Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!wuarchive!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!rpi!uupsi!ncs.dnd.ca!jstewart From: jstewart@ncs.dnd.ca (John Stewart) Newsgroups: trial.rec.metalworking Subject: Re: home machining? Message-ID: <1991Jan3.140755.29172@ncs.dnd.ca> Date: 3 Jan 91 14:07:55 GMT References: Distribution: trial Organization: Dept of National Defence Lines: 49 In article pollack@cis.ohio-state.edu writes: >I recently came across a journal called HOME SHOP MACHINIST which >makes it appear as if there is a thriving American subculture with >precision metalworking equipment at home. There seem to be only a few >editor/contributors (who also advertise their own vanity press books), >and all of the articles were serialized. But there were quite a few >large advertisements, which means either they are very cheap to run, >or someone is responding to them. Where to start? Years ago, the magazine "Live Steam" used to contain machining articles as well as model construction serials. Somewhere down the line, people started complaining that there was too much (if they were live steamers) machine shop construction articles, and of course, the machine shop constructors did not like the model building serials. So, sometime around 1980, Live Steam stopped running machining articles, and home shop machinist was born. Unfortunately, both (IMHO) would have been better under the same cover. Many people have metalworking equipment. Most are older, but some in our local club (like myself) are 30's or younger. I used to get "Live Steam" from 1971 til 1978, now I subscribe to the British publication, "Model Engineer" (M.E.). M.E. still has a wide range of articles. (and it is published twice per month!) > >The discussion in this tiny group so far seems to be about >blacksmithing. Has anyone moved up the technology ladder from >smithing to machining? Anybody playing with PC-driven Hobby CNC >machines, or import combination mill/lathes? M.E. had an article about converting a Myford ML-10 to CNC a while back. Most people seem to either 1) be afraid of computers, or 2) enjoy the mechanical aspects of machining. Me, I'd hate the thought of having a computer do what I find is really fun. Also, when model locomotive building, there are many parts that would be complex to program, but are fairly trivial to machine. "Import combination mill/lathes?" I assume that you mean buying equipment. New metalworking equipment of good accuracy is pricey stuff. For a fully equipped Emco Super-11, one would be looking at around $20,000. I'd love new equipment, but for probably $2,000 I have a fairly good workshop consisting of a 9" lathe, 7" shaper, drill press, bench vice, drills, taps, reamers, etc. What are your interests? John Stewart jstewart@ncs.dnd.ca