It blows my mind to think that someone was able to imagine this, then design it and make it. We don't give engineers and machinists the credit they deserve. Well done sir!
Amazing how far a little lateral thinking can get you. Likely was thinking of how to solve the issue of compression loss due to the traditional gap, how to make a more conformal ring that constricts rather than pinches (making it less prone to snapping and making it wear more evenly), or both. But for all know, may have just looked at a spring, wondered "what if," then gave it a go. Makes me wish we were still in the days of testing ideas rather than projecting a few high IQ calculations then concluding too inefficient, expensive, or some other reason that earns engineers disregard.
@@PetersRailway The entire thing is pointless, it can be done way easier: Put 2 regular gap rings in the same groove on the piston, the gaps must be placed opposite to one another. The rings' gaps are increased to allow for a positioning rivet or pin to fit in it with tiny clearance. The positioning pins are installed in the piston's body. This way any gas that enters the gap of the first ring is stopped by the second. Does this exist or I invented it?
As a mechanical minded person with a machining background, I paused the video at the start to try to work out how to machine a ring like this but I was unable to work out all the details. I didn't think of turning the ring inside out and stress relieving it. Brilliant, thanks for teaching me this Chris. I don't need a steam ring but I might make one for the fun of it.😄
Glad you enjoyed seeing them being made. In fact, I had bought the original set for the locomotive, and asked the man who made them how he did it. From his explanation, I couldn't understand it at all! Finally, I found a video which gave the hint of flipping and stress relieving. Then when I wanted some more, it seemed like a fun project/brain-teaser! Thanks for watching, Chris.
Yes, it really is a bit of magic. I never could work out how they got rid of the gap when machined!! Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Thanks for your lovely comment, John. There should be so much practical stuff in the curriculum, but I think that clupet piston rings might be pushing it a bit. Now, Pistons and cylinders - that would be a good start!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Thanks for the fun comment. My day job is writing the Peter's Railway series of children's books which explain engineering properly - I hope. The objective is to explain without dumbing down!! Chris.
I've made many rings for both steam, petrol and diesel engines over the years from the 50cc up to emergency hand forged 980mm dia with many from the 200mm to 600mm as I was a fitter & turner in a marine work shop and a ex marine engineer. But I have never made any of these and I was totally cringing as well as being initially confused as to turning them inside out, waiting for the snap. Thank you for this post I really enjoyed it and going to try one on my next little model engine for both the piston and shuttle. Thank you
What an interesting job that must have been! I am glad it was a bit cringing, watching and waiting for it to snap. You should try it in real life!!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
Thanks for the good comment. However, these rings have been around for donkey's years. (ears?) They are not really needed in modern car engines because the simple type work so well and last for so long!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
That is the point of my children's book series, Peter's Railway. They combine engineering with adventures etc, to get or keep youngsters interested in all this fascinating stuff!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
That was very interesting. I'm a retired motorcycle mechanic and I still work on our own cars, but I have never seen a piston ring like that. It was certainly tricky to make, but you are well set up with your equipment, so you made it look easy.
Glad you enjoyed it, and you are right, they are certainly tricky to make!! In truth, I am not sure how much better they are than ordinary rings, especially if you put two ordinary rings in one groove, with the gaps on opposite sides. Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Thanks for the lovely comment, it is much appreciated. Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Glad you liked it! I am in the process of overhauling the small tank engine (you can see that in the how to build a railway), I am making some videos as I go along. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Thanks for the lovely comment, much appreciated!! Now I will have to try to make some more videos, either workshop based or on the little railway. Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Thank you!! I will now have to make some more videos for you... Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Lovely stuff, Chris. I did an engineering apprenticeship from school and spent 19 years as a scientific instrument maker, making all manner of things using a wide variety of (non-CNC) workshop equipment (Jack of all trades!) - from design inception to testing and refinement and everything in between. Watching this video has really stirred up some feelings: for the last 19 years I've been doing a (largely) non-workshop job managing a lab (still technical but not so hands on), as it was the only way to 'progress my career' (i.e. earn more money), and yearn for the simpler days of using real skills to actually make something useful (and not manage people, which I now realise I am not suited to). I'm now 54 and this video is inspiring, helping me realise what makes me happy in work, maybe a change of job is to be considered. Anyone need an small batch, slow but very accurate, machinist?!?
Gosh, I don't think I intended the video to have such life-changing consequences!!! Seriously, I think you should consider setting up a workshop, if you don't have one already, and then get back into making things for your own, and maybe others', pleasure. I hope the current job does bring satisfaction, but I do agree that making things is more interesting than bit of paper! All best wishes, Chris. PS, an old friend of the family, long passed, used to be quite senior at AVO, many years ago.
