The Home Machinist!

Thank you, John, for telling us about this remarkable artist. It is the first I've ever heard about him.

Orrin

Thank you for the great pictures and comments, Mike. I enjoyed them very much.

Best regards,

Orrin

The thing about carburetor cleaner and other "hot" solvents is that they evaporate before they get the job done. Kero evaporates slowly and sticks around long enough to do what you want. The pleasant surprise is this: the next day it is gone--evaporated.

Orrin

Let's get to the clean-up, first: kerosene. If you don't keep it in your shop you are missing out on a good thing. Next to cutting oil, it is my most-used liquid in the shop. It is a great cutting fluid for aluminum and an outstanding solvent, especially for tape adhesives. I use 3-M #410 double-sti...

I prefer cadmium-bearing silver solder; however, it has given me a couple of scares. I thought I always used good ventilation; however, a few hours after soldering with it I've felt achy and out of sorts. At first I didn't realize what was going on; but, it finally dawned on me that cadmium was the ...

I've probably ruined more slitting saws and arbors on aluminum than on anything else. I use copious quantities of kerosene in an attempt to keep globs of gummy aluminum swarf from welding itself to the blade; but, I still have problems. I suspect my choice of blades is at fault. Does anyone have any...

Anything special about that blade other than carbide tipped? Bill, you already solved the problem; but, I'll reply anyhow. There was nothing special about the blade except that it was of good quality and made in the USA. Not long ago I bought an Asian-made 3.4" carbide-tipped wood blade and tr...

I've cut aluminum thicker than that on my horizontal mill. I made an arbor for a carbide-tipped wood saw blade and used it as if it were a slitting saw. I've also used table saws and Skil-type saws; but, I like using the mill best of all. It is a more controlled cut and not nearly as noisy as the ot...

It is a beauty, Bill, a family heirloom, for sure.

Orrin

If you live anywhere in the Pacific Northwest I heartily recommend GEARS for you. My wife and I attend and make a weekend out of it. I don't care much for travel, but this is one of the few trips I look forward to. Here's a little hint for those folks arriving from the east: Get onto Marine Drive at...

If I could find one, I'd buy a Clausing continuously variable. The one I have in mind is 1976 vintage, so perhaps that model is no longer available. My workplace had one; I really grew to appreciate the variable speed.

Best regards,

Orrin

Thank you, all, for your assistance. Millman, I appreciate the link. I'll follow up on it.

Best regards,

Orrin