I've been busy learning watch repair for the last year or so, buying non-running watches on eBay and getting them back in service. That got me interested in something I've been wanting to do for a long time, and that is to build a clock. I opted for a John Wilding designed English regulator because he has published a book on it with fairly complete drawings. The first task was to make cycloidal gear cutters to cut the wheels. They are made from O1 tool steel and are complete with back clearance for a clean cut in the brass blanks. I found a book that provided all of the math required and used ..read more

The special of the week from LMS is thread detectives. They claim it's $10 off the regular price.   Ed   LMS Special.png (Size: 22.08 KB / Downloads: 1 ..read more

I've been working on improving my mini lathe to increase rigidity. Eliminating the compound mechanism when it's not needed is the obvious first step. Now I'm working on the cross slide assembly. I've 3D printed parts that I want to make to be sure I get the dimensions correct since steel is pricey and I don't want to/can't afford to screw up. I wanted the tool holder to be adjustable when using either 3/8" or 1/2" tooling. It came out perfect with enough of an adjustment range for both to work. I got a piece of bronze to make the new gib out of. I've ordered the steel for the two other parts ..read more

I have a brand new/unused Tormek sharpening system sitting down in my shop that I can't get to. That sucks. But I'm sick and tired of having dull knives and scissors around here so I've moved on to plan "B" for now. I've been piecing together a Wicked Edge Gen 4 Pro system that is small enough that I can use it on my little roll around work table that I can keep near me. But I need it to be portable so it can be stored out of the way and easy enough for my wife to move. Enter the Pelican 1560 storage case with an extending luggage handle and wheels. I took me awhile to lay it out and cut out ..read more

Been busy laserin and makin and stuff and decided that there were just a few things a laser can't really do.  So I figured it was time to up my game just a bit.  This just showed up a couple days ago and about all I've had time to do with it is put it together and do some break in tests.  I haven't done any cutting yet. Here it is! It's a 400x400 mm VEVOR CNC.  It's similar to the 4040 FoxAlien but from the videos I've seen on the FA, this one is better built.  It's extruded but has 2060 for the X gantry whereas the FA has 2040.  Someone said the FA has plasti ..read more

I have a couple small aluminum parts I would like to blacken. Anyone have a recommendation on something they have used that worked well? Or what didn't work? I saw ThisOldTony's experience with the Birchwood casey stuff  that wasn't very successful.   handle_2.jpg (Size: 109.92 KB / Downloads: 0 ..read more

I've had this light sitting around for quite some time now. I originally bought it for a different use but that didn't work out so well so I decided to eventually get it installed on the band saw. That day has finally arrived. I still need to wire it in but most of the work is done now. Ed   raw box.jpg (Size: 230.19 KB / Downloads: 1)     raw cover.jpg (Size: 232.06 KB / Downloads: 0)   parts attached.jpg (Size: 313.1 KB / Downloads: 4)     assembled.jpg (Size: 190.11 KB / Downloads: 0)   mounted.jpg (Size: 518.2 KB / Download ..read more

I completed upgrading my 3D printer today. Much faster and quieter.   Ed   3d printer upgraded.jpg (Size: 391.11 KB / Downloads: 1 ..read more

I've found plenty of spindle nose dimensions for the face, but none of the side view. Can anyone help me out ..read more

Hi Guys, After using and trying different tool holders on my Myford Lathe. None of which were particularly outstanding, I decided to make a Norman Patent one as used by Rolls Royce and originally made and fitted to the very early Drumond/Myford lathes. I also found the original patent. Its very easy to make and in use its easy to see why RR adopted it for use in their development workshops. The tool post is a simple turning job, drilled to fit over the top slide tool fastening bolt. Most of the rest of the work is mostly turning, drilling and threading. The only milling is a simple 13 X 12 m ..read more