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Machine Tools for the Home Shop |
Mechanical Toys! This section is devoted to my studies in the machining of metal and of setting up a home machine shop. The idea of machines that build other machines has a beguiling recursive quality that appeals to the computer scientist in me. As an Engineer, I love any act of creation. I've tried woodworking in the distant past and really enjoyed it, but this metal business seems the best. The precision involved, all the knowledge and learning, as well as the luster of the finished products all make it irresistable to me!
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The things I have built with these machine tools. |
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Introduction for Beginners and New Visitors I started out with no knowledge or formal training in machine work at all, but I am a voracious reader and enjoy the act of learning as much as the doing. Herein are my notes on how I got started and how I learned plus a collection of useful resources including books and web resources. |
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See how I'm coming building the shop, and what my thoughts are on how to get things organized. Learn about the fabulous wall organizer system I found while surfing the Internet one day. |
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Shops I consider to be noteworthy for inclusion in this hall of fame. |
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Notes, tips, modifications, and reference materials for the machine lathe. Mine is a Lathemaster 9x30. |
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My notes, tips, modifications, and reference materials for the milling machine. |
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Whaddya know: those guys that said you'd spend more on tooling than machines? They were right! Doh! I hate when that happens... |
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Measuring and layout are the foundations for precision. |
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Welding Kit. I've always liked that English turn of phrase, which does not mean "some assembly required", but rather, "here's all my welding related stuff." I've picked up a nice Miller Tig on eBay, an ESAB plasma cutter that is probably too powerful, and an oxy-fuel rig I've had for years for heating up stubborn rusted stuff I needed to get loose. I am engaged in a community college course of welding self-enrichment, which I am enjoying tremendously. |
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Tips and Techniques Pages These are my "how-to" notes, gleaned from hundreds if not thousands of pages on the Internet as well as many books. In some cases I have validated the information, in others I have not, but wanted to jot it down lest it be lost as the Internet moved on. Lathe Drilling Boring & Reaming Lathe Surface Finish & Cutting Tools Lathe Workholding: Chucks and setups for every occasion. Materials, Finishes, and Treatments: My notes on some of the materials I have machined as well as various finishing techniques and treatments. |
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Drill press, grinders, buffers, air tools, and bandsaws: Oh my! And don't forget Blanch, the mini-Blanchard "swing" grinder I got to use as a surface grinder until my shop space can be expanded enough for a regular surface grinder. |
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What I'd buy or do given the time and money. Mostly it's the time! |
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Gallery of Rhino 3D CAD designs I have done. |
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Photos of good looking machines I have collected. |
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