how many guys have larger machine tools like a MILL ,lathe,

http://www.americanmachinetools.com/how_to_use_a_milling_machine.htm

http://sherline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/mill_inst.pdf

http://www.custompartnet.com/calculator/milling-speed-and-feed

http://www.custompartnet.com/calculator/drilling-speed-and-feed
it never hurts to look over operating instructions for various machine tools,
you might be amazed at how often youll gain some insight or pick up a tip or two, in the process.
yes youll make stupid mistakes, try to learn exactly what you did wrong and not repeat the process, ask detailed questions, and if you can find a skilled mentor.
a great deal of power tool use is a skill you learn by working with the tool and watching others who can give valid advice.
you obviously will need the correct tooling, some idea of how to go about machining the parts,
drill bits, end mills and a decent vise to solidly hold the components you work on, and a constant bath of cutting and cooling fluid flowing over the machined areas
 
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I have many welding machines ,lathe,milling machine,cylinder head grinder+seat grinder,body work tools,paint guns
Newer been in trade school but i allways enjoyed working with my hands
I buy new tool or machine and start to work and learn
I Always listen older guys
And i have still all my fingers left
 
I learned the basics of milling, turning and grinding many moons ago after I got out of the Navy and got my Associates Degree in Mechanical Technology. I've done a lot with it over the years and it's always been a learning experience. I collected a lot of tooling over the years. Any of you ever hear of a square hole drill? That's just one example of stuff they don't make any more. I also have quite a bit of experience with programming CNC equipment as well as building it.
The one thing in machining that I find is the most neglected is having the equipment to sharpen your own tooling, like lathe and milling cutters. It can also be put to use for making tooling. Would love to have a shop with three phase but I just can't justify the cost because I don't have the need for it. Most of the sharpening I do is just my drill bits for the most part. When I used to work in the tool and die department for Norgren Pnuematics in Colorado we made a lot of our own tools, including machine cams, etc..
Another thing I've done over the years is keep my old school instrumentation, like vernier calipers for example. Not a lot of people want to borrow stuff they can't read. I love tools but don't have the means to get everything I'd ever want.
 
Ernest Shaw said:
I learned the basics of milling, turning and grinding many moons ago after I got out of the Navy and got my Associates Degree in Mechanical Technology. I've done a lot with it over the years and it's always been a learning experience. I collected a lot of tooling over the years. Any of you ever hear of a square hole drill? That's just one example of stuff they don't make any more. I also have quite a bit of experience with programming CNC equipment as well as building it.
The one thing in machining that I find is the most neglected is having the equipment to sharpen your own tooling, like lathe and milling cutters. It can also be put to use for making tooling. Would love to have a shop with three phase but I just can't justify the cost because I don't have the need for it. Most of the sharpening I do is just my drill bits for the most part. When I used to work in the tool and die department for Norgren Pnuematics in Colorado we made a lot of our own tools, including machine cams, etc..
Another thing I've done over the years is keep my old school instrumentation, like vernier calipers for example. Not a lot of people want to borrow stuff they can't read. I love tools but don't have the means to get everything I'd ever want.
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Since you mentioned square holes, check this out. Hopefully this link works.

You can buy phase converters to run 3 phase from single phase. But you can also do the same for cheap with the proper size AC capacitor.
My neighbor and I did this to his Bridgeport milling machine. The only disadvantage is the motor starts slow and has to come up to speed. Only takes less than 10 seconds, though. Once it's up to speed, you're good to go.
 
Here in finland we have 3 phase power in almost every house and garage,only fuse size limits machine size
 
I built a Rotary Phase converter to Run a Vintage WW2 era 3-phase Bridgeport I had to use along with a matching South Bend Heavy 10 lathe.
It was in my old workshop barn in Corn country here.
I used a 7-1/2 Hp 240 VAC 3-phase electric motor from a car wash blower dryer.
A bank of AC motor start run capacitors.
Press 1 button & then the big 7-1/2 Hp motor took off running instant & got up to full speed. Your 3-phase power supplier from 1-phase 240 VAC.
Turn on the Bridgeport & it took off running fulls speed 100 % duty cycle.
Used it for over 10 years .
Added extra capacitors so all 3-phase power legs perfect balanced 240 VAC each.
Cost was free.
Still have the schematic plans put away & actually found them last night in my basement.
I Loved that old workshop.
28' x 28'.
In the middle of nowhere on my friends old farm barn.
 
All this talk about capacitors reminds me of a project we did my last year of school. We had one of the local businesses, a ball bearing company sponsor the building of a EDM machine (electronic discharge machining). It didn't use a wire for doing the cutting but was a predecessor of that technology. I remember it had a bank of oil filled capacitors we used that could be selected based on the hardness of the material and other factors. All the electrodes had to be machined when making irregular forms. It was fun to play with though. No need to worry about extracting broken taps, etc.. We just burned them out. You could also burn threads into hardened materials. Lots and lots of applications for the technology still, even today.
 
 
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I sold my machines in the mid 90's . I had a small Bridgeport mill and a small Southbend lathe. Today I have access to this if I need to do any machining.
 

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impressive resources ,if you need them, without a doubt!
 
I have wanted one of those combo mill/drill/lathes for the past 20 years.
But by the time you buy the machine plus tools, you're looking at $4000+.
I have managed to get by all this time without it, so I think it's not going to happen.
I'm 52 now and, like Rick, would like to retire early, if possible.
Rick will probably say, like most others, that he is busier now in retirement than he was when he was still working.
 
Loves302Chevy said:
I have wanted one of those combo mill/drill/lathes for the past 20 years.
But by the time you buy the machine plus tools, you're looking at $4000+.
I have managed to get by all this time without it, so I think it's not going to happen.
I'm 52 now and, like Rick, would like to retire early, if possible.
Rick will probably say, like most others, that he is busier now in retirement than he was when he was still working.
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At those young ages you better find something to do or you will waste away. Buying those big toys will fill the void and you'll find other things to do than just automotive work.
I spent $10,000.00 just on gun building tools and gun parts and about $5,000.00 on new welding equipment in just 1 year alone and before that the milling machine and the lathe for around $7,000.00 . Nothing is cheap anymore, when you can buy whole parts and pieces cheaper than making it yourself. Example--AR15 rifle $365.00--AR15 rifle kit without the lower receiver--$369.00.
It's fun to be able to do what you want-----if your wife /finances will let you.
 
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