The 'How-To' of a Shop-Made Rod Lathe Using Only Hand Tools

Richard Wetzel
January/February 1999
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS

2301 61st Street, Lubbock, Texas 79412-3320

RELATED CONTENT

Last fall, 1997, I sent pictures of a shop-made rod lathe using only hand tools, a ? inch drill motor and some welding.

You expressed interest, so I submit this article which might be of interest to your readers who need to re-babbitt their connecting rods during their restoration process.

The chassis is a Ford cylinder head, however, any block iron could be used, as long as it had a milled surface for the top, and a milled surface on the side and end, with each surface 90 degrees to each other.

On one end the chassis is supported with angle iron legs. The other end is supported with a plate ? inch thick with 6 inch width---to this plate 2 inch x 1 inch channel irons were placed ? inches apart--these channels are placed after the center line of the boring bar is established.

The 'V' block is made from 3 inch angle iron with a window through which the wrist pin end of the rod passes. The 'V' block is welded to a plate which adjusts vertically, and clamped from the back. To the back of this plate a ?' inch square is fastened with screws to keep everything in alignment.

If the builder has an emery wheel, go ahead and use ?' round tool steel.

If the builder does not have an emery wheel, use water quench drill rod ?' inch. As this comes from the supplier, it can be cut and shaped with a hack saw and file--heat red hot with propane torch, quench in water and touch up the edge with a slip stone.

For boring, use a round point tool--for facing, shape a straight edge from the ? inch round. For the radius, silver solder a small flat across the ? inch round and file to shape. You can silver solder with a propane torch.

Page: 1 | 2 | Next >>


RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print
MY COMMUNITY

MOST POPULAR


SUBSCRIBE TO GAS ENGINE MAGAZINE TODAY!
First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*


(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Gas Engine Magazine is your best source for tractor and stationary gas engine information.  Subscribe and connect with more than 23,000 other gas engine collectors and build your knowledge, share your passion and search for parts, in the publication written by and for gas engine enthusiasts! Every month Gas Engine Magazine brings you: restoration stories, company histories, and technical advice. Plus our Flywheel Forum column helps answer your engine inquiries!

Be sure to take advantage of the Square Deal Subscription Program.

  • No Missed Issues.

  • No Renewal Notices.

  • No Additional Cost.

The Square Deal Subscription Program is designed as a paperless transaction with automatic renewals at a preferred low rate.   With advanced electronic notification, a 100% satisfaction guarantee and an easy opt-out plan, the Square Deal Subscription Program is the best value, risk free, eco-friendliest way to subscribe.