I think I do some pretty tricky stuff in my shed but Men like this on YT constantly remind me of how much I don't know. That was absolutely fascinating. Great to watch.
I am glad you have a shed too. They are the source of a happy life!! Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
I absolutely love mass production and machines capable of producing thousands of parts per minute, BUT, nothing will ever be more impressive or astounding than hand crafted parts like this. Fantastic work!
I too love mass production machines. However, in the home workshop, hand skills usually can achieve what is needed for one or a few items. Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
What to say! Jaw droppingly amazing! Just a shame very few future engineering apprentices, will ever achieve such skill, precision. Amazing. Keep up the good work👍👍👍👍👍👍
I'm an Seal design engineer who does a lot of PTFE or other plastics. It's great to see how seals were manufactured before the rise of plastics. I think the method of energization is especially unique!
That is an interesting job, modern materials are so efficient, but often they depend on a perfect mating surface, or in this case cylinder bore. The funny thing is that cast iron is such an amazing material in terms of a bearing surface, it seems to retain oil and the graphite nodules embedded in the iron also lubricate. The miracle is that a piston ring survives even a few minutes in a modern IC engine, let alone for 500,000 miles!! Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Thats incredible I wouldn't have believed it possible if I hadn't seen it done, Im still trying to get my head around what happened when you turned it inside out. Im amazed you could machine it using only the tension to hold it, I felt sure the end would grab the cutter and fling the thing out. Brilliant video thank you
Thank you the kind comments. Yes, it is surprising how much things like that can grip - it is important that the machining forces wind the springy component onto or into the "chuck". Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
When I was an apprentice, many years ago, I was told that the most difficult tool to learn to use was a file! Sort of a clever thing to say, but there is quite a bit of truth in it. Thanks for watching! Chris.
Machinists with this type of skillset don't get paid nearly enough and are taken for granted. You have machinists that only want to know barely enough to do basic operations. Then there are machinists like you who know how to overcome any obstacle to make the impossible. I'm subscribed!
Thanks for that Peter! Never heard of a "clupit" ring. As you are going through the process I was asking myself "how would I do the next bit?" My ideas being a lot more complicated than yours! I work on model aero engines and the smaller sizes do not use piston rings but lap the piston and bore so the piston seals on the castor oil film only. However with careful lapping it is quite possible to get the engine to hold compression forever when it is hot. Lapping to less than a micron. Just a suggestion for squaring up the part in the fixture in the chuck for facing and that is to bring up the tailstock with drill chuck fitted, partially tighten the three jaw chuck then press the part into the chuck a little using the tail stock. If the part is of small dia. and would disappear into the tailstock's hole, hold a bit of ground flat stock over the tail stock's end face whilst using the tailstock's wheel to push the part into the chuck. When done, fully tighten the three jaw chuck.
Yes, the model aero engine fit of piston in cylinder is a miracle! Thanks for the tip about holding thin things in the chuck and getting them square: In fact I use this trick quite often, but have never used a piece of gauge plate as the pusher for smaller parts. Cunning plan!! Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Outstanding job. Very impressive process. Certainly a piece of Art. As a builder of engines, I have never made anything like this. Thank you for sharing the process. Just found your channel. Just subscribed to your channel. Take care, Ed.
Neither had I!! I realised that I needed new rings and that it was going to take longer to order them (long delivery as they are more or less hand made) than to make them. Thanks for watching, Chris.
The YT Algorithm is a mysterious thing! Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Thank you for the great comment. Making things with ones hands is a great pleasure!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Aerospace lathe guy in the US here. Couple of really useful techniques I've never seen before in this video. Thanks for showing your process. I hope these skills survive us.
Absolutely beautiful end result. I'm tempted to make one of these just to put in a glass cylinder and stare at. Interestingly, how you tension the ring and close the gap is much like how coiled electrical cords are made- heat treated on a mandrel, then flipped over to tighten the coils.
I have been making stuff for sixty years, its not often I get to see something new. Thanks mate this is cool. I have made piston rings before and use the heat to get the size and shape desired but you had detail that I have not seen or done before. Thanks, you made my day. Nice work too by the way.
Ignoring the skill, knowledge, experience and tools it takes to make something this small, I am truly mind-blown at the amount of patience needed. My nerves are completely frazzled from just watching the process. Nothing short of amazing!
Wow, thank you! Yes, my nerves were just a bit frazzled too. Amazingly, I didn't break a single one flipping them. I did break on by being clumsy while filing the ends. Arghh!! Thanks for watching, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Great video Chris, I think you have discovered a new format if the number of views are anything to go by. I for one would value other workshop technique videos if you want to make them. Keep up the great work.
