Newbie stops by to join and say hello.

[exkenna]

Hey guys.
Just happen to run across this site while following a link to a Lathemaster 8 X 14 that I've been considering. I should be placing an order next month so I'll post some pics and a review when it comes in.

I recently bought a Sieg X2 milling machine at HF when they had an unadvertised special for $249, which I thought was a good deal for a small R8 spindle machine. Hopefully I can hang out here some and learn about which small engine kit I should start with. This looks like a fun place to learn.

BTW, I'm an ex-factory rep for several carbide cutting tool companies. If any of you guys need help with applications involving indexable cutting tools or end mills let me know. From what I can gather on the home machining forums, there's a lot of undue fear and trepidation about using carbide on small hobby machines.

Anyway, I look forward to participating and learning from you guys.
Glad I found this place.
Curtis

 

[Bogstandard]

Welcome Curtis,

I am sure you will be given a good welcome, and you will get as much help with your projects you could ever wish for, just ask the right question.

You have no need to worry on the tipped tool score, there are loads of insert junkies on here. I am just a partial one.

John

 

[cfellows]

Hi Curtis,

Glad to have you here. Lots going on all the time. Always glad to add new minds to the meld.

Chuck

 

[zeusrekning]

Welcome Curtis, What brands of tooling did your rep? A carbide specialist is a great addition to the knowledgeable group of people here.
Hope you enjoy your time here. (I'm sure you will)
Tim

 

[rake60]

Welcome to HMEM Curtis

Rick

 

[tel]

Yep, welcome from me to Curtis - no doubt we'll be pickin' your brains soon enough.

 

[Tin Falcon]

welcome exkenna:
As far as carbide I think a fair number here are users . I have used some inserts in the home shop as well as brazed carbides. I worked at a job shop running a cnc lathe and used a fair amount of Kenametal tooling a brand I get the impression you represented.
I will say i am very much a fan of HSS for the home shop for general use but I am not opposed to carbides when needed.
Feel free to start a discussion or post a tutorial in the tool section on the benefits and uses of carbides on small low power machines used in the home shop.
Tin

 

[exkenna]

Wow, thanks for the welcome!

To answer one of your questions I was an application guy for Kennametal IPG, which is what is left of the old Greenfield conglomerate after Big K swallowed it up. These were all the non-Kennametal brands that they came to own such as RTW, Cleveland, Vermont Tap & Die, Hanita, Widia, and several other lesser known names.

I got tired of corporate politics, pressure, and life on the road so I quit and started a small cutting tool company. For sure my sales will never threaten my former employer but I have more fun now and get to see my 6 year old daughter every night.

I recently bought a Home Shop Machinist mag at Barnes & Stumble and thought I might pick up a small benchtop lathe and mill to play around with. Think I'll try my hand at an engine kit. I'm looking hard at the Lathemaster machines right now.

If any of you like homemade machining videos here's a clip of one of my tools for aluminum taking out 49 cubes of material per minute. Yeah I know this is a hobby forum but still... stuff like this explains why I'm such a tool geek.
Enjoy!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1905001240832110658