Projects and Articles by Our Members!

I might as well start as the title is quite self-explanatory.

I keep finding myself drawn to Emco lathes. Rather than post separately about each one I find, I thought it would be better to post in one thread about the ones I find and get advice from those of you who know better. I'd like this to be a resource for me and others looking at Emco's. LATHE #1 Compact 5 This one come up a short while ago: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/tls/d/glendale-metal-cutting-lathe/7869228580.html I'd show more photos, but everything is... Read more

Hi all, First time posting and first time buying. I’m looking at a Colchester Master 6 1/2 lathe this afternoon. I have a fair idea what to look for in terms of wear and amount of effort I need to bring the machine to acceptable standards. But I just discovered that replacement bearings for this lathe’s spindle are expensive and difficult to source. Any info on this potential buy would be appreciated! It’s ludicrously cheap and the seller has assured me it is complete. I will be having a... Read more

As always, let's keep in non-political! Thanks

I'm considering getting a mill without a round column. The one I have (RF-30 clone) is fine and I can make it work, but I casually look for something that will fit on a bench and found this one: Description from seller: Sturdy Optimum OPTImill BF 20L milling machine. Has digital display and controls. Comes with a vise attached to table. Also has an oil can and some clamps. Good for workshop projects. Asking price is $2500. It's been listed for over 14 weeks... Read more

I would like to buy one. Please let me know if you have one for sale! Thanks

Espresso machine lever was rough... I have taken it apart several times to polish the main lever cam shaft... replaced all valves... and it would be smooth for a few shots and get rough again... Well, today I decided to figure out what the problem was. Turns out it was a simple fix. This stud, that the lever rides against, had some raised areas around the slot for the screwdriver... seems the previous owner was not careful when installing. Removed it, filed down the raised... Read more

Do we need this thread to compliment the other similar threads? I'll start: ASA

Hey everyone, so my wife just made my dreams come true and bought me a Hardinge dividing head for my birthday,that I had been watching for a while. It appears to be in great shape, includes plates 1-3, has serial number matched tail stock, and comes with a Buck Adjust-tru 4” 3-jaw chuck. Also comes with around 20 Hardinge collets, but I already have most of those, so I will probably just be selling most of them. The only thing it appears to be missing is the drive center. I’ve never actually... Read more

Hey everyone, so my wife just made my dreams come true and bought me a Hardinge dividing head for my birthday,that I had been watching for a while. It appears to be in great shape, includes plates 1-3, has serial number matched tail stock, and comes with a Buck Adjust-tru 4” 3-jaw chuck. Also comes with around 20 Hardinge collets, but I already have most of those, so I will probably just be selling most of them. The only thing it appears to be missing is the drive center. I’ve never actually... Read more

I just used the last of my Mobil Vactra #2 so got on the interweb to order another gallon, but it appears that maybe it is no longer marketed in one gallon containers. Anyone here know of a source ? Thanks Ted

I just used the last of my Mobil Vactra #2 so got on the interweb to order another gallon, but it appears that maybe it is no longer marketed in one gallon containers. Anyone here know of a source ? Thanks Ted