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Thanks Troy. I am going to go ahead with making my own handles, if for anything to get the experience of it, and the satisfaction of modding my mill with parts I made myself. Thanks again.

Hello Troy great to have you in the community. I am also in Denver, close to DIA, off of 56th and Tower Road. I have the HF 7 x 10 min-lathe and the X2 mini-mill as well. If you need anything remember there is help in the area.

Hand scrapped ways...wow your mill must traverse x and y like silk. Like others here, it seems more time goes into modify our machines and making tools than actually making engines. But hey, that is what makes this such a great hobby.

Thanks for the update. I will definitely look into those handles for the lathe, and for my X2 as well. What improvements to you see or feel with them on the mill?

@rake - the bleach is used to kill off the bacteria more than anything. I have seen it have mixed result here at the machine shop I work at. But anyone using this make sure your careful with and not get it in your eyes. What I do find more useful to keep the skanky coolant from developing to is...

Thanks for the suggestions. I always pay close attention to what I am doing when filing on the lathe. I always have handles on my files, and take the time to do the job safely. Thanks for the advice.

First off welcome to the community. Its good to see those in your age group interested in the hobby. As far as the coolant, to help out with the stinky coolant syndrome that happens when you leave it sitting to long you can add a skimmer to you tank. It consists of a plastic wheel that is...

Besides the obvious safety precations, is there any real tricks to lathe filing? I do it from time to time, with some hints gained from reading the Machinist Bedside Reader series. Any other tricks you more experience gentlemen have to offer will be appreciated.

Sorry about your carriage sir. I was milling some excess casting material off of my HF 7 x 10 carriage the other day and was also being very very careful. Still ended up taking off material that I did not want to in the way of the ground surface the cross slide runs on. Luckily I had already had...

Thanks dean for the info. I did check out your previous thread on filing, very informative. I will take heed of the advice given.

Congratulations sir. Very nicely done.

Thanks all for the comments. @cedge - Since most of all of my projects with involve soft material such as aluminum, I will look for that type of file. Great info, I had no ideal they made files for specific materials. I plan on investing in a good set, as well as chalk. I already consistently...

I am by DIA, and so not far from the HF on Alameda and I-225. As I understand it, HF does not have any machines in the whare house at all. They have to be ordered through them and delivered. So in this instance you cannot go to the store and check the X2 out. I however own a X2, and if you wish...

After attempting to file a piece of aluminum tonight with a garage sale special file, I decided to seek council from those with far more experience than I. What brand does everyone recommend. I have seen mainly the better looking files made by Nicholson I believe, but I have not been...

Thank you all for the quick responses. @cf - I like the size and look of the carriage handle you pictured. Very sturdy looking. I want to have a heavy, solid machine feel to it when I am done with my mods to the lathe. This is a great start. I will put up a bid for the handle. Thanks sir...

I want to replace the stock handles on my Harbor Freight 7 x 10. Looking for any and all suggestions as to size, method of retention, materials and any advice. Also if anyone has done any drawing for them, or can post a link to any drawings would be much appreciated. I am leaning toward a...

Great post sir. I was actually looking into buying a knurling tool, but after seeing how easy it is to make, I will give it a shot. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Very nice looking engine. Great job.

I go the cheap route and use WD-40 as a general cutting fluid. For tapping I use Tap Magic, fairly viscous oil I get from work.

Funny you mention the adjustable angle block. I hinted and hinted(ie left catalogs with marked page around the house) for my wife to get it for my birthday a few years ago. I did get it, and have not used it once yet. Maybe just haven't come across a project that requires it yet, as I normally...