acrogrip to accept my backstop that fits normally into the lathe spindle bore, the second operation can then be cut with the stud up against the stop and using the same process cutting, the stud can be machined to length and the second thread cut.

Hopefully the photos will help the explanation.