Hi Christopher, I take my hat off to you. I was a toolmaker for 50 years, I have seen rings like that in the past but would never attempt to make them. Your commentary on this video is so good, I would love to see other work you do in your workshop needless to say I have just subscribed to your channel thanks for posting this.
Hi Steve, Praise indeed, thank you! I will now have to make some more videos, maybe more on workshop topics. however my main aim is to support the books, so will need to make some more on maintaining and operating the railway and engines...Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Terrific job. If one were to charge all one's time making this special part plus materials plus the prodigoius intellectual capital involved it follows they would be expensive parts, and so they should be. Well done Sir and thank you for sharing.
Luckily for me it's a hobby. The Peter's Railway children's book about trains and engineering are the day job. However they do get a bit tangled up sometimes!! Chris.
@@PetersRailway I had seen these rings but was not aware of how they were made. (Didn't know what they were called either) And the rings are just one small component of a complicated machine made up of hundreds, if not thousands, of equally intricate components. You obviously are very skilled . I suspect that you very much enjoy what you do, something that that most human beings never experience their entire lives. Once again thank you for freely sharing this content and your intellectual capital.
Great to see old school machinist making parts that push the limits. I’m an old manual machinist but would not have been able to figure out how you made that. Now it’s stored on the internet for future machinists. Well done. BTW you sound a lot like Ronnie Corbett 🤠 Maybe that’s simply because I’m in Australia Great video
Thanks for watching and for the good comments. I have been told many things in my life, but never before that I sound like Ronnie Corbett, I will have to get a comfy chair to narrate my videos from !! Chris.
I have absolutely no use for a Clupet Piston Ring - but it was very interesting to see the engineering problem and it's solution. You never know when something like that might come come in handy. 🤣
Thanks for watching, you never know when you will have an engine with a worn cylinder and some special clupet piston rings will give it a new lease of life!!! Chris.
It certainly is, but I enjoy every minute of being out on the railway. Thanks for the comment, and Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
That Piston ring is an interesting and clever design and something I would never have dreamed of attempting to make. I learnt something and enjoyed watching your video. Thanks cheers Paul
Hi Paul, thanks for the comment. Yes it is a cunning design but not much used these days. Modern designs, materials and oils have solved the problem. Thanks for watching, Chris. If you would like to know more about the books I write please see www.petersrailway.com
I had never heard of these and have no need for them, nor the patience to make them. However it was intriguing to learn what they are, how they're made and thoroughly enjoyed your explanation. You have great presentation and machining skills. Thankyou.
@@PetersRailway it was the turning it inside out bit that got me on the edge of my seat!!! then of course I had to look at the history of the Clewes Peterson piston ring! Another rabbit hole! So interesting. Phil
Thanks, Steve. I will have to make some more, but most of them are based around the railway, more than the machine shop. However, I hope you will like the next few videos: Raising steam in the loco and extending the railway. All best, Chris.
Just waauuw, I saw this design quite som years ago with a friend who made them for his living. He didn't say how they were made but they were gas tight or steam tight. And al the time I wonderd how he did it. Thanks for the really good and patien video. 💟❤️💖
I particularly enjoy the easy going mild tone of the narration, I suspect you are one of those craftsman's that even when faced with failure (like a ring snapping at the last stage of fabrication (cause it's no fun when it snaps at te start)) just shrugs it off and starts over
Thank you for the good comment about the narration! In fact, I (and almost all engineers or people who work with their hands) do have some pretty choice language when things go wrong! There is a reason for this: If you hit your thumb with a hammer, "Oh dear, I appear to have hit my thumb..." doesn't really do the trick. Things happen very quickly. On the other hand, a poet who has just written a bad poem will probably not swear after he has read it for the first time - he knew it was bad over a long period. With engineers, it all goes wrong in a split second!! Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
I only screwed up and broke one of them, and that was by being clumsy while filing one end. I think there were two practice ones while I got to grips with widthing them. Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Now that was impressive, making your own piston rings. So I'm sure you bored the cylinder's and machined new pistons too. I'm now a subscriber to your channel. 👍
Yes, it was quite a project in its own right. The piston valves (sorts of pistons) needed remaking too. Thanks for watching and subscribing, now I will have to make some more videos! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Thank you for great comments. There is something special about tools, especially if they don’t contain electronics. They will still work in 100 years. Glad you enjoyed it, Chris
Thanks for the lovely comment, it is much appreciated!! Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Absolutley fabulous to watch, what a feat twisting that brittle split ring of cast iron inside out was! Most certainly my kind of channel, subscribed now and forever!
