I spent two weeks getting this inherited Massey Ferguson running in order to dig up the front garden I have (also herited) in order to plant roses for my late mother's memory.
this post was submitted on 16 Apr 2026
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You make a compelling case… oh hang on…
Did you know that this specific ball joint application needs a 7 degree taper? I had to use a lathe and improvise with an 82 degree chamfer tool in the lathe, followed by a 7/8 tap in order to make the part. I knew that I was going to be off by half a degree, but I knew the weight of the tractor would force fit the new joint.
That's pretty neat. I'd have probably modified the knuckle for something current or replaced the entire axle before I'd have even thought of trying to build a ball joint. I've replaced them dozens of times, but I've never cut one apart to see if I could make one.
I have a dull past of 20 years as a machinist, so it makes me think that way.
So, a question then: why use a set degree chamfer tool instead of the compound slide to taper it? I've built a few specialty things but I can't say I've tried to run off a taper, though I understand the concept, so I may have no clue what I'm talking about.
Honestly, it is because I had it on hand and it was fast. 0.5 degrees wasn't going to matter here since it simply needs to fit and the whole weight of the engine will force it in place.
Machinist comfirmed. My favorite mantra regarding precision throughout the life of a project:
Measure with micrometer.
Mark with chalk.
Cut with an axe.
Beat to Fit.
Paint to match.
As a farmer, I can get behind "quick and easy, and on to other things".
OK, here is what needed to fit:
This new stainless part is what I made ( hard t9 get a good shot of it without giving you feet pics for free)
zzzz…. Ok, you win
was the lathe... rudimentary?
