Keith Rucker - VintageMachinery.org Courses

Rebuilding a Brass Steam Whistle Valve

Detailed restoration of a brass steam whistle valve, including machining, polishing, and reassembly, for a museum's steam-powered cotton gin.

• YouTube
• 20 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Surface Grinding with Steve Barton at Solid Rock Machine Shop

Expert guidance on surface grinding techniques, machine adjustments, and tool creation for improved precision and skill development in metalworking.

• YouTube
• 31 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Disassembling and Cleaning a Three Jaw Lathe Chuck and Machining a New Back Plate

Detailed guide on disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling a Rohm 3-jaw chuck, plus machining a custom back plate for a Rivett 1020S lathe. Includes step-by-step process and practical tips.

• YouTube
• 32 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How to Install a MRCOOL Mini-Split Air Conditioner

Step-by-step guide for DIY installation of a MRCOOL 36,000 BTU mini-split air conditioner, covering unboxing, mounting, drilling, compressor setup, and system features.

• YouTube
• 26 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Setting Up and Adjusting Valves on a Model Steam Engine

Learn to set up and adjust valves on a model steam engine, from mounting to a display board to fine-tuning for optimal performance. Gain hands-on experience with this intricate mechanical process.

• YouTube
• 32 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Grinding Camel Back Straight Edge Castings on the Surface Grinder

Detailed demonstration of grinding camel back straight edge castings on a Landis surface grinder, covering flat and 45-degree face techniques for precision machining.

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Monarch 16" Lathe Restoration - Feed Rod Bushings and Worm Gear

Detailed restoration of feed rod bushings and worm gear on a Monarch 16" lathe, including removal, machining new parts, and reassembly. Demonstrates precision metalworking techniques for vintage machinery repair.

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Gear Cutting on a Horizontal Mill Using a Dividing Head

Learn to cut spur gears on a horizontal milling machine using a dividing head. Covers setup, calculations, cutting process, and measurement techniques for precision gear manufacturing.

• YouTube
• 36 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Machining Dividing Head Index Plates - Drilling Hole Patterns

Learn techniques for drilling precise hole patterns using a rotary table and digital readout, essential skills for machining dividing head index plates and other precision components.

• YouTube
• 37 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Keyways - Cutting Woodruff Key Slots and Broaching

Learn techniques for cutting woodruff key slots and broaching keyways using milling machines and hydraulic presses, essential skills for machinery repair and maintenance.

• YouTube
• 25 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Machining Dividing Head Index Plates

Machining custom index plates for a dividing head using creative work holding techniques, including a glue chuck. Learn the process of creating essential tools for precision machining.

• YouTube
• 37 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Machine Shop Basics - Selecting Dial Indicators for the Machine Shop

Explore essential dial indicators for machine shops, including plunge, test, back plunge, and inside hole indicators. Learn selection tips for beginners.

• YouTube
• 22 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Machining a Height Extension for a Dividing Head Footstock

Fabricate a custom height extension for a dividing head footstock through machining techniques, addressing mismatched equipment and enhancing functionality.

• YouTube
• 24 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Machining a Custom Arbor for a Syracuse Spindle Sander

Machining a custom arbor with double keyways using specialized techniques like broach bushing. Demonstrates final assembly of a Syracuse Spindle Sander project.

• YouTube
• 25 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Doing a Little Woodturning - Making a Replica of an Antique Stethoscope

Craft a replica antique wooden stethoscope on a lathe, from drilling to shaping and finishing, for a museum exhibit. Learn woodturning techniques and historical reproduction.

• YouTube
• 31 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video