Sorry Malcolm,
Tools don't make the parts, people do, by using tools. But I am sure Matt will eventually get used to them, like I did, and start turning out very acceptable bits and pieces.
You can have the best equipment in the world, and still turn out garbage. But it does help sometimes to have good equipment.
I have seen great things in years past, from people using just files, hacksaws and a power drill. Paul has shown it on his Elmers #30 build. Just takes a bit longer.
I have also seen piles of junk made with super machine tools. They just make junk faster.
I am only going down the route I am because it is necessary, if I could have coped, I would have loved to keep my old machinery. I have to have the best I can afford to remain competitive. Not the best of machinery and tooling, as I am working on a fairly tight budget, but it will allow me to progress to the next stage. I would have liked to go partially into CNC, but the freedom of the 'Wing' stopped that happening. Maybe later.
But with regards to my original post, if a real nice bit of kit comes up, I will do my utmost to secure it. It has most probably cost about double the price of one of the latest digital angle gizmos, but it will be a lot more accurate and pleasing to use. Plus it won't lose its value if looked after.
Nice one Steve, 'air machining', but unfortunately I don't know how to do that. But I do carry out thought machining, much less strenuous. It keeps me quiet for hours.
Try it sometime, just visualise how you are going to hold the part to begin with, then go thru every operation in your mind until it is finished. Then write it all down. Saves a lot of mistakes happening when you come to cut metal.
Bogs
