While frustrating to have to dig so deep into the table mechanism, the intimate knowledge you've gained if the mechanism is invaluable. Once repaired, the satisfaction of knowing the table is now "Right" is immeasurable. Great work, Adam!
In a society that is fixated on instant gratification, its such a refreshing sight to see someone take extra time to bring back to life, great items of a time past. You deserve so much applause ADAM! You truly understand what Patience is, & why it is so important!
It's one thing to buy a machine and have it work as advertised, but I tell you, there is no greater satisfaction than fixing something yourself and then have it work perfectly! It's like you and machine have bonded. Great show, Adam. Rich
Twelve hours of work today and it's good for another 50+ years. I know all the new cnc stuff is cool, but something about the big old iron just warms me up inside.. You can trust it. Really happy for you.
Sorry about your disappointment Adam, but I loved seeing all that table adjustment mechanisms. Great video and thank you for your work to make it for us.
Yup, take your time, it's good that you do stuff methodically. If something isn't right - better to take care of it now, rather than rush things. This is very interesting and we are impressed with your work both on the machine and on the video. All the best :)
Your videos are going to help train the next generation of machinist (myself included). You are setting one hell of an example, and showing us all those little tricks that make the job a little easier. You're also making me drool over the Starrett website, but that's another matter entirely. Seriously, the several hundred hours of videos you've shared are going to be a great help and example for thousands of machinists to come. You could make your own DVD series on tips and tricks for machinists just from the work you've put out already. The quality level is higher than some professional video producers, and much clearer. Once I can get my own machine shop built, I know I'll spend a lot of time just grabbing random bits of metal from around the shop and practicing the art of indicating on a lathe. Not to mention videos like this: showing that a machine in otherwise perfect working order can have serious problems requiring intensive work. You're a saint, Adam.
Seriously, seconded. I am a materials engineer, so geeking out on the machining mechanics and alloy properties and such goes without saying. Even more so though, I am so fantastically glad to have such a phenomenal resource for my professional life. I will never come close to being the caliber of machinist Adam is, but the work Adam has shown me and the projects he has gotten me through have emphatically made me a better engineer. I think through the operations required to make a part, whether I can machine it myself or not, to ensure I am making a part that is holdable, inspectable, doable in under a bajillion hours-able, doable without dropping 10k on new tooling-able, etc etc. And I %^(*ing listen when a better machinist tells me I have made mistakes on any of the above. Unlike certain department heads we could name. Or I have the basic human dignity to feel bad when I tell you "yea, we tried it with a regular hole pattern, that one blew up." (Seriously, sorry about that. Very sorry ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. At least I got them all off the same datum?)
Hey Adam, I really enjoyed this video. I have wondered what's on the inside of some of these machines, and in this video you showed a whole lot. It's great to see there wasn't some kind of catastrophic damage that was buried in the machine somewhere, and that you got it cleaned and tracking true again. What you seem to be missing, that the rest of see is, the fifteen year old boy who was taught by his father and grandfather. All those thousands of hours, have culminated into a guy with lots of knowledge, patience, understanding and the love of machine work. That is what's coming through along with the project you are currently working on. So keep'em coming.
When I bought my Logan tool room lathe the backgear was not working, I would engage the lever and nothing would happen. Took the top cover off the spindle gearbox and the back gear was missing it's grub screw so it was spinning freely on the shaft. I dug around in the grease and found the original grub screw. Thankfully it did not catch any of the gear teeth when it worked loose so no harm done. This video reminded me of that experience and made me smile. I love how these old machines are so easily serviceable and designed to be disassembled and repaired. They just don't make things like they used to.
That machine is like a living thing, it has a story and the occasional scars from a life in a different world, a world that is fading fast. You are the perfect person to wake it up and show it some kindness and understanding and to become a participant in this new chapter of it's life, it's one lucky shaper. Machines are like family members to some who have an affinity for these kinds of things. The modern machines of today may well have a character and personality but at this point in time they seem overly 'smart' and full of their own abilities, the shaper on the other hand is like a big old hound dog, not perfect but faithful and enthusiastic, waiting to be taken for a walk, not take you for a walk. Looks like you going to have to clean up some of it's messes off the floor too :)
Have really enjoyed watching how you have carefully moved forward with the use of this old machine. You mentioned your passion for old machines, I can relate. It shows in your detailed care. Have to say that although there was a bit of a glitch that prevented you from running the machine and cost you a days work, it all came together vary well for you. I would never of had such fortune and probably would of had to make a part that had been lost. Thanks for the video.