Thanks, will do! Yes, I will have to film more of what I do. It isn't the filming that takes the time, it is the editing afterwards... Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
@@PetersRailway yes thanks I have followed your books for some time. I really enjoyed how not to paint your loco. I found it really helpful. Although your standard for painting is far higher than mine ;)
There is so much old technology that was really clever in its day. Nowadays, with modern design, metals and oils, they are not really needed in car engines. Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Thank you for the comment! Yes, it was a lot of work, but the interest and challenge is all part of the hobby of model engineering. Thanks for watching! Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
It blows my mind to think that someone was able to imagine this, then design it and make it. We don't give engineers and machinists the credit they deserve. Well done sir!
It would be interesting to know more about the history of the inventing of these little gadgets.... Chris.
Read Tolkien: "Lord of Rings"! 😂 ...
Indeed!
Amazing how far a little lateral thinking can get you. Likely was thinking of how to solve the issue of compression loss due to the traditional gap, how to make a more conformal ring that constricts rather than pinches (making it less prone to snapping and making it wear more evenly), or both. But for all know, may have just looked at a spring, wondered "what if," then gave it a go. Makes me wish we were still in the days of testing ideas rather than projecting a few high IQ calculations then concluding too inefficient, expensive, or some other reason that earns engineers disregard.
@@PetersRailway The entire thing is pointless, it can be done way easier: Put 2 regular gap rings in the same groove on the piston, the gaps must be placed opposite to one another. The rings' gaps are increased to allow for a positioning rivet or pin to fit in it with tiny clearance. The positioning pins are installed in the piston's body. This way any gas that enters the gap of the first ring is stopped by the second. Does this exist or I invented it?
Machining since 1971, manual then cnc. This here is what made me fall in love with the trade! Nicely done!
Thanks 👍
CNC = can't nothing cerebral 🤣
A daunting job broken down and explained in a way that de-dauntified it. Thank you.
De-dauntified is a new word to me! A bit like mantling something when you put it back together.... Chris.
As a mechanical minded person with a machining background, I paused the video at the start to try to work out how to machine a ring like this but I was unable to work out all the details. I didn't think of turning the ring inside out and stress relieving it. Brilliant, thanks for teaching me this Chris. I don't need a steam ring but I might make one for the fun of it.😄
Glad you enjoyed seeing them being made. In fact, I had bought the original set for the locomotive, and asked the man who made them how he did it. From his explanation, I couldn't understand it at all! Finally, I found a video which gave the hint of flipping and stress relieving. Then when I wanted some more, it seemed like a fun project/brain-teaser! Thanks for watching, Chris.
Thank you for bringing this to us. As an old steamboat builder, I very much enjoyed learning about this process.
Apart from railway steam locomotives, I just love old steam boats. One day!!.... Thanks for watching, Chris.
If I hadn't seen you turn that ring inside out the way you did, I would swear you were lying about it! Incredible!
Yes, it really is a bit of magic. I never could work out how they got rid of the gap when machined!!
Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
That ring is a masterpiece. I've always used the Trimble method for my engine's rings. This ring makes the Trimble way look like a trivial thing.
Very cool!
Excellent vid! The thought process, ingenuity, craftsmanship and patience that went into this is astounding. Thank you for posting.
Very welcome!
chris, totally incredible and a great lesson in engineering ,should be taught in the national curriculum
Thanks for your lovely comment, John. There should be so much practical stuff in the curriculum, but I think that clupet piston rings might be pushing it a bit. Now, Pistons and cylinders - that would be a good start!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Great work, great explanation -- and Peter narrates it like an episode of Play School for mechanic-heads! I dips me lid.
Thanks for the fun comment. My day job is writing the Peter's Railway series of children's books which explain engineering properly - I hope. The objective is to explain without dumbing down!! Chris.
Fascinating. Always interesting to see how something "impossible" is done.
The Navy used to have a saying: The difficult takes a little while. The impossible takes a bit longer! Thanks for watching, Chris.
I've made many rings for both steam, petrol and diesel engines over the years from the 50cc up to emergency hand forged 980mm dia with many from the 200mm to 600mm as I was a fitter & turner in a marine work shop and a ex marine engineer. But I have never made any of these and I was totally cringing as well as being initially confused as to turning them inside out, waiting for the snap. Thank you for this post I really enjoyed it and going to try one on my next little model engine for both the piston and shuttle. Thank you
What an interesting job that must have been! I am glad it was a bit cringing, watching and waiting for it to snap. You should try it in real life!!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
Ingenious! Excellent explanation of the process and the underlying idea. A pleasure to watch.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This has to be the most significant step forward in ring design and manufacturing for a very long time! Well done Sir 👍
Thanks for the good comment. However, these rings have been around for donkey's years. (ears?) They are not really needed in modern car engines because the simple type work so well and last for so long!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
Mind Blown !
I hope there are young people learning these skills before the old guys depart.
