Recent content by beautifulchaos

The second option is probably the better choice, providing it won't lodge itself into holes or other nooks and crannies in your parts. Some angle cut triangles would be even better. The larger wedges you posted could cause some surface hammering. You could also look for vibratory finishing...

Some general purpose synthetics I've used recently have been quite impressive. This is my current go-to for aluminum parts that require a uniform finish and basic edge break. Otherwise, plastic is widely available and leaves a nice finish on aluminum. Size and shape is almost impossible to...

The before & after shots are a nice display of your perseverance. Thanks for sharing and providing inspiration. Do you have some extra motivation laying around?! Rick

Awesome place. Can't wait to see this one come together. Thanks for sharing. Rick

Check in?! I practically live for this thread. It's a great circle, this one. You chronicle your garage and mechanical life because you know we appreciate it. And we kick some appreciation back your way simply by following along and dropping bits of gratitude here and there. One doesn't...

Like has already been mentioned, my solution makes the cost of the heater much less attractive, but it works pretty well and will hopefully keep operating costs down when amortized over several years. I'm using a GE/Jasco 220v z-wave switch in conjunction with a Vera home automation controller...

The full ad scan is up now: https://www.bfads.net/stores/home-depot/ads/black-friday

That was hilarious. I just ordered a semi full of cat litter and a case of swiss army knife scissors. Who needs precision formed media and industrial duty tools? :bowdown:

"Tumbler", or "tumbling", is one of those words that has become a general term that is synonymous with different methods. When I refer to a tumbler, I mean the typical cement mixer style or the barrel style, like this: Tumbling barrels rely on the tumbling action, quite often combined with...

So you're the one. I've given up trying to find deals around here.

I'll echo the previous sentiments that tumbling is the more efficient method for edge work. Even with very aggressive media and lengthy process times, our tumble blaster is not doing much to break edges on mild steel. It may do some work on the dross, but it's unlikely to be 100% effective. A...