Follow along with a detailed 48-minute machining video demonstrating the complex process of pouring a thin babbitt bearing shell into a modern steel gearbox housing. Learn the complete workflow from creating custom pouring mandrels and fixture rings to tinning the steel housing for proper adhesion. Watch the step-by-step process including lathe work for mandrel turning, fixture ring boring and stepping, shell tinning techniques, bearing pouring methods, post-pour operations like filing and drilling lubrication holes, final sizing on the lathe, and oil path milling. See how initial adhesion challenges were overcome by adding locking keys for a successful second pour, providing valuable troubleshooting insights for similar bearing projects.
Modern Babbitt Bearing Pour and Machining Process - From Mandrel to Final Assembly
Keith Rucker - VintageMachinery.org via YouTube
Overview
Syllabus
Introduction
Turning the Mandrel on the Lathe
Boring the Fixture Rings
Examining the Bearing
Turning Steps on the Fixture Rings
Tinning the Bearing Shell
Pouring the Bearings
Taking the Bearing Apart and Filing the Tops
Drilling out the Oil Lubrication Holes
Boring the Babbitt to Size on the Lathe
Milling OIl Paths
Delamination....
Successful Pour and Wrap Up
Taught by
Keith Rucker - VintageMachinery.org
