Recent content by andgott

Very true. This is a 'hobby' item- I'll do some side work here and there, but it's not a primary source of income. It would be tough to justify spending $10k + more on a unit, even if it did have excellent support. Many of the Chinese companies offer pretty decent support these days- Times...

I've been dealing with companies on Alibaba for several years now, mostly ordering parts in large quantities.

I looked in to this ahead of time. There are a number of services that specialize in this for small orders like this, and handle everything for you for a minimal fee. I haven't decided which one to use yet as I can't even get the process started until I have the final paperwork, but when I do...

So, How did I decide on this model, and this company? Research. There are MANY suppliers of machines like this on Alibaba- Several dozen. I started contacting them, and getting quotes. Luckily for me, there was someone in one of the FaceBook groups that I belong to that was looking for almost...

First of all, "Meet" my new Machine- It is being built by a company called ZingCNC (http://www.zingcnclaser.com/) Here are the specs- 900mm x 600mm working area (Just under 36" x 24") RECI W-4 Laser Tube (100W with a 130W max) RUIDA RDC6445G Controller Rotary attachment Motorized Bed Table...

Not too long ago, I bought a small "K40" laser cutter/engraver. Once I got it set up, I quickly discovered that while I really liked having the capability in my shop, I was extremely limited by its working size, which is only about 12" x 8". So I started shopping around for a larger format...

I have been playing with the idea of getting one of these for a while... And I finally did. So far, I am impressed. I've got an abrasive chop saw that I use for most of my steel cutting. It works, but it's messy. I've also got a pretty decent band saw, which works fairly well, but takes a long...

Yes, that is what is missing... Not even the whole insert, just a corner of it. It'll be a quick fix.

It's missing the jaw pad on one side, but there is no damage to the vise itself. I'll just have to make new pads! A great project for the new milling machine that I have ordered...

I picked up this gorgeous hunk of American iron this week... $65 at a yard sale, but talked 'em down to $50- A 3 1/2" Starrett Athol vise. It has to be the BIGGEST 3 1/2" vise I've ever seen! It's in good condition, too. Just needs some cleanup.

Yeah I’ve thought of all kinds of things that they’ll be handy for... my mill is on the way, should have it in a week or two.. it’s nice to finally be able to make pretty much any part or tool I’ll ever need!

I had a chance to try out the new chuck and collets. And, I put together what will probably be the most boring YouTube video you're likely to watch. Sorry about the quality (or lack thereof), I was trying to hold the camera and turn the spindle at the same time. This is a new lathe- So I had...

I’m going to be checking them soon... I did a little research and from what I had found online most seemed happy with the quality. I’ll let you know

I recently got a new 5-C Collet chuck for my lathe, and needed some 5-C Collets. I only had a handful of the more common sizes. I found a great deal on E-Bay, 35 pc set, 1/16th - 1 1/8th by 32nds. Comes with TWO racks, both of which hold 30 collets (those are about $20 ea separately), so you'll...

Thanks. Yeah, i find I use it a lot more when it’s easy to get out and put away