The Home Machinist!

Jess,
So you're one of those gun nut types too.
Here is a Brit 3# from some earlier revolution I built some years ago.
Thought I could make some money at it but had lots of guys on the phone to bullshot and no orders.
mite

Lon,
Build what you can with what you have.
The components you don't have the skill for (or machinery) can be done by several people with an interest for a good price.
That guy Andy something on this site does some steam engine work for others I think.
mite

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ huh! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

I would leave the holes solid and drill and bore that way.
1 3/4" isn't that much for a bridgeport on two pieces (four holes).
I would machine, or grind the outside profile to eliminate stress points on a highly stressed part like that.
mite

I use a Buck 6 jaw every day on a little EE Monarch.
The only thing I don't like in it is castings.
I'd kiss butt to have one at home too.
Buck-bison,
Maybe I can buy yours if it ain't wrecked yet.
ramjet

Blackladder, On my 2x tich the superheaters, melted out on the first run. They were copper-silversoldered. The plans called for brazing, but me being real smart, silversoldered them. Also had them in Caribou, and Rob Roy. Took them out too. Like Andy P said, couldn't clean out those oversized flues ...

I had a four foot tall boss once. He couldn't reach the Bridgeport drawbar without a stool. He did us a favor and had the wood shop make each Bridgeport a u shaped platform 6" high to help out. Needless to say, in about a month the platforms went in a dumpster about a mile away during 12-8 shif...

Millman, You're probably right. (if it ain't broke....) I assumed the things were apart already. I would never strip a machine to clean and repaint before a trial run. Some people do the strip routene first. Try them the way they are first. That may be the best thing unless you're an experienced fit...

Here is a Caribou I built 30 years ago with
an Atlas 10" lathe and a Havair 7" shaper.
The castings and plans came from AJ Reeves in Engalnd

mite

I don't know for sure but you need a couple thou space for the oil on the shaper. Maybe two thou would work out. Set the machine and run it slow watching out if the slides heat up (too tight). Take a light cut with a tool with a 1/8" radius and see if it chatters(too loose). You may have to set...

Can't wait to hear the conversation when you buy the first lathe.



mite

Andy, You dreamer. We're doing one togather. Ain't got time or money for two. Sides, getting too old for moving that stuff. Even that Hustler is a ball buster, and it's aluminum. I got access to a Bridgeport with Prototrack and a Boss 5 to make some of that stuff up. Made a track schematic/control p...