The Home Machinist!

Until we as a country start mining the raw materials on our own soil again, the prices will remain up. We import much of the ore needed for steel and aluminum production. Shipping costs have also gone through the roof, which is partially to blame for the steel increases. Prices have started to drop,...

If I remember correctly I had my 1.6” SP 0-6-0 drivers quoted at $12,000 when I sent in just the driver files. When I sent them the completed mold files it was $900. I also investigated having drivers cast, but I was going to supply printed cores ( 3 different ones). Granted they are 16" diame...

I would supply only the CAD model of the cylinders. They would have had to do the rest. Even at half the cost it would have been more than I would have gone for.

I've decided to build my cylinders from steel and sleeve them....much more economical for me.

Nyle

I investigated having the cylinders printed from sand and the casting poured for my 3" Berkshire project, sticker shock would be an understatment. I was quoted $16-20,000 for one casting.

Nyle

I also looked into getting a cylinder block for a 3" scale loco sand cast, 1 pc, $15,000 range.

Nyle

Not much has changed...same isssues still apply.

Nyle

A CNC machined 4140 HT steel wheel will probably cost the same ( maybe less) than a casting , but will be stronger and more wear resisant than a casting. I currently am running wheels in 8.5" , 11" and 16" dia.

Nyle

What the video doesn't show is how easily he can raise items once he adds some weight onto the "forks". Without some kind of bearing surface (slippery plastic) or bearings riding against the tube you're going to find that lifting something with weight is going to be a problem..Think of how...

That's how all of my ER collet chucks work , all your doing is breaking the collet free of the taper, just means your collets are now seating correctly in the holder. ( Don't know why it wouldn't have done that initially).

Nyle

Motorcraft in Muncie IN is a company that rebuilds motors and parts for HVAC. Established in 1938. I believe it is one of their specialty tools. https://www.motorcraftllc.com/

Nyle

I can speak from experience when it comes to power tools that the HD products are not the same as sold in your local hardware store( It is possible that this has changed more recently) I have a Dewalt 18v cordless drill that the forward/reverse/trigger switch went bad....I bought a new one online th...

FYI - The products you buy at Home Depot and Lowe's are not the same as those sold at your local hardware store, plumbing supply, tool store, etc. When Home Depot decides they want to carry a new product, they approach the manufacturer , offer the manufacturer a very lucrative contract/purchase but ...