Recent content by Riverrat

Personally, my eyes are worth a lot and I don't mind spending $500 dollars plus for a welding helmet that will protect them. I took a Tig class from Justin (The Fabrication Series) in Las Vegas and he turned me on to the Optrel Crystal 2.0. This helmet will change your life! It is made in...

My auto mechanics teacher taught us an easy way to remember the firing order on a straight six engine using girls/women ages. 15 too young 36 too old 24 just right. Thirty six is young to me at my current age!

The Jorgensen Steel Catalog might help you. I have hard copies they used to give out for free when I was working in the aerospace industry. Great reference material on sizes, weights, and manufacturing characteristics. Here is a link to an electronic copy. https://www.emjmetals.com/site/blue_book

You are correct.

Would you say that Phase II tool posts and holders are as good as Aloris? There is no comparison. I have not owned a Comet or any Chinesium machines so I cannot compare it to what I used professionally or personally, but I am happy for you that you like what you own, and you should be.

If you have a Sharps or Acra machine, go to them for parts and service. Why would you go to H&W????

Tell me which imports you are talking about? Why would you look to H&W for service and parts if your imports are superior? Go cheap and be happy!! I hope it works out for you. I am happy with what I have and do not regret what I paid for my machines. All the best. Tom

The question I would have is "Can you tram the head?". This is a slippery slope that you are on. I know others have responded that it won't cost much to fix what is wrong with your inexpensive milling machine. My argument to that would be to buy a Milling machine that you know parts are...

Personally I would be cautious about investing a lot of money into a machine that has the problems you have encountered. You could be throwing good money after bad. Parts are not cheap for milling machines. Ask me how I know. You might find out that what seemed like a good deal wasn't the...

I have my shop laid out the way raw material come in the door. First I have my horizontal and vertical bandsaws. Next I have my vertical belt sander and my 8 inch bench grinders. After that I have my Bridgeport milling machine and my Clausing lathe. I don't have any concerns about abrasive...

Charming

You got that right Doc. I tell my customers that if I have to make tooling and add that to the set up time, it takes longer than making the part. I enjoy what you add to the forum.

I would suggest applying some bluing or marker on the tube where you intend to cut it. Cut within 1/16 inch of the line with your saw. With a piece of glass or a granite tile you can tape down a sheet of sandpaper and lap in the tube to the line. I suggest using a figure eight pattern to lap...

I wonder if there is an English version of the book. It looks interesting.

I hope this thread will grow. Fifty years ago all I had was a drill press and every tool was a hammer. When I started racing cars my attitude changed and I changed. When I made parts for other racers I knew I had a responsibility for their safety. Fast forward to my last job as a Test...