The Home Machinist!

Torch thanks for the explanation... that's what I've read but haven't been able to get the concept. The Ratio formula makes sense... thank you. The input gear changes the one in the middle but the middle gear changes the output gear back so all it does is change direction... finally get it. Torch di...

I'm definitely interested in the ability to reverse my feed also whether it's for powerfeed away from the chuck or to reverse thread. I've been researching and finding a lot of info related to other lathes but have not found anything with a 3 in 1 yet. I think the Smithys have reverse tumblers but n...

that being said... any idea what's different? The tolerances, metals, temper??? Is it something I can buy and use either way or am I wasting money. I've noticed that you really need to try to great stuff and not so great stuff to tell the difference. Has anyone actually compared the two next to each...

Wow forget that. I'm not paying more for the same stuff with a different brand stamped on it. Back to cdco!

Nice the Phase II is made in Michigan. So you guys are definitely in the camp of wedge is preferable to piston then... okay. This one will wait til after Christmas, I have two kids. I suppose the 4 way will work til then.

Thanks for the info about the steady rest... I was wondering if i have to make my own... Here are some pics of the machine on the stand. My shop is starting to look inviting!

Welcome! I'm completely new to machining but love every moment of it! Those are some cool looking brackets! this is the time of year where I start to miss Cali. Used to live in Thousand Oaks and then in Sylmar... Now I'm in Chicago.

Thanks for the link.. it didn't work. Harbor Freight keeps dropping machinist stuff. Ugh. I have a post in another forum saying we should e-mail their customer service to stock home machinist tooling again. I would like their universal tool grinder or their carbide tool grinder which they discontinu...

Sweet write-up... thanks Torch! I was going to get AXA but you're right the BXA looks perfect. I love how the tool is over the clamping portion of the compound. I've run that part into the chuck before... :o The BXA Wedge is $129.00 at: http://www.cdcotools.com/... BTW do you think the wedge is just...

Hi, I'm still tooling up and want to get a quick change tool post... was wondering which one? AXA, BXA or CXA??? Piston or Wedge. CDCO www.cdcotools.com has some good prices but confused by the sizes and option. I have a Knuth DBF 400... I believe it's pretty much the same as the Grizzly G4015Z with...

Ok, tip #1 -- your seat is on the wrong side of the machine... :lol: LMAO - that's the other seat for loosening up the motor belt!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Just haven't figured out what to mount it on yet... do I weld one together with some heavy tubing or use a heavyduty tool chest on wheel...

Thanks for the advice. I passes on the collets. I'm ordering a set of Chinese R8 collets with the ER style holder. I did get some other odds and ends from the retired machinist buddy: couple diamond tips, a nice set of all carbide boring bars, all carbide cut off tool, big starrett surface gage, he ...