That is the point of my children's book series, Peter's Railway. They combine engineering with adventures etc, to get or keep youngsters interested in all this fascinating stuff!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
What a craftsman, lovely to watch. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
Nicely done! I've never seen that type of ring before. I am now further educated. Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it
That was very interesting. I'm a retired motorcycle mechanic and I still work on our own cars, but I have never seen a piston ring like that. It was certainly tricky to make, but you are well set up with your equipment, so you made it look easy.
Glad you enjoyed it, and you are right, they are certainly tricky to make!! In truth, I am not sure how much better they are than ordinary rings, especially if you put two ordinary rings in one groove, with the gaps on opposite sides. Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Ha! Love the Super 7! The most versatile small lathes ever. The heyday of British design and engineering.
Thanks! Yes, the Super 7 is a wonderful machine. They last for years, especially as you can still buy any spares!! Chris.
I've heard about these types of piston ring but never knew how they were made. What an excellent video.
Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
As a retired Machinist that thought he'd seen it all, I Actually Learned 3 or 4 New Tricks, (or New to Me Anyway).
Liked and Subscribed.
Thank you for watching and also for your kind words. I guess there is nothing new under the sun!! Chris.
Nothing better than watching a true craftsman at work, as shown here. Quality.
Thanks for the lovely comment, it is much appreciated. Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Very well explained and fascinating. Thank you.
Glad you liked it! I am in the process of overhauling the small tank engine (you can see that in the how to build a railway), I am making some videos as I go along. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Superb, you are also a natural narrator, you have a great voice.
Thanks for the lovely comment, much appreciated!! Now I will have to try to make some more videos, either workshop based or on the little railway.
Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Discovering this channel is like finding diamond for me! I'm amazed, amused and stunned! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!! I will now have to make some more videos for you... Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Lovely stuff, Chris. I did an engineering apprenticeship from school and spent 19 years as a scientific instrument maker, making all manner of things using a wide variety of (non-CNC) workshop equipment (Jack of all trades!) - from design inception to testing and refinement and everything in between. Watching this video has really stirred up some feelings: for the last 19 years I've been doing a (largely) non-workshop job managing a lab (still technical but not so hands on), as it was the only way to 'progress my career' (i.e. earn more money), and yearn for the simpler days of using real skills to actually make something useful (and not manage people, which I now realise I am not suited to). I'm now 54 and this video is inspiring, helping me realise what makes me happy in work, maybe a change of job is to be considered. Anyone need an small batch, slow but very accurate, machinist?!?
Gosh, I don't think I intended the video to have such life-changing consequences!!! Seriously, I think you should consider setting up a workshop, if you don't have one already, and then get back into making things for your own, and maybe others', pleasure. I hope the current job does bring satisfaction, but I do agree that making things is more interesting than bit of paper! All best wishes, Chris.
PS, an old friend of the family, long passed, used to be quite senior at AVO, many years ago.
@@PetersRailway Not quite changed my life yet, but just made me think on it a bit!
Thinking is always dangerous - especially at work!! Chris.
Indeed - I shall endeavour to avoid it.@@PetersRailway
A nice little gem suggested by the algorithm! 😊
Glad you think so! Chris.
What a great presentation and well done on a tricky bit of manufacturing!
Thank you kindly! Chris
A day without learning is a day wasted. I learnt something new today. 😊
That's great, and thanks for watching!! Chris
Fascinating and unique information there. Thanks for sharing this.
Glad you enjoyed it, Chris.
I think I do some pretty tricky stuff in my shed but Men like this on YT constantly remind me of how much I don't know. That was absolutely fascinating. Great to watch.
I am glad you have a shed too. They are the source of a happy life!! Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
I absolutely love mass production and machines capable of producing thousands of parts per minute, BUT, nothing will ever be more impressive or astounding than hand crafted parts like this. Fantastic work!
I too love mass production machines. However, in the home workshop, hand skills usually can achieve what is needed for one or a few items. Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
What to say! Jaw droppingly amazing! Just a shame very few future engineering apprentices, will ever achieve such skill, precision. Amazing. Keep up the good work👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you! Chris.
I'm an Seal design engineer who does a lot of PTFE or other plastics. It's great to see how seals were manufactured before the rise of plastics. I think the method of energization is especially unique!
That is an interesting job, modern materials are so efficient, but often they depend on a perfect mating surface, or in this case cylinder bore. The funny thing is that cast iron is such an amazing material in terms of a bearing surface, it seems to retain oil and the graphite nodules embedded in the iron also lubricate. The miracle is that a piston ring survives even a few minutes in a modern IC engine, let alone for 500,000 miles!!
Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Engineering at advanced level a true specialist.
Thank you for watching! Chris.
