My Lil' Mule

I was contacted by Sterlingkit and asked if I wanted one of their steam engine kits, and of course I said “YES!” These kits are extremely well made and go together without a lot of difficulty for the average person. I ran into a couple of issues, but these were all my fault. The engine runs fantastically.

They gave me some links to share if you’re interested in getting one of these kits. Using the promo code below and you can save 15%.

15% OFF promo code: MLM15
RW-BL1K DIY Live Steam Engine: https://bit.ly/48CjyE8
Stirlingkit Must-Have Steam Engines: https://bit.ly/3XfhXhf

—-

Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhu-MGVjs8i8SwyGUElJFg/join
Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/mylilmule
One time donation: https://paypal.me/MyLilMule
T Shirts and such: https://store.mylilmule.us
Etsy Shop: https://mylilmule.etsy.com
Buy me a Pizza: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mylilmule
Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MBO1LDMVXEWI?sort=priority

Cutting my first ever helical gear! But, failure is always an option. My first attempt was an utter disaster and it was nobody’s fault but my own. Using the wrong formula, not double checking my setup, and more, contributed to having to start over. But I was able to save it and it turned out great!

Anchorlube: https://amzn.to/3Y8LmLz

Gear Calculator: http://gear-calculator.mylilmule.us/

DR DRO: https://www.provvedo.com/
DRO Software Github: https://github.com/bartei/rotary-controller-python
Servo I used: https://amzn.to/4f92qrh
Provvedo Discord: https://discord.gg/xUDVGfp7df

—-

Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhu-MGVjs8i8SwyGUElJFg/join
Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/mylilmule
One time donation: https://paypal.me/MyLilMule
T Shirts and such: https://store.mylilmule.us
Etsy Shop: https://mylilmule.etsy.com
Buy me a Pizza: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mylilmule
Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MBO1LDMVXEWI?sort=priority

Cutting my first ever gears! I finally have everything ready to go to give it a try and cut some spur gears. Excited to finally be able to do this! I still have work to do, but this is getting interesting!

Anchorlube: https://amzn.to/3Y8LmLz

DR DRO: https://www.provvedo.com/
DRO Software Github: https://github.com/bartei/rotary-controller-python
Servo I used: https://amzn.to/4f92qrh
Provvedo Discord: https://discord.gg/xUDVGfp7df

—-

Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhu-MGVjs8i8SwyGUElJFg/join
Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/mylilmule
One time donation: https://paypal.me/MyLilMule
T Shirts and such: https://store.mylilmule.us
Etsy Shop: https://mylilmule.etsy.com
Buy me a Pizza: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mylilmule
Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MBO1LDMVXEWI?sort=priority

Continuing on my DIY DRO build, I am ready to attach a servo to the freshly restored Brown and Sharpe dividing head. This will make gear cutting or just about anything a dividing head can be used for, much much more efficient.

DR DRO: https://www.provvedo.com/
DRO Software Github: https://github.com/bartei/rotary-controller-python
Servo I used: https://amzn.to/4f92qrh
Provvedo Discord: https://discord.gg/xUDVGfp7df

—-

Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhu-MGVjs8i8SwyGUElJFg/join
Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/mylilmule
One time donation: https://paypal.me/MyLilMule
T Shirts and such: https://store.mylilmule.us
Etsy Shop: https://mylilmule.etsy.com
Buy me a Pizza: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mylilmule
Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MBO1LDMVXEWI?sort=priority

In this video I reassemble the Brown and Sharpe Universal Dividing Head that I tore down in the previous video. After a good cleaning and removing all the old, hardened grease, it’s time to put everything back together and get it working smoothly again.

I go step by step through the reassembly process, showing the parts, fit, and adjustments along the way.

If you enjoy old machine tools and restorations, check out my other videos on lathes, mills, and shapers here on the channel.

Anchorlube: https://amzn.to/3Y8LmLz

—-

Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhu-MGVjs8i8SwyGUElJFg/join
Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/mylilmule
One time donation: https://paypal.me/MyLilMule
T Shirts and such: https://store.mylilmule.us
Etsy Shop: https://mylilmule.etsy.com
Buy me a Pizza: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mylilmule
Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MBO1LDMVXEWI?sort=priority

n this video I tear down a Brown & Sharpe Universal Dividing Head that’s been sitting for who knows how long. The inside was packed with old, dried-up grease and needed a good cleaning before I can move forward with restoring it.

This is the first step in getting it back to smooth working condition. I go through the full disassembly, show what I find inside, and share a few tips along the way.

If you enjoy old machine tools and restorations, check out my other videos on lathes, mills, and shapers here on the channel.

Anchorlube: https://amzn.to/3Y8LmLz

—-

Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhu-MGVjs8i8SwyGUElJFg/join
Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/mylilmule
One time donation: https://paypal.me/MyLilMule
T Shirts and such: https://store.mylilmule.us
Etsy Shop: https://mylilmule.etsy.com
Buy me a Pizza: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mylilmule
Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MBO1LDMVXEWI?sort=priority

Took a trip to Milwaukee and Chicago to visit some friends and to hit up the swap meet at ArnFest! And I bought a new (to me) machine!

—-

Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhu-MGVjs8i8SwyGUElJFg/join
Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/mylilmule
One time donation: https://paypal.me/MyLilMule
T Shirts and such: https://store.mylilmule.us
Etsy Shop: https://mylilmule.etsy.com
Buy me a Pizza: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mylilmule
Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MBO1LDMVXEWI?sort=priority

My shop and garage are going through a major reorganization, so I can’t really get at some of the machines. As luck would have it, this is coinciding with the September 2025 Lakeshore Live Steamers club run at the Blueberry Railroad in Geneva, Ohio. I had a lot of fun and shot some video to share. I hope you enjoy it.

https://www.lakeshorelivesteamers.com/
http://www.blueberryrailroad.com/
—-

Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhu-MGVjs8i8SwyGUElJFg/join
Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/mylilmule
One time donation: https://paypal.me/MyLilMule
T Shirts and such: https://store.mylilmule.us
Etsy Shop: https://mylilmule.etsy.com
Buy me a Pizza: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mylilmule
Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MBO1LDMVXEWI?sort=priority

In order to get the Reading 2100 Steam Locomotive, also known as American Freedom Train 250, ready for inspection, one of the many things that need to be completed is to make sure the washout plugs are not leaking. Before placing new copper gaskets, volunteers need to lap the seat faces of each plug to eliminate any pitting or scaring. In this video, I and several volunteers machine one of the four different sized lapping tools for the locomotive.

Find out more about American Steam Railroad and the upcoming 80th birthday celebration of AFT250: https://www.americansteamrailroad.org
—-

Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhu-MGVjs8i8SwyGUElJFg/join
Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/mylilmule
One time donation: https://paypal.me/MyLilMule
T Shirts and such: https://store.mylilmule.us
Etsy Shop: https://mylilmule.etsy.com
Buy me a Pizza: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mylilmule
Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MBO1LDMVXEWI?sort=priority