Hi Folks,
Wine, wax, woad and yes, There Will Be Blood... all in an effort to discover the best ancient marking fluid. (And I'll let you decide how the blood supply issue might have been dealt with in the ancient shop - I'm guessing it might not have been much fun being the apprentice on the day the large dial was marked out!)
Please enjoy,
Chris.
Direct links to the video -
Hi Folks,
Its time for some more shop made tools - Please enjoy!
Cheers,
Chris.
Direct links to the video -
-------------- Video Notes: ---------------
Related Videos:<...
2018-12-05 22:18:22 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi Folks,
In this episode I take an in depth look at the process of using ferric chloride to etch fine line detail. Please enjoy!
Cheers,
Chris.
-------- Video Notes --------
Etching Supplies:
Photoresist film: Ebay https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=photoresist+film
Developer solution: Pool supplies stores ...
2018-11-03 02:34:24 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi Folks,
In this video I make what is arguably the most impressive section of the mechanism - the small gearing module that models Hipparchus' observation of the variable motion of the Moon - Please enjoy :)
Cheers,
Chris.
-------- Video Notes --------
Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras:
Panasonic GH5 - https://amzn.t...
2018-10-11 23:11:50 +0000 UTC View Post
(Update Jan 23rd, 8:00pm AEST)
Putting some of the India Ink buttons I made in the line visibility vid to good use in this next video (Short Video)
----------------------------
(Update Jan 19th, 6:00pm AEST)
I have spent the last week testing out a hunch about how a series of very challenging cuts within the mechanism may have been made, and I now have a good workin...
2018-10-03 03:30:39 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi Folks,
In this video I make the gearing that calculates the mean sidereal period of the Moon, and have a closer look at some of the mechanical limitations of the device.
Cheers,
Chris.
-------- Video Notes --------
Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras:
Panasonic GH5 - https://amzn.to/2rEzhh2 ...
2018-09-16 01:10:24 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey folks,
Continuing on with the investigation of what it was like inside the ancient workshop, here's a closer look at another of the demonstrated techniques: The precise joining of metal using soft solder.
Please enjoy :)
Cheers,
Chris.
-------- Video Notes --------
Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras:
Panasonic GH5 - 2018-09-05 01:24:12 +0000 UTC View Post
(Update August 31st, 7:30pm AEST)
The heat coming off these soldering tools, combined with the fire nearby is intense - Old school soldering is definitely a winter sport! Working hard to complete the next two vids, lots of ground covered - still a few days off for the first one - Cheers :)
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(Update August 27th, 11:30am AEST)
(Update July 30th, 7:15pm AEST)
The pin and slot mechanism in progress (short movie) - The pin moves from one end of the slot to the other throughout the full rotation. This effectively superimposes a quasi sinusoidal variation upon the mean sidereal rate of the moon, and was the ancient Greek way of modeling the slight rate variation that we now know to be due to its elliptical orbit. The amount of offset of the slot wheel p...
2018-07-10 08:53:33 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
In this episode the mechanism continues to take shape as I make the support structure for the gearing. Some really cool shapes that add a lot to the performance and visual impact of the device - please enjoy :)
Cheers,
Chris.
-------- Video Notes --------
Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras:
Panasonic GH5 - 2018-07-02 09:48:15 +0000 UTC View Post
(Update June 30th, 8:00pm AEST)
The latest BSC episode is taking a lot longer to edit and narrate than I expected folks, thanks for your patience - Here's a quick sneak peek, working with some unusual shapes - the full vid and plans will be up in a few days.
-----------------------------
(Update June 12th, 8:00pm AEST)
One of the late WR 'Bill' Smiths enduring l...
2018-06-06 07:08:42 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
This video is a sort of continuation from TGT#4 where I covered the basic starting point for setting up the shop. In this video I continue the story, with some of the things to consider when selecting a first lathe - Be sure to add your own essential lathe criteria in the comments below.
Cheers,
Chris.
-------------- Video Notes: ---------------
2018-05-31 09:24:59 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
A new one for your weekend viewing - Please enjoy :)
Cheers,
Chris.
-------------- Video Notes: ---------------
Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras used in this video:
Panasonic GH5 - https://amzn.to/2rEzhh2
Panasonic X920 - https://amzn.to/2wzxxdT
T...
2018-05-12 23:43:41 +0000 UTC View Post
(Update May 16th, 9:00pm AEST)
(short movie) - using a test bar between centers to test the WM250V tailstock alignment - the tailstock aligns well and has good repeatability. The overall machine is also quite good, with just a few negative issues - more detail in the next TGT
-----------------------------
(Update May 13th, 6:30am AEST)
Edit and post prod is finally complet...
2018-04-02 08:20:55 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
Here's the first in a new series of engineering tips videos. The format is well suited to doing requests, so I'll be using it to cover those requests that have already come in, and I'm happy to cover anything additional that you might want to see.
Cheers,
Chris.
-------------- Video Notes: ---------------
Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras used in this video:
Panasonic GH5 - 2018-03-23 11:14:56 +0000 UTC View Post
(Update March 29th, 8:00pm AEST)
The pivot and inside shoulder bearing for the Saros Pointer Assembly - There were several other adjacent components constraining the size, shape and design of this little bearing. This was the ancient solution to permit not only clearance from those other components, but also to provide vertical stability and acceptable friction: (Short Video)
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2018-03-05 08:18:35 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
A new TGT episode is now available, all about the shop made foundry pyrometer.
