Align Boring Strut Barrels For Thordon Rivertough Bearing Conversion

[V35]

Good pics! I always thought some of those sounded like a 3512 Cat when the come by on the IC. We fish down at CC some and always see those.

 

[55fairlane]

An old time big equipment shop....reminds me of where I cut my teeth as a machinist.....I dint see a balancer for balancing shafts or couplers

 

[Machinist John]

Many thanks. Keep the photos coming,more interesting than building rifles!

I read the linked posts. Absolutely amazing what you accomplish!!!

 

[jackieschmidt]

An old time big equipment shop....reminds me of where I cut my teeth as a machinist.....I dint see a balancer for balancing shafts or couplers

All of the shafts and couplings are fully machined and truly straight.

The propellers are balanced by the wheel shops.

What we do is hand fit the props to the shaft taper. Every time they work on a prop, it warps the bore, so they have o be refit.

It is really a pecision process. The single biggest problem is putting the prop on and off to gets impression using Prussian blue.

We have the operation down to a science, as you can see in this video. The men work as a team with great efficiency.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjn-vebicP6AhWbomoFHTYvCi0QuAJ6BAgHEAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DhPbI80ED_ys&usg=AOvVaw3PulgxBKg4uMlqHJ7_-l3M

 

[Machinist John]

Yes your guys have it down: Each knows the other guy's procedure and anticipates his next move. Watching the prop fitting, the guy on the crane moves the prop without a lot of discussion. No "voice operated hands" in your shop!

You have a well skilled crew, I can see why you and the guys travel from shipyard to shipyard to perform those jobs that would overwhelm the average machinist.

 

[Sniperhandle]

View attachment 1374158View attachment 1374159View attachment 1374160View attachment 1374161
The equipment under the orange gantry our two submerged arc weldeing machines that are used to weld the stainless on the shafts.

That's the first time I have seen a steady-rest with no top. I assume the sheer weight of the shaft has enough down pressure? Or is that the top half has just been taken off?

 

[Machinist John]

The steady near the coupling has the top flipped open, look close and you can see the clamp bolt dangling.

The midways steady is just supporting weight so the shaft will not sag. I am sure it has a top, likely flipped open or removed.

 

[Sniperhandle]

The steady near the coupling has the top flipped open, look close and you can see the clamp bolt dangling.

The midways steady is just supporting weight so the shaft will not sag. I am sure it has a top, likely flipped open or removed.

This is the pic I'm referring to:

 

[Machinist John]

Same one I am referring to. Take a close look! Tops are hidden behind the shaft and coupling.

Guys are likely loading the shaft in the lathe, the steadys have to be open to do this.

Jackie will chime and and and explain.

From my industrial experience, that is a real nice lathe Jackie has to use. We had a similar size Niles in one shop I frequented, same use, main work was big long shafts.

 

[Sniperhandle]

I see the steady rest on the right that is close to the work being cut and it is hinged like any other steady, The one in the center doesn't look like it's made to have a 3rd point on top? I would have to call it a support rest! And the cool part about it is, It has 2 carriages and you can cut on either end without moving the carriage all the way back and forth

 

[Machinist John]

Yep heavy duty engine lathe More common in the marine machining shops. The carriages usually have power feed (an electric gear motor) to move the carriage along the bed, combining this with having two of the things save a lot of time when working the long shafts.

 

[jackieschmidt]

We do not use tops on any of the steady rest when matching these long shafts.

Machining these long shafts is quite different than the machining operations encountered in most shops.

There are many years of knowledge in perfecting the procedures we use in machining all of the fits while keeping the entire thing truly straight.

 

[Machinist John]

Thanks for coming back with the answer Jackie. Keeps us speculators in line!!!

I agree, takes a lifetime of experience to successfully complete the tough jobs.

I would not have a clue as how to work a long shaft like that. Especially installing the sleeves, my luck the sleeve would shrink and tighten up 10 feet from where it should be!!

I like the lathe you have, it is a real gem. I read your post about buying it to replace the older one. Getting that beast into the shop and leveled and aligned must have been a challenge!

 

[BoydAllen]

Jackie, I always enjoy your pictures and the explanations that go with them. Thanks for sharing.

 

[tobnpr]

It is really a pecision process. The single biggest problem is putting the prop on and off to gets impression using Prussian blue.

Great photos, thanks for sharing.
I think the vast majority (that haven't owned "inboards") don't understand how precise alignments need to be- and the smallest misalignment results in unacceptable vibration that'll shake the snot outta the vessel and wear the bearings and seals out in no time.

That said, getting that boring angle precise and the ID perfect for a press-fit of the bearing, all done in-situ, is amazing to me.

I've never seen a twin-rudder setup like that- I'm guessing that the forward rudder is to provide steering in reverse. Cool concept, greater maneuverability outweighs the added drag. Looks nice with the fresh paint and zincs...

 

[dc.fireman]

I remember my father had a bottle of Prussian blue on his workbench many years back. I just wanted to 'look at it'. The next thing I know - it was ALL OVER me... boy was my mother mad! Took a week or two before it all 'washed out' of me and my clothes. Never did get the spot off the garage floor though... pretty sure I still a few 'spots' on my backside as well.

 

[hpshooter]

I remember my father had a bottle of Prussian blue on his workbench many years back. I just wanted to 'look at it'. The next thing I know - it was ALL OVER me... boy was my mother mad! Took a week or two before it all 'washed out' of me and my clothes. Never did get the spot off the garage floor though... pretty sure I still a few 'spots' on my backside as well.

When I was about 6 yrs. old I "blued" my cap pistol (Hubley 1911) with dad's Dykem. He wasn't impressed with my wastefulness to put it mildly.

 

[jackieschmidt]

We are currently involved in a unique 1800 HP Push Boat for one of our largest customers.
What makes it unique is it will feature a true “hybrid” propulsion system.

Two 3512 Catepillar Diesels will power two generators, which will in turn charge a large battery pack, which in turn will supply the power for two 900 HP electric motors, driving two 74 x58 propellers through a non reversing reduction gear. Reverse will be accomplished by reversing the motors rather than going through a gear train.

We have already done most of the machine work, in reality which is pretty standard stuff from the reduction gear back.

The vessel is sort of the “talk of the town” around the industry.

The single biggest question is…..”why?”.

I’m really not sure “why”. I’m sure the concept revolves around higher emissions standards and optimum RPM range for the Diesel engines in keeping up with the battery pack charging.

It is basically a hull at this stage. Supposedly the engines, generators, batteries, motors and everything needed to make it all work will be arriving in December.

here is a picture of the boat and us align boring the Struts snd Stern Tubes last week.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Locomotives are diesel electric. Works pretty good and very smooth

 

[pintopete]

Locomotives are diesel electric. Works pretty good and very smooth

No salt water though…