The Home Machinist!

Hmmm. Do you happen to know the decimal equivalent of 7/16"? If you don't, it's .4375". You may already know that the opening in wrench sizes is not nominal, and it shouldn't be. It's difficult to put a .4375" wrench on a .4375" bolt or nut, so wrenches are, typically, made some...

The square stop bolt (if it is called that) on the carriage of my South Bend 10 lathe reads about .438. What size square wrench fits that? It seems big for a 7/16" and very small for a 1/2". I am wanting to pick up a square wrench for it. Are the square 7/16" wrenches very sloppy so t...

1/2" threaded rod will be fine. Just an FYI on threading. Bolts (and threaded rod if I am correct) have a rolled thread. They are not cut. Which makes them stronger than a cut thread. Metal is not removed when threads are made. Good luck with the project and let us know what you do. PS Was a li...

Pete and Bill Both good ideas. Surprised me on the strength of bolts. My engine stand will hold up a loaded big block with 4-7/16" bolts. 800 lbs pretty easy. Basically only 2 bolts are holding the engine under expansion. The stainless tubing to cover the threaded rod is a great idea too... If ...

Just an amateur myself... So my questions may be off... I think an acme thread is for a something movable. Like the thread used on a C clamp. Or hooked to a motor to move a threaded part back and forth. So I do not believe that is something you need. As far as a heavy shelf, what do you think is hea...

They look like quality drills and taps (BTW, drills are not "bits"—in a hole-making context, a bit is a tool used in a brace to bore a hole into wood) and the reviews are positive. Eventually, you will want a wider range of sizes, but this should get you started. I am learning, mostly sel...

Well with 2 kinds of threads going. Looking for a bit set and tap set. The consensus is buy what you need. This set seems to fit both worlds at a fair price. Looking it over it is a 3 flute, plug tap set. 2 flutes was what I was thinking of, but 3 is not too bad either. I am thinking I do not need m...

I have not been to many auctions... Tend to get caught up in the frenzy. But you got quite a killer deal!!!

The unspoken advantage of screw machine drills is their ability to drill on location without a starter bit. Jobber length drills are prone to skating when they contact a flat surface, while the short, more rigid length of the screw machine drill limits the ability. One thing to keep in mind is that...

Thanks for the ideas. I have a Millrite MVN mill. Good size. Bummer about Enco. Over the last year I have been seeing 100s of posts about check with them for great deals. I know I may need only a few number and letter sizes. But having them roll around in a cabinet somewhere, I thing I would be bett...

I need to get a number and letter set. They will mostly be in the shop away from the garage. I do have a fair fractional set in the garage, But would be nice to get a complete Good set for the home shop. Just like taps, I have questions. Mostly going to be used for steel, and Aluminum 135 degree sou...

I purchase a lot from F&D tools = which you can find on amazon and other places - and order direct if you need something that you cannot find on amazon or ebay. fdtool.com for a catalog They are made entirely in the usa and i find to be much better than average quality. An answer that brings mo...