The Home Machinist!

Hmmm, would it also be useful to have tapped holes in the moveable jaw?

Best regards, Jack

I am only suggesting that one should keep earthquakes in mind as another factor with regards to bolting machines down or not.

Best regards, Jack

April Fool!?

Best regards, Jack

Davo J: Those are nice looking feet! The only thing that worries me is that lathes are tippy (top heavy) and I would prefer a wider wheel base. I like the beam vertical extension...I used wood with outriggers fromt and back as wood obsorbs some vibration. If you can use the three point suspension be...

As a former Southern Californian, I would consider the likelyhood of earthquakes in your area. Nuff said.

Best regards, Jack

That looks like a very practical system...I was thinking along the same lines before I decided to go whole hog and get the Dropro DRO for the mill. The magnets solve the problem of how to zero out the starting point that I hadn't worked out. Poor man before or poor man after...it is all the same! Be...

One look at that Chevy tells me that you won't be able to avoid doing a nice job of restoring that machine as you have done so far. One will have to have a brain the size of a Pontiac Grand Prix to figure out how to operate all of those levers! Thanks for posting the photos of your progress. Best re...

This drawing is brief as it was made for my own use. If unable to read it let me know and I can give help.

Check your parts to be sure that the dimensions will work out. Dimensions are in inches except threads are metric.

Best regards, Jack

High Strength, High Temp and Aerospace alloy are just buzz words. The finish would have more to do with corrosion resistance than the base material and all cres is pretty heat resistant. As I recall, 321 and 347 cres are weldable but not heat treatable but it has been a long time since I have specif...

I made brief CAD drawings that show how I did it...I probably should post it if anyone is interested. Someone could probably make some money moding the jillian minis out there.

Best regards, Jack

I have had a similar Mini that I got from ENCO before they closed thier retail store in Irvine, California. As you can see I made some mods to it: 1) Moved the speed control to the splash guard to get out of the way. 2) Brass swivel knobs for cranks. 3) A friend made the Quick Change Tool Post. 4) C...

I second (or third) the square column choice! You want to be sure to get one with a head that tilts side-to-side. And as a novice myself, I reccommend three axis DRO, if not now, for the future. DRO on the X, Y and Z axis with the spindle optional. It has been a real eye-opener for me to see how the...