Hello, new member from upstate NY

[jaredbeck]

Hi, Looking forward to meeting people here and learning to operate hobby-shop equipment.

I'm a metalworking novice. I've built two of the David Gingery machines: the sheet-metal brake and the lil' bertha furnace. I'll try to include some pics. I just got introduced to mig welding this year. Currently learning about hobby lathes and getting ready to buy one, probably new. I'm looking at 12" lathes like the Grizzly G4003 and the PM-1236, but maybe I should start smaller.

 

[westsailpat]

Nice work Jared , what are you melting and making with the furnace ? Making some castings ? I think a 12" would be a fine lathe to have and learn on , sometimes I think a small lathe can be a bit limiting and difficult to set up . Good luck !

 

[mikey]

Welcome to the site, Jared!

There are a LOT of threads on buying a new lathe or mill. While the search function here is not that great, you'll find lots to read. Then ask questions and the guys will help.

 

[.LMS.]

Welcome from a fellow upstater!

 

[RandyWilson]

I use google for forum searches. Not just here, all forums. It works better than the built in search most times. example:

site:hobby-machinist.com buying a new lathe

 

[RandyM]

Here is my big........

Welcome!
and enjoy.

 

[jaredbeck]

Hi everyone, thanks for the friendly welcome!

Nice work Jared , what are you melting and making with the furnace ? Making some castings ?

I'm having trouble preparing my greensand, but I've managed to do a few really basic aluminum castings. Maybe the moisture is not right, or clay/sand ratio is wrong (can you have too much clay?) I think I'm ramming hard enough, but my flasks keep dumping out. I definitely need more practice.

Welcome to the site, Jared! There are a LOT of threads on buying a new lathe or mill. While the search function here is not that great, you'll find lots to read. Then ask questions and the guys will help.

Thanks, I'm trying to research different manufacturers. So far, the only ones I know of are Grizzly, HF, and PM, but I'm sure there are a lot more. PM is at the top of my list, but everything they offer is on backorder right now.

Welcome from a fellow upstater!

Hey, you're from Rochester? I went to RIT. Wish I'd taken advantage of the machine shops while I was there, but I had my head buried in computer stuff.

I use google for forum searches. Not just here, all forums. It works better than the built in search most times. example:

site:hobby-machinist.com buying a new lathe

I'll try that, thanks for the tip!

 

[Silverbullet]

Nice builds, welcome to the site. Little advise never think 12" lathe is to big. I wouldn't advise anything smaller unless your a clock builder or jeweraly dealer. Before the LATHES a year old I bet you wish you went even bigger. Read up on the LATHES you'll find small take small cuts and lack the strength to do some jobs like parting . A good place to learn is YouTube , Mr Pete , Abom, doubleboost @ funny guy ,, oxtool.

Good luck have fun , ABOVE ALL BE SