Recent content by Mtlwright

So, in the end I got screwed by a company that doesn't give a damn about their customers. Credit card co says nothing they can do because it's not a clear case of fraud. And TM is not responding at all to communications, which I guess shouldn't be surprising since they never sent me an order...

Credit card company is next but I'm willing to give them a chance to make it right. And yes I did check the shipping. Bill

I've ordered other things and it hasn't been an issue. other than slower than usual. And I wish US companies would stop using UPS to ship to Canada. The postal service is only marginally slower and they don't have the rip-off UPS broker fees. I often won't buy something if there isn't a shipping...

A few of you may recall that I asked about a good set of body tools made in North America. A few recommended Martin Tools and TM Technologies. So I place an order with TM Technologies. Pricey, at $470 Canadian after exchange and shipping, but I'm willing to pay for good North American made...

I use a Snap-On set that I bought years ago (one of those tools worth the cost). It includes the left hand drill bits (tungsten I think) and they can drill almost anything. I personally think left hand drill bits do work if the bolt isn't too rusty or jammed (it is nice when the bit catches and...

Passnthru. Thanks for the kind thought. Got home at 2 am last night. 22 hours in the seat. Proved I could do it but I don't think I would do it again. Pushing that hard on our northern roads takes some of the fun out of riding. Cheers, Bill

Prepped the 1985 Honda Shadow 1100. A buddy and I are doing the saddlesore tomorrow (he will be on a 1984 Honda 1000 Interceptor - awesome bike). 1,600 km in 24 hours or less. Route laid out and granola bars and notebook in the saddle bags. Weather looks near perfect, sunny and clear skies...

You won't get far working on the flat sheetmetal sides as that seam is acting like a reinforcing bar. I would use vise grips on a slide hammer with heat as suggested. Without heat, I think the seam will tear. Small movements until you get the seam back in line and using the studs on the...

So I pulled the trigger and bought a Martin set and the Trusty Cook set. Really looking forward to getting and using them. Spendy but worth it I think. Thanks for the suggestions. Bill

A four jaw isn't just more accurate but it can be used to make round things square and square things round and in between. As an example, I made taller handlebar yokes for my dirt bike just using my lathe. 1 inch thick with caps and a tapered lower section to fit in the yoke. Sorry no pics. But...

According to TM Technologies website the Martin hammers are based on old Fairmont, Paramount, Proto, Blackhawk, and other patterns but are made in America. Bill

Recommendations for a good set? In a moment of poor judgement and need I bought a Princess Auto set. They are horrible quality, unsurprisingly. I can make do for now but I need a good set and I don't mind what they cost. Ideas please? Hopefully based on actual use. Thanks, Bill

More tig practice. Aluminum was kicking my **** however it went better today. No perfect stack of dimes but reasonable welds and I only buggered the tungsten once. Lots of room for improvement but I felt good for the first time when I hung up the torch. I sometimes wonder why I'm still trying...

You can add a steel plate to the top. You will probably be surprised by the difference that makes. Those small light lathes lack rigidity and mass. Adding a steel plate adds both and makes a real difference to its use. You will get smoother operation. 1/2 inch or 3/8 plate the full length of...

I have an original Leathermen I bought 30 years ago and it's bee on my belt ever since. I've gone through 3 or 4 of the leather holsters. I also carry a small Swiss Army knife (don't know the model) that was a gift many years ago and still sees some use as the small blade is handy. I have been...