Brilliant episode. One of my favourites. Don't know why but it is intensely satisfying to find a fault on some big iron and fix it. Cleans up lovely too, especially cast iron and for it to operate so smoothly afterwards is the cherry on top. Ticks all the boxes for me! Nice job, look forwards to seeing what it can do especially with you driving it. Cheers, Steve.
This is why I watch your videos. What a great video on how to correct so many years of abuse and neglect. Imagine the guys ahead of you trying to use that machine, and in some cases simply using the technique of "if it doesn't fit, force it" and if it breaks it was probably junk and needed to be replaced anyway. The engineers that designed and built this machine were absolutely brilliant. I am so looking forward to seeing this machine in operation. Great job of analyzing and repairing this great machine. Thanks again for sharing all this work and expertise with us.....Ken
This reminds me of working with my father . we would get a new machine in and go through it to get it up and running the last one we did was a Brown and Sharp surface grinder.. We had to remove the magnetic Chuck and table the same way..but unfortunately we never finished it.... Rest in peace Dad...
Thanks Adam, I have just got an old G&E that really needs a clean up. Watching your videos has helped me to see how I will go about the refurbishment of my machine. I have gone through all you old videos, watched each one more than once to prepare myself for what I am up against. It is so nice that you share with others your work! I hope to capture some of my journey on video as well. Thanks again!
Wow... another problem and as always you take it easy and get it fixed in the right way. I admire your professional entrance to such problems. The premium for such repairs must be the pleasure of knowing that the machine can last for many years and that you get to know the machine 100%. The chips come when it's time .. Thanks for another amazing video .. Henry Lerche Rasmussen Denmark
Sometimes we run into such problems like you ran into in this video. I have to compliment that it did not hold you back. I love that you dont give up but keep pushing to get it done and done right.
Thank you Adam! I just bought a 16” universal G&E that was going to be scrapped. I’m not a machinist like you but love it! I am retired heavy equipment mechanic.
You are truly a master, this shaper will be a masterpiece. Thank you for your videos, we all should have your level of professional quality in our work and restoration. I hope my kids will (someday) understand what you are.
This is literally the story of any machine that I have added to my shop.....it takes time/effort to get things running right; but the reward is awesome in using a machine that will last several lifetimes when properly cared for. Thanks for taking us along (I've always wondered what the innards of a universal looked like).
I can't wait to see some chips! I've been excited about the G&E shaper since you first talked about it. I live about 30min from York PA, so this one was close to home. I used to work at a steel fabrication shop, and we had four 36" shapers with the follower attachments we periodically used to make steel road bridge bearings. Those shapers made the biggest chips out of all the machines we had and I'm so excited to see one in action again!
These are my favorite types of jobs. Taking a machine that has been forgotten and giving it some love and bringing it back to its original glory. Simply cleaning, filing, scrubbing , and lubing, makes all the difference in the world.
Great episode, Adam! You are an excellent steward of this equipment and clearly it will be at full kettle in short order. You're also teaching us while you learn about it. Great work!
Late to the party I am. Nice video Adam. Well that kinda sucked that it had issue. But you fixed it proper and learned more about the table than you would have otherwise. She looks good to go now. I love how the universal tables pivot so easy even with a 250lbs vise setting on it.👍 Great Job as always.
I'm glad you did ths video a couple of yrs ago, I just aquired a G & E 16" shaper not in as good a shape, came up to Kansas from Texas, had sit out in the weather over a yr+ down there, I'm happy to get one built during the War years. I have the same table, though rusted more but seems to function good. Its built of some very good metal because its mainly surface rust. Had it only three days still on the trailer and have almost all the functions broke free. Shop Vac-ed out 4 gal of water with muddy sediment . How you restore yours is a giant benifit to me but I have a lot more to clean & trim it up to do. Thanks buddy, your a blessing.
Adam, short term pain for long term gain, it is annoying when things like this happen but now that it is done you won't have to worry about the table anymore, great oppotunity to actually see what is in the table assembly on the shaper, they built them real solid that's for sure.
I can’t imagine how the bolt was damaged. Can anyone explain? Adam, between you and Tubalcain I can actually machine now without too many mistakes. Thanks so much. Marv Linke
On the positive side, had it not been bust you wouldn't have given it the overhaul it needed and us without that peek inside an amazing old machine. Thanks!
I like polishing stuff bright too. That half cylinder of metal was way cool, it's amazing that such a massive hunk of metal can be turned into a tool. You rock dude!
