What lathe?

[Lakeside53]

If your just going to use HSS inserts, I can't see the point in that. Just get a blank, you have much more to play with.

I agree. They are super handy for cnc when you need absolute repeatabily, but less interesting for a home shop.

I have about 100lb of quality HSS cutters - most free from various auctions and machinest garage sales. Some of it is even marked "SST only"; for the non-Seattlites, SST means "Super Sonic Transporter" - a sure sign the guy worked on Boeing products.

Brad - Tooling is expensive. Rather than loading up on Shars type stuff, start monitoring your local Craigslist tools section, and hanging out at machine shop auctions and estate sales. I have a very nice array of quality tooling and inspection (measuring) equipment from such sources. The second area of $$ is materials. Even though you think you are just going to turn piston and cylinder bases, there is another world Start collecting all the aluminum, brass and quality steels you can find. Any surplus makes great trading stock with the new machining buddys you will meet.

And... about those machining buddy's - find one. Machining may appear to be a something you can self teach, but this is one area where experience can save you a bunch of time, frustation and $. There are some good forums (like http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net), but you'll not be welcome on Practical Machinest if you mention Grizzley; the owner/moderator bans such talk.

 

[parrisw]

I agree. They are super handy for cnc when you need absolute repeatabily, but less interesting for a home shop.

I have about 100lb of quality HSS cutters - most free from various auctions and machinest garage sales. Some of it is even marked "SST only"; for the non-Seattlites, SST means "Super Sonic Transporter" - a sure sign the guy worked on Boeing products.

Brad - Tooling is expensive. Rather than loading up on Shars type stuff, start monitoring your local Craigslist tools section, and hanging out at machine shop auctions and estate sales. I have a very nice array of quality tooling and inspection (measuring) equipment from such sources. The second area of $$ is materials. Even though you think you are just going to turn piston and cylinder bases, there is another world Start collecting all the aluminum, brass and quality steels you can find. Any surplus makes great trading stock with the new machining buddys you will meet.

And... about those machining buddy's - find one. Machining may appear to be a something you can self teach, but this is one area where experience can save you a bunch of time, frustation and $. There are some good forums (like http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net), but you'll not be welcome on Practical Machinest if you mention Grizzley; the owner/moderator bans such talk.

I hear Boeing surplus is good. homeshopmachinist is good, I'm on there, don't get there very often though.

 

[Lakeside53]

Unfortunately Boeing Surplus closed a year or so back. They have a web site for sales but it's not even close to what the store provided.

 

[Stihl 041S]

Well said Andy;

Self taught machining is as self taught solo.....well anyway...

You know you are a machinist when you know 10% of what you THOUGHT you knew ten years ago.

 

[parrisw]

Although, I've learned allot on my own, from reading and the internet. I wish I had a machinist buddy to show me the ropes, but alas, no such luck.

 

[parrisw]

Unfortunately Boeing Surplus closed a year or so back. They have a web site for sales but it's not even close to what the store provided.

That's too bad, wish I could of gone to one. Though a friend of a friend works at Boeing, maybe he can hook me up.

 

[H 2 H]

Unfortunately Boeing Surplus closed a year or so back. They have a web site for sales but it's not even close to what the store provided.

WOW; didn't know that

Kinda glad I have what I have now

That place was my ace in the hole for cutting tools and bits etc.

 

[Stihl 041S]

I want Brad to visit "Cabin Fever 2013" in York PA.

He can see what is possible.

Then have him go to the IMTS show to see what is possible.

 

[Lakeside53]

Then Mayo Clinc? Depression is a treatable aliment

 

[Lakeside53]

Although, I've learned allot on my own, from reading and the internet. I wish I had a machinist buddy to show me the ropes, but alas, no such luck.

We're only 80 miles apart! oh... water, borders... bummer.

 

[Stihl 041S]

Naaaa.......

Duct tape.

Wrap his head to keep brain splatter down when his head explodes.........

 

[parrisw]

We're only 80 miles apart! oh... water, borders... bummer.

Ya, I know. I was actually just down your way at a friends place, but so little time, only there for a couple days, he lives in Redmond. Would be kinda hard to explain to the wife and kids, ya I wont be with you while we're in Seattle for a couple days. Maybe next time.

 

[Lakeside53]

Redmond? ok., 5 miles... Bring them out and let them play in my lake! We can huddle in the shop.

 

[parrisw]

Redmond? ok., 5 miles... Bring them out and let them play in my lake! We can huddle in the shop.

Wow didn't realize it was that close!! I could of snuck out for a bit!!! What lake? Lake Washington? Probably wont be out that way till next year again. Too bad the ferry is so darn expensive, doesn't take that long to get there.

 

[Lakeside53]

Lake Tuck. Winter view from my deck

 

[parrisw]

Lake Tuck. Winter view from my deck

Wow, very nice. The Tuck Lake that comes up on Google maps, looks allot further then 5 miles out of Redmond.

 

[Lakeside53]

Depends where in Redmond. It's about 5 miles to where i go!

 

[parrisw]

Very close to redmond town center, like 2 mins. Looked on google Satellite and there is no roads to the lake that it shows! LOL Must be the wrong one.

 

[FATGUY]

I want Brad to visit "Cabin Fever 2013" in York PA.

He can see what is possible.

Then have him go to the IMTS show to see what is possible.

you going?

 

[procarbine2k1]

Lake Tuck. Winter view from my deck

That view is unbelievable!