The Home Machinist!

As said, it depends on the situation: Aboard the tender/ship I was stationed on, it was "hog that stuff off of that part MR3 Becker." Git it done, like yesterday. The response was "Aye, aye, Chief." At home, this is a hobby, I have time to get it done to how I want the part to be...

I'm starting over, from the rails up... :wink: These below parts will fit in the side frames, sprung and will be attached to the the center bolster: Parts before trimming bolster un cut.JPG Parts after trimming in the chop saw. cut bolster part.JPG Tried working yesterday, Sunday morning and the cho...

Way back when, a bigger version of a CliShay was built and lost thanks to a family issue.... :cry: But being able to start over is a blessing: First, getting trucks made up. KIMG0572.JPG KIMG0574.JPG KIMG0569.JPG KIMG0571.JPG Trucks have a 14" wheel base. As far as size is concerned, going to t...

Los Angeles Live Steamers give rides to the public every Sunday 11 to 3 for a small contribution, Usually, I'm down there a couple Sundays a month volunteering. But due an unexpected auto accident last month going to Norwalk on south Highway 5 for job training, I walked away with a fractured wrist (...

Sounds kind of like me back in the stone age when I was in high school (and college). 8) Wasn't exactly the cool dude on campus cause I was into the engineering subjects and a band geek and on the college track when I graduated from high school. But to acquire what was needed to play with the big tr...

Don't have plans to dig deeper into the machine unless I really have to.... Just looking for an additional indicator for rotational speed. The tach was under $20 (on Amazon) and came with the sensor. Just plan on mounting a small magnet somewhere out of the way on the spindle. Might print me a box f...

Lathe wire up, tested, and motor runs. Doesn't blow out the GFC outlet in the garage. Found an inexpensive tool post on Amazon. Will upgrade to an AXA at a later date.
Almost ready to make chips.
A tachometer is next project to be fitted on the headstock.

Took drafting and machine shop in high school many moons ago. (late 1970's). Those classes are gone at the high schools. The electronics, wood and metal shop were closed down when the teachers retired and the machines/tooling went away. Electronics classes morphed into computer repair. You might fin...

Life has been know to throw the occasional curve ball, but it seems I got tossed a screw ball this time... :( It's a long story for another thread... Starting over with this machine: KIMG0137.JPG The lathe's serial number suggests it was made during the war. All the lathes I ever used in the Navy we...

Thought I'd chime in here tonight... IMHO, it's all about what you can afford. The bed on the basic 7x10/12 lathe might be just a little too short for turning axles if you are building your CliShay for the 7.25/7.5" gauge. Once you account for length of the dead and live centers while turning b...

These frames were acquired last fall and I just don't have a use for them. Frames are under four foot long. Don't know much about them other than that there is only one 2.5" scale Uintah mallet running around. So, I've been told... No prints that I'm aware of. Have another project in mind that ...

Looking forward to being at LALS for the full meet. See you there.