06-19-2015, 08:12 PM
Started machining the shaft that carries the paddles today. Im guessing its the first one made for an alligator in about 100 years. Definitely needed the crane to load this shaft, 3 inch dia 124 inches long.
![[Image: IMG_1766.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dra6yLP6-aU/VYS8XWkMgPI/AAAAAAAADHk/oCHXWQmh3Jo/s1280/IMG_1766.jpg)
The shaft will run on rabbit bearings so needed a nice smooth surface. The shaft of coarse is mystery metal from an old sawmill, machines like mild steel so used a shear tool to take the final pass.
![[Image: IMG_1767.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wrO5SBpFQP8/VYS8XtufLxI/AAAAAAAADHo/WAxhkp1eP3o/s1280/IMG_1767.jpg)
Some nice heavy threading, found a couple of 1 7/8 x 8 tpi nuts to hold the paddle assembly on.
![[Image: IMG_1768.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ydBgOPqTGxA/VYS8Xs_WbnI/AAAAAAAADHs/XzycF5KgMyY/s1280/IMG_1768.jpg)
The shaft will run on rabbit bearings so needed a nice smooth surface. The shaft of coarse is mystery metal from an old sawmill, machines like mild steel so used a shear tool to take the final pass.
Some nice heavy threading, found a couple of 1 7/8 x 8 tpi nuts to hold the paddle assembly on.
Free advice is worth exactly what you payed for it.
Greg
Greg