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My harbor freight mini lathe spindle suddenly turns free as the motor is running. I took of the end panel and no gears appear broken. How do you get to the spindle that holds the chuck? I think a pin might have sheared off. Thanks! Mike

I am looking for some advice about cutting a taper on my unimat lathe. I want to make a model ship's cannon with a 1 degree taper to the barrel. I can adjust the head of the lathe to cut the taper, but the tailstock won't adjust off center. How do I secure the other end of the barrel? I tried to...

I recently purchased a Unimat DB 200 on ebay. Does anyone know where I can get some information on maintenance and operation? Thanks! Mike

I have a chart for using a tap for 1/4 20 threads that says drill 13/64". However, if I want to make external 1/4 - 20, do I turn the stock to 1/4" before threading with the die? I have been having trouble making threads with the dies, i seem to have no problem with the taps. Any advice would...

I'll try this again, the video of the thimble

My thimble! It runs on lung power.

Has anyone built the "Thimble"? Also, is it possible to hold square stock centered with a 3 jaw chuck? Mike

What is the best way to make multiple passes with an endmill in a slot and have consistent edges? I had a 1/2 x 1/2 brass rod that i needed to make a notch in one corner. I needed the remaining material to be .06 on each edge. I needed to make multiple passes to get the correct depth, but i had...

Does anyone know a good source for small quantity metals? I need a 3/16 brass rod, about 12" Thanks Mike

Help! I was turning a crankshaft for a steam engine on my harbor freight mini lathe using the auto feed. Suddenly, it stopped feeding. I took off the cover to find the plastic gear was all chewed up where the key holds it to the shaft. I tried to turn the shaft with the allen wrench, but it...

I am building the Jingle Bell engine from the plans on this site by Paul Jorgenson. The problem I have is the Cylinder in the plans had no dimension for the slot that is cut through. I estimated from the drawing that it was 1/2 the depth of the bored hole. After assembly, with the crank at top...

Is it possible to make a machinist square, or is it worth the 50 or more dollars to purchase one? Thanks, Mike

Can anyone give me some advice on the proper way to use a hack saw? I was cutting a piece of 1/2 " aluminum that was 4 inches wide. A needed a piece 1 inch wide by 3 inches long. I scribed the lines, and the as I was cutting, the saw wandered a little off the line. I tried to correct by bending...

As I was using a 3/8 end mill, I noticed a grinding or vibrating sound as I was turning the x-axis handle. It doesn't always make the sound, and I thought it might be the bit chattering, but it still made the sound after I had the material out from under the bit. When I stop turning the hand...

I've been practicing with my new Sherline 5400 mill. Using a 1/8" end mill, I have been milling flat areas on 1/2" brass rod. I've noticed the bit will leave a line on the finish when I make multiple passes. Is there a way to get a smoother finish? Any advice is helpful. Thanks! Mike

I just bought a used sherline mill on ebay and when I turned it on, it is running in the reverse direction. I was wondering if there is a switch or something to change direction in the motor. Thanks!

I am considering purchasing a small mill. Has anyone an opinion of the Sherline model 5000 series mill? Their website says the starting price is $670. I would like to find a mill to supplement my HF 7inch mini lathe for making small steam engines. $670 is the top end of what I want and am able...

Does anyone know where I can get plans for a Cretors popcorn engine? Thanks Mike

I have an opportunity to get a good deal on 1-2-3 blocks. What have people used these for? Thanks

Does anyone have a Harbor Freight Mini-mill? They are fairly inexpensive ($319), but I wanted to know if anyone had experience with one. Thanks