Big End Bearing part 2

Hi,

It’s been a while—between holidays and the nice weather—but progress is still being made, despite the extreme temperatures in the workshop.

Most of the time, the trusty Centec 2A mill is set up in its vertical configuration for small nibbling, slotting, and similar tasks. For parts that need light skimming, I often use the lathe instead.

As the title suggests, I’ve been working on the big-end bearing, which requires an accurate 1/2" slot on both sides. For this, the horizontal mill setup is ideal. It allows the part to be flipped easily, ensuring both sides are machined to the same depth with precision.

The side and face cutter I’ve been using isn’t the sharpest tool around, and there’s a bit of chatter at the start and end of each cut. That may just be typical for this type of cutter—I’m not entirely sure—but it’s worth noting. Still, it handles 0.080" deep cuts quite efficiently, removing metal much faster than an end mill, with less risk of tool deflection.

Later this month, I’ll be heading to the Welland Steam Rally once again. It’s a regular fixture in my calendar, and as usual, I’ll go armed with a shopping list, hunting for tools and cutters among the many trade stands.

I'll be posting a few photos and a brief show report afterward. The event is usually very well attended and tends to reignite some much-needed enthusiasm—enough to keep me in the workshop and not lured away by the pub!

 Until next time, stay safe in the workshop, make plenty of swarf, and keep building!
Stephen.