3" Burrell Traction Engine build.

 How I tackled the connecting rod from scratch... Hello! If you're still following this build blog, you've made it to the explanation of the connecting rod. I had been working on several other parts, still with the mindset of fitting each component to the next through a process of trial and adjustment. In this natural progression, the next part to tackle was the connecting rod. At first, I thought it would be simple—a rectangular piece with a turned section (actually a taper), so just some straightforward lathe work followed by a bit of drilling. But here’s the thing: the piece of material I was planning to use turned out to be slightly too big. Also, it wouldn't fit in the chuck, the internal bore is just under 1" on both of my lathes then after looking at some pictures from the  http://eastgrinsteadmodelengineers.co.uk/projects-gallery/3-scale-burrell-agricultural-engine    I saw a connecting rod being produced on a CNC milling machine.  From a round bar !! T...

 How to tackle a casting.......? Firstly there are some great resources out there to help a builder with machining a Burrell. Burrell Head Page        https://www.laughing-dog.co.uk/model_eng.htm . Traction Talk              https://www.tractiontalkforum.com/ Facebook                     3" Burrell Builder's Group    (508 members all concerned with building a 3"). On the Facebook group mentioned above, someone commented on a post of mine saying "I wouldn't even know where to start machining parts like that". My complex answer is simple, choose the biggest flat surface and use that as your starting point or datum. Remove any sharp edges, and file off any burrs or casting lands. I even sometimes, grind them off, then chuck it in the lathe to take some metal off, to create a good starting point. Then decide what areas need machining, since your starting with a casting it ...