[v8fordman]

I’ve been building engines since the early ‘80’s and it is not uncommon to have to “fit” the bearings to the shaft. I agree that you need to make sure you have the correct size bearings before you start. Make a visual check since some bearings actually had the size stamped (ink or mechanical) on them. Unfortunately, experience in properly fitting a floating bearing has a sound and feel which no one can describe in writing. Most times they need opening rather than closing as your picture shows. If your machinist has properly resized the rods and the crank is ground correctly, he may test fit each set of bearings by installing a single rod on the bottom side of the crank (outside of the cylinder bore).That way you have access to half of the bearing(which you can hold) and a rod (which you can move to check for clearance). Everything can also be checked with Plastigauge or .002 shim stock without the risk of piston or ring damage. I hope this gives you some additional ideas.