The Home Machinist!

Not a cupola, but here's an oil-fired iron furnace: http://artfulbodgermetalcasting.com/. I know of no propane furnace that will melt iron. The oil, BTW, burns very clean, and you can use veggie oil if you'd like.

GsT

Here: http://arlower.ray-vin.com/ar15/

GsT

Harold_V wrote: I have used a mill for knurling, but only because I knurled a flat surface.

Harold

Now *that* I would like to see!

GsT

First, you'll probably want a scissor type knurler to keep the stress off your bearings. Then you'll want to make sure you're using quality knurls (the wheels) - I've never seen a quality import knurl. Finally, wait for Harold to chime in. I learned knurling from one of his posts probably 7-8 years ...

For cutting 'V' threads it's seldom an issue, in Acme threads it needs a little attention and in square threads it's all important.

GsT

My most frequently used internal threading tool is just a normal tip, same as you'd grind for an external, held in a boring bar. This system works great. Grinding HSS comes to you as soon as you relax and stop trying to make it harder than it is. If your thread is rough you may be feeding in too muc...

Those kits are actually a braze filler, rather than a weld. Any local welding supply house will have something equivalent. Although I'm with Steamin10 - you could glue the original together and use it as a loose pattern to cast a superior replacement.

GsT

Lyman used the name "Ideal Tools" on their reloading gear during the 50's, but they're in Middlefield, Conn...

GsT

That's a pretty slick arrangement. A good belt grinder is a great thing to have in the shop.

GsT

My experience is just the opposite. I picked up an XY when I bought my drill press, but every time I need that sort of relative location I use the mill. Anymore I use the drill press for quick hole-poking, and tapping if there's more than a hole or two. (Holes located and drilled on the mill, then t...

My milling machine power feed got tired, must have ran low on PB&J, I see a lot of those types of power feeds, but I tell you they're darned expensive in the long run. Mine gave up on me several years ago and is still costing me money. Just about got him converted to an automated welder however...

I used to be interested in restoring collectible diecast cars (hotwheels) and there is a group of people who pursue that with a passion. Almost all of them own vibe tumblers, and the universal caution you get from them is to NOT add any liquid product to your media. Every once in awhile someone wan...