Thats incredible I wouldn't have believed it possible if I hadn't seen it done, Im still trying to get my head around what happened when you turned it inside out. Im amazed you could machine it using only the tension to hold it, I felt sure the end would grab the cutter and fling the thing out. Brilliant video thank you
Thank you the kind comments. Yes, it is surprising how much things like that can grip - it is important that the machining forces wind the springy component onto or into the "chuck". Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
I am so impressed the amount of work your doing by hand, unaided by jigs, or work holding.
When I was an apprentice, many years ago, I was told that the most difficult tool to learn to use was a file! Sort of a clever thing to say, but there is quite a bit of truth in it. Thanks for watching! Chris.
Machinists with this type of skillset don't get paid nearly enough and are taken for granted. You have machinists that only want to know barely enough to do basic operations. Then there are machinists like you who know how to overcome any obstacle to make the impossible. I'm subscribed!
Thank you for grand comments. I will have to make some more videos! Chris.
Thanks for that Peter! Never heard of a "clupit" ring. As you are going through the process I was asking myself "how would I do the next bit?" My ideas being a lot more complicated than yours! I work on model aero engines and the smaller sizes do not use piston rings but lap the piston and bore so the piston seals on the castor oil film only. However with careful lapping it is quite possible to get the engine to hold compression forever when it is hot. Lapping to less than a micron.
Just a suggestion for squaring up the part in the fixture in the chuck for facing and that is to bring up the tailstock with drill chuck fitted, partially tighten the three jaw chuck then press the part into the chuck a little using the tail stock. If the part is of small dia. and would disappear into the tailstock's hole, hold a bit of ground flat stock over the tail stock's end face whilst using the tailstock's wheel to push the part into the chuck. When done, fully tighten the three jaw chuck.
Yes, the model aero engine fit of piston in cylinder is a miracle! Thanks for the tip about holding thin things in the chuck and getting them square: In fact I use this trick quite often, but have never used a piece of gauge plate as the pusher for smaller parts. Cunning plan!! Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Outstanding job.
Very impressive process.
Certainly a piece of Art.
As a builder of engines, I have never made anything like this.
Thank you for sharing the process.
Just found your channel.
Just subscribed to your channel.
Take care, Ed.
Neither had I!! I realised that I needed new rings and that it was going to take longer to order them (long delivery as they are more or less hand made) than to make them. Thanks for watching, Chris.
The TH-cam algorithm served this up to me and I'm so glad it did.
The YT Algorithm is a mysterious thing! Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Way to go! Thanks for the pleasure of watching a very skilled machinist!
Thank you very much! Chris
Seriously impressed. Thank you for showing us the process.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, Chris
Damn it just pulled me in. Needed to watch it. Thank you for this greay video.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching! Chris.
This is so cool to see some craftsmanship.
Thank you for the great comment. Making things with ones hands is a great pleasure!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.
Aerospace lathe guy in the US here. Couple of really useful techniques I've never seen before in this video. Thanks for showing your process. I hope these skills survive us.
Thanks for watching and for the great comment! Chris.
Thanks a lot! You've made a masterpiece! Even if the technology was invented 200 years ago, you resurrected it! And taught me.
I am not sure when they were invented! but thanks for watching, Chris.
One of the best videos on TH-cam
Thank you for you support, now I will have to make some more films!!… Chris
You have no problem expressing your self. Nice work!
I appreciate that! Chris.
Absolutely beautiful end result. I'm tempted to make one of these just to put in a glass cylinder and stare at. Interestingly, how you tension the ring and close the gap is much like how coiled electrical cords are made- heat treated on a mandrel, then flipped over to tighten the coils.
I never knew that was how they made electric cords. Every day is a learning day!! Chris.
Fascinating, and such clever engineering that people did! Well told and shown, thank you!
The clever bit was the person who invented it years ago!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
@@PetersRailway That’s what I tried to express but I was a bit tired :)
I have been making stuff for sixty years, its not often I get to see something new. Thanks mate this is cool. I have made piston rings before and use the heat to get the size and shape desired but you had detail that I have not seen or done before. Thanks, you made my day. Nice work too by the way.
Thank you, I hope it was useful??!! Chris
Absolutely amassing machining on such a small delicate part!
Many thanks! Chris.
Hi Pete,
I'm new to your post but glad you have come up! I've often wondered how to make Cluppet rings, now I know. Thanks for sharing 😊
Glad it was helpful! Chris.
Excellent film work, editting and commentary. I was on the edge of my seat the whole video. Good show Sir.
I was on the edge of my seat every time I had to flip the rings!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
Ignoring the skill, knowledge, experience and tools it takes to make something this small, I am truly mind-blown at the amount of patience needed. My nerves are completely frazzled from just watching the process. Nothing short of amazing!