I never cease to be amazed by how beefy they used to make them. Those are some mighty castings for sure. Once again, a chain hoist turns out to be the most valuable tool in the shop
This a wonderful example of what to do when something isn't working correctly. So many kids, adults, and so called professionals just say f it and don't fix the issue and it drives me crazy.
There is one guy I know, sinks his teeth into computer hardware and software just like you do with this old shaper. He gets as much satisfaction with the electronics as you do with your shop repairs. The guy I refer to has been able to turn trash into profitable equipment. Different trades, same analytic and practical application. I was fortunate to be able to work with that guy. Love your shows because they show the same problem-solving skills and knowledge.
Another great vidio Adam. I've been going backwards through them. One thing I really appreciate (one of many understand!) Is the still photos you run at the end of the vid. It gives me a chance to pause the play and really analyse what I'm looking at. Thanks.
Fantastic video as usual. What really is amazing is your patience and commitment to this project. Really nice to have people like you in this world willing to share.
Great work on the repairs Adam. You never know what you'll come up against when getting old machinery up and running. But it did give you the opportunity to learn about how it's put together and more great video.
What a bummer that you couldn’t get too operate your new metal shaper. From watching all your videos. I am pretty sure you can hardly wait to start using the shaper.That was really great that the fork for the screw for tilting the table was inside the table. I am patiently waiting for the first run of this shaper.Then I will be patiently waiting for you too use it on a project. Every Saturday I patiently wait for you new videos. Good luck with your new man toy.
Your love, care, and respect of these machines is inspirational. These videos should be part of the national archive, so that future generations may forever see the expertise and devotion that was needed to build our way of life. I would love for a properly conducted interview with you to be archived in the library of Congress as well. You're something else brother, and I sincerely hope you're aware of that.
Good Job Adam! every little bit helps heal that machine. I know it's frustrating now...but when you get done, you know the machine well and it will be working well. It's all good and all learning! Thank you for taking us along for the ride!
Adam I love watching your videos on what you make and build and now you will have inspired me to do lead work and you have a fantastic set up and your business will grow bigger and bigger and I am glad you show us your videos what you build and make keep it up Adam regards Jonathan law.
I've read many of the comments and me included. So all of us have our noses glued to the screen while our significant others are patiently waiting for us to finish the video while Adam studies and then removes the broken screw. She finally mentions it's time to shut done the video and your trying to explain about Adams "broken screw". And she replies "Let Adam worry about his screw and you worry about yours".
Adam great video. The reason the bolt was broken off was that someone try to tilt the table with it clamped down. The worm gear moved in the bore against the clamp side loading the bolt until it broke. You always will have to loose the clamps before you rotate the table.
Thank you! I have almost the exact same shaper in the 16 inch tool room model. Not only are your vids the best, I get to see you work on my machine. :))
Excellent video, very interesting seeing the inside of the shaper with your detailed analysis of how it all works. And, you are a perfect example of "get-er-done". Thank you.
Im sure it was a PITA when you faced the problem - but well worth the time and effort to get that table off and checked over - now you know how it goes together, where the lube' points are and more importantly that its all in good working order now. Great video Adam & thanks for letting us see how those universal tables go together. You have to admire the guys that made & machined those castings along with the designers that created the mechanism. All the best Mat
Super-interesting! For most of us, the only way to see the guts of this machine would be a factory tour; oops, no more factory. Thanks for a most informative episode.
Sorry to see your first cuts being delayed! It was very cool to see that table being taken apart and cleaned down though, especially nice seeing that table rotate all the way around like that. I think they are very nice mechanisms and I doubt there's much footage like this out there. Very satisfying to see it running nice and smooth now.
Beautiful American made metalwork! I surmised that you'd have more maintenance to do on the fore end before getting to make those first chips,but better safe than sorry. You two fit like hand and glove,better kept together
I was hollering at you. Surprised you didn't jump. "There it is!! Busted bolt!!" Hehhehe.... I got into this one, whole hog. Good work man, that is a beauty.
Hi Adam, Thank you for sharing your projects at work, truly a recognized craftsman at your workplace. Nice shots of the gearbox, nice to see the finished product and intent. Now back to that G&E Shaper. I thought myself it was too good to be true to see Big Chips being made so soon, but really it was the sharper was screaming out to you to look at its table. Nice find and obviously needed some attention before the Chips could really fly. Thank you for sharing the table rebuild, that truly was awesome. Your upcoming teaser is going to be tough to hold out for but obviously we'll be waiting to see the chips fly another day. Thank you and god bless and my prayers go out to your local families in Florida. Craig Calgary, Alberta, Canada
