Recent content by Briank

My shop is in my garage. I often have the door open and welcome anyone who shows the slightest interest, but they never come. Recently, we had two very young visitors from Ecuador. I imagined a non-stop educational tour with the boy, but it was his sister who insistently peppered me with...

Thank you for your kind responses. I have favored HSS 4-flute roughing mills for steel until now but I doubt that I have pushed the tool as much as I could have, as Emgee queried. I guess I need to find out where 'empty' is before I plunge into another direction. I do monitor chip color and...

Hi Frank, With me, every engine is different, and sometimes complexity challenges me to take on the most difficult aspects first- seeking encouragement, I guess, for the other tasks! But in general, I like to begin with a buildable base so that I can see the engine develop as I add completed...

Hi all, I haven't found a discussion of this issue and please pardon me if it has already seen thorough treatment. I have a Micromark Belted R-8 Mill of recent vintage. Most of my work is with Al and Brass, but occasionally I work with 12L14 steel. 1018 and 1045 are more accessable in square...

Hi all, I am a returning member since before the change in ownership, and happy to be back. My interests lie in building barstock engines and knowledge of the wonderful, age-old craft of metal working. I know I'll find all that I need to know, right here! regards, Brian