The Home Machinist!

You mean the "3-in-1" machines? I started out with a Smithy 1324, and ended up buying 'up' - so it was more expensive in the long run. That said, there are folks who do decent work on them. Make sure you go for standard accessory sizes (R8 mill spindle, preferable MT3 lathe tailstock taper...

I've never soldered them, but they can be brazed pretty easily. Depending on what you're doing with said result, it may be easier just to buy a tooling ball http://metalworking.mscdirect.com/CGI/N ... NO=3150234

GsT

Setting aside for a minute the question of whether the DOM is suitable, I'd probably set up a boring bar between the head and tail stock and line bore to size, then burnish with a cylinder hone.

How do you plan to cut the rifling? That's a machine project of its own...

GsT

One of the Noga internal countersinks? http://www.noga.com/nogaProducts.php?catID=rvcn.

GsT

That was fantastic! Thanks for posting. I think that little Noble and Lund planer would look good in my shop. (Or straddling it. )

GsT

The Bolt Forward Assist on an AR is part of the upper receiver.

GsT

Before you upgrade, or before buying a new tool, find a few things around the house (things she uses or likes) that can be improved. A few turned replacement knobs, a brass and stainless jewelry stand, or other knick knacks and she'll start to see some value in your stuff.

GsT

How effective do you figure that brake is? Any accuracy results? I've built one AR from a forging, but as you mentioned parts are stupid-expensive right now, so I've been holding off on the rest (I have two more forgings yet...)

GsT

Parkerizing is a very simple finish to apply. There are kits from Brownell's or American Gunsmithing Institute, or you can "roll your own" with a source of phosphoric acid (some paint / rust removers) and some zinc or manganese. Once you have an appropriate solution mixed up, it's just a m...

I bought a handful of re-sharpened solid carbide endmills for a very reasonable price, and they've been great. I'll be going back for more very soon. GsT Where did you buy them ? :D Local fella, named Levi B. - I'll check tonight and see if I can post some contact info. I don't know if he ships or ...

I bought a handful of re-sharpened solid carbide endmills for a very reasonable price, and they've been great. I'll be going back for more very soon.

GsT

That's a truly loaded question, and the only answer will be the one you determine yourself. How many melts, how big a melt, how fast do you bring it to heat, how long do you super-heat? In my old propane furnace I'd probably get a good 3 melts of ~10# out of that but you might get 1 or 5.

GsT