Wow, thank you! Yes, my nerves were just a bit frazzled too. Amazingly, I didn't break a single one flipping them. I did break on by being clumsy while filing the ends. Arghh!! Thanks for watching, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Great video Chris, I think you have discovered a new format if the number of views are anything to go by. I for one would value other workshop technique videos if you want to make them. Keep up the great work.
I have made quite a few videos about the books and little railway. This, somewhat esoteric, subject has been the most popular by far!! Thanks Chris.
very impressive work, never seen that before
Thank you! Chris.
wow! amazing work! thanks for the video
Rich
Glad you liked it! Chris.
Salutes to the Master! I have spent lifetime as a tool room engineer, and yet learn so much from you!
Thank you for the honour, it is much appreciated. I really must tidy up the workshop though!!! Chris.
That was absolutely fascinating, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it! Chris.
Hi Christopher, I take my hat off to you. I was a toolmaker for 50 years, I have seen rings like that in the past but would never attempt to make them. Your commentary on this video is so good, I would love to see other work you do in your workshop needless to say I have just subscribed to your channel thanks for posting this.
Hi Steve, Praise indeed, thank you! I will now have to make some more videos, maybe more on workshop topics. however my main aim is to support the books, so will need to make some more on maintaining and operating the railway and engines...Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Incredible manufacturing skills sir I enjoy every minute of the video.
Thank you very much! Chris.
Terrific job.
If one were to charge all one's time making this special part plus materials plus the prodigoius intellectual capital involved it follows they would be expensive parts, and so they should be.
Well done Sir and thank you for sharing.
Luckily for me it's a hobby. The Peter's Railway children's book about trains and engineering are the day job. However they do get a bit tangled up sometimes!! Chris.
@@PetersRailway I had seen these rings but was not aware of how they were made. (Didn't know what they were called either)
And the rings are just one small component of a complicated machine made up of hundreds, if not thousands, of equally intricate components.
You obviously are very skilled .
I suspect that you very much enjoy what you do, something that that most human beings never experience their entire lives.
Once again thank you for freely sharing this content and your intellectual capital.
Id never heard of Clupet rings until this video. Interesting.
Yes, they are a lost art - almost! Thanks for watching, Chris.
Great to see old school machinist making parts that push the limits.
I’m an old manual machinist but would not have been able to figure out how you made that.
Now it’s stored on the internet for future machinists. Well done.
BTW you sound a lot like Ronnie Corbett 🤠
Maybe that’s simply because I’m in Australia
Great video
Thanks for watching and for the good comments. I have been told many things in my life, but never before that I sound like Ronnie Corbett, I will have to get a comfy chair to narrate my videos from !! Chris.
Outstanding
I had often wondered how these were made
Thank you
Thank you! Cheers!
I have absolutely no use for a Clupet Piston Ring - but it was very interesting to see the engineering problem and it's solution.
You never know when something like that might come come in handy. 🤣
Thanks for watching, you never know when you will have an engine with a worn cylinder and some special clupet piston rings will give it a new lease of life!!! Chris.
That is very cool! Nice video.
Thank you very much!
That is a labor of love.
It certainly is, but I enjoy every minute of being out on the railway. Thanks for the comment, and Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
That Piston ring is an interesting and clever design and something I would never have dreamed of attempting to make. I learnt something and enjoyed watching your video. Thanks cheers Paul
Hi Paul, thanks for the comment. Yes it is a cunning design but not much used these days. Modern designs, materials and oils have solved the problem. Thanks for watching, Chris.
If you would like to know more about the books I write please see www.petersrailway.com
I had never heard of these and have no need for them, nor the patience to make them. However it was intriguing to learn what they are, how they're made and thoroughly enjoyed your explanation. You have great presentation and machining skills.
Thankyou.
Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it!! Chris
The most brilliant feat of precision engineering on a small scale i have ever seen!
Phil
Heading for watch-making!! Glad you enjoyed it, Chris.
@@PetersRailway it was the turning it inside out bit that got me on the edge of my seat!!! then of course I had to look at the history of the Clewes Peterson piston ring! Another rabbit hole! So interesting.
Phil
Now that was interesting! Well done!
Thank you! Cheers!
This video ticks all my boxes. I think you've got some serious entertainment potential for us hobby machinists.
Thanks, Steve. I will have to make some more, but most of them are based around the railway, more than the machine shop. However, I hope you will like the next few videos: Raising steam in the loco and extending the railway. All best, Chris.
Sir you have got to be one of the best craftsmen i have ever saw.
Thank you, Paul, it is much appreciated!! I think there is a lot to be said for patience, and maybe a little cunning and doggedness!! Chris.
