Technical Connecting Rod Machine

Looking to get schooled on what a connecting rod machine is, how it works, etc. and how it's used on kingpins. I'd never heard of one until yesterday. Now I'm interested in learning more.

 

Are you talking about a pin hone?

 

I'm not actually sure. I didn't get to see it. I was at the auto parts store picking up a brake lathe that he gave to me and he mentioned having other machines I might be interested in buying. He said he had a con rod machine. I asked him what that was and he said it's used for working on connecting rods and kingpins. He had to go answer the phone and I haven't had a chance to follow up with him about it. He did say he originally paid $12K for it. So I'm guessing it must be a significant machine.

 

Scott, that is the machine that jaracer refers to in the video he posted. We have the same machine at work. We are not an automotive machine shop, just a heavy duty truck repair shop, and we only use it for kingpin bushing sizing. It’s quite a machine and does extremely precise work, but in my opinion, it’s overkill for just kingpins. It requires the correct size mandrel for each diameter of kingpin (there is overlap on sizing to an extent). I learned to hand ream kingpin bushings 30 years ago using the correct piloted reamers and to me, it’s easier. Unless you do a lot of kingpins or do them for other people, it’s a good sized machine that probably won’t get used much.

 

If it is a Sunen, it is one of the best. Have been made for years and believe parts are available still for the older ones.
Be aware that mandrels do wear out and if the ones included in the sell are worn, they can add up fast.
Fairly easy to learn and operate. If you do pull the trigger, have the gentleman you buy it from give you lessons and pointers.
Once you are comfortable with operating and word gets out, you could pay for it in not to long of time.
Make sure you grab the rod cap grinder I ***ume he has also. Cant recon rods w/o one.
If you do get it make sure to let local industrial machine shops know. Many uses for them as well if you have a good selection of mandrels.