Cheers,
Chris.
-------------- Video Notes: ---------------
Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras:
Panasonic GH5 - https://amzn.to/2rEzhh2
Panasonic X920 - https://amzn.to/2wzxxdT
Tools & Shop Produ...
2018-02-26 10:56:47 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
The precision of the holes in the Antikythera mechanism is one of the most fascinating aspects of its construction. In this video I make a tool that is capable of creating holes to the required standard, yet is consistent with the level of technology known to have existed in the period.
Plans for the tool can be downloaded as a zip file here (11Mb): http:/...
2018-02-20 06:54:57 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
Here is the first of 2 new Fragments videos, both investigating the drilling technology that could potentially have been used to build the Antikythera Mechanism. In this one, I have a good look at a plausible method for creating an ancient equivalent to drill rod, and then shape it into a useful drill bit.
The next one is the main video on the drilling tool, and it should be finished uploading in approx 24 hours.
Cheers,
Chris.
2018-02-19 05:05:21 +0000 UTC View Post
(Update Feb 26th, 9:15pm AEST)
Just completed the upload on a new TGT, all about the foundry Pyrometer - As it happens, its a very awkward tool to shoot because its so long and thin. I just barely squeeze it into this shot even with the camera perched up on the ceiling :)
-----------------------------
Update Feb 18th, 9:30pm AEST)
One episode is travelling along the interwebs to YT at present, and all going well, the other episode will begin uploading ...
2018-01-14 10:06:39 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
In this video I depth & plant the gear train, and give it all a first test within the body of the mechanism. Its a key milestone in the project, and is a sort of plateau in the build process, verifying much of the previous work. There is of course still a lot of work to be done, but the finish line is in sight!
Thank you all so much for your support this year folks. You keep the lights on at Clickspring, and I very much appreciate it.
Stay safe over the holidays, and...
2017-12-30 23:09:53 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
I partially covered this subject in a text article on buying a lathe a few years ago, but I think I can do a better job of covering the subject again in this video, and a few subsequent TGT episodes. So think of this one as a sort of overview if you like, on getting started on setting up the shop, and then I'll cover all of the specifics like what to look for in a lathe, mill etc in subsequent videos.
And be sure to share your thoughts & advice on setting up a home s...
2017-12-11 22:06:58 +0000 UTC View Post
In this video I make the gearing that drives the Metonic, Callippic and Olympiad pointers. If you're interested in a bit more detail on the ancient Greek approach to calendars, then I recommend this excellent article on the Athenian calendars - https://www.ancient.eu/article/833/the-athenian-calendar/ Its guaranteed to make you view our modern Gregorian calendar with much greater appreciation!...
2017-11-27 04:55:27 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
In this episode I go through 2 different methods for making the Front Dial Bowl - one fabricated, and the other based on a casting. They each have their merits, but I have to say I really do enjoy melting metal!
Cheers,
Chris.
-------- Video Notes --------
Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras:
Panasonic GH5 - https://amzn.to/2rEzhh2<...
2017-10-17 23:14:25 +0000 UTC View Post
In this video I make the small assembly that enables the user to drive the mechanism. Its an extra length episode for you folks, so please enjoy!
Cheers,
Chris.
-------------- Video Notes: ---------------
Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras:
Panasonic GH5 - https://amzn.to/2rEzhh2
Panasonic X920 - 2017-09-18 05:21:15 +0000 UTC View Post
(Update Dec 30th, 6:30pm AEST)
Narration & editing complete, now uploading BSC Part 7 - It should be available from approx 6am Dec 31st AEST
(Update Dec 31st, 5:30am AEST)
... still uploading, expect closer to 9am :)
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(Update Dec 26th, 9:30pm AEST)
Hey Folks,
By request the full detail on my furnace, please enjoy!
Cheers,
Chris.
-------------- Video Notes: ---------------
Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras used in this video:
Panasonic GH5 - https://amzn.to/2rEzhh2
Panasonic X920 - https://...
2017-08-31 06:15:11 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
Episode 3 of the BSC project is now available for viewing. I go into a bit of the detail of the train arbors, as well as complete all 6 of the remaining wheel assemblies to the point where they can be dry assembled.
Cheers,
Chris.
PS For those building along in real time, I've made one minor adjustment to the "Eclipse Idler Wheel Small" print - The central hole has been opened up from 3.18mm (1/8") to 4.76mm (3/16") to accommodate a slightly thicker boss on ...
2017-08-13 22:32:58 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Folks,
The most recognizable component of the mechanism continues to take shape, and becomes the first moving part within the plates. Please enjoy!
Chris.
-------------- Video Notes: ---------------
Amazon Affiliate links:
Cameras:
Panasonic GH5 - https://amzn.to/2rEzhh2
Panasonic X920 - 2017-07-24 20:56:20 +0000 UTC View Post
(Update Aug 29th, 7:00pm AEST)
I have just finished shooting a new TGT on the furnace - I'll narrate it tomorrow, and expect it to be uploaded the following day
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(Update Aug 28th, 9:30am AEST)
Pouring some copper and aluminium with these molds today for the next TGT
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2017-07-09 04:10:46 +0000 UTC View Post