Just waauuw, I saw this design quite som years ago with a friend who made them for his living. He didn't say how they were made but they were gas tight or steam tight. And al the time I wonderd how he did it. Thanks for the really good and patien video. 💟❤️💖
Hi Edmond, Thanks for the great comment and also for watching!! Chris.
Thanks for showing that great amount of craftsmanship !
Greetings from Germany
Thank you too! and greetings from UK, Chris.
I particularly enjoy the easy going mild tone of the narration, I suspect you are one of those craftsman's that even when faced with failure (like a ring snapping at the last stage of fabrication (cause it's no fun when it snaps at te start)) just shrugs it off and starts over
Thank you for the good comment about the narration! In fact, I (and almost all engineers or people who work with their hands) do have some pretty choice language when things go wrong! There is a reason for this: If you hit your thumb with a hammer, "Oh dear, I appear to have hit my thumb..." doesn't really do the trick. Things happen very quickly. On the other hand, a poet who has just written a bad poem will probably not swear after he has read it for the first time - he knew it was bad over a long period. With engineers, it all goes wrong in a split second!!
Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
That was very challenging to say the least , so easy to screw up . Well done.
I only screwed up and broke one of them, and that was by being clumsy while filing one end. I think there were two practice ones while I got to grips with widthing them. Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Now that was impressive, making your own piston rings. So I'm sure you bored the cylinder's and machined new pistons too. I'm now a subscriber to your channel. 👍
Yes, it was quite a project in its own right. The piston valves (sorts of pistons) needed remaking too. Thanks for watching and subscribing, now I will have to make some more videos! Best wishes, Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/
Absolutely fascinating to watch how they work, and how you managed to manufacture them.
Thank you! Chris.
That was truly amazing. Great suspense when trying to turn that inside out , and then back. . I know how easy that could just snap.
Glad you enjoyed it, and the suspense was even greater while making them!! Chris.
What a genuinely lovely bit of work - subscribed
Thank you! Chris.
Fascinating! Thanks for showing the process so clearly. A cunning design.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Lovely work and presentation! When you pulled that micrometer out of your pocket around 21 mins, it made me unreasonably happy somehow.
Thank you for great comments. There is something special about tools, especially if they don’t contain electronics. They will still work in 100 years. Glad you enjoyed it, Chris
Lovely video Chris! Nice job on that ring. 👍
Thanks for the lovely comment, it is much appreciated!! Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Oh, I will be using every bit of you knowledge sir! Thank for sharing!
And thank you for watching! I’m glad it is useful, Chris
Absolutley fabulous to watch, what a feat twisting that brittle split ring of cast iron inside out was!
Most certainly my kind of channel, subscribed now and forever!
Thank you very much for your lovely comment! It was a nerve wracking moment... All best Chris.
whoever was the first person to figure this process out was a genius
Certainly was! Thanks for watching, Chris 🚂🚂
Happened on this by chance and I’m hooked so much patience and skill absolutely brilliant
Thank you for watching. Patience is a large part of this hobby!! Chris
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It is very much appreciated. Hope you make more as you do other maintenance jobs on Bongo.
Thanks, will do! Yes, I will have to film more of what I do. It isn't the filming that takes the time, it is the editing afterwards...
Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
@@PetersRailway yes thanks I have followed your books for some time. I really enjoyed how not to paint your loco.
I found it really helpful. Although your standard for painting is far higher than mine ;)
@@madguernseyboy Thank you! The trouble now is finding the time to write more books!!! Chris,
quite impressive. The whole flip it inside out bit and then back round was really something to behold. Nice work.
Glad you liked it!! How they made them puzzled me for years until I saw this vital bit in another video. Thanks for watching! Chris.
Great process, thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Absolutely fascinating bit of technology, nicely done
There is so much old technology that was really clever in its day. Nowadays, with modern design, metals and oils, they are not really needed in car engines.
Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Loved this,very much, wonder when this was first thought of.
Long before I found out how to do it! Thanks for watching, Chris
what a brilliant job! incredible amount of skilled work is needed for such a part
Thank you for the comment! Yes, it was a lot of work, but the interest and challenge is all part of the hobby of model engineering. Thanks for watching! Chris.
PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here:
petersrailway.com/
Wow. Agree with all comments, awesome execution of mind blowing concept.
Thanks. However, one really has to admire the person who came up with the idea of how to make them!! Chris.
I don't plan to make any piston rings but I found this very interesting anyway.
Glad you liked it! Chris.
Love your work. I learned so many tricks regarding how to hold stuff while you machine it from this video. Good stuff.
Thank you. Yes, the little chuck idea is cunning, but not mine. The direction of the "helix" makes the ring grip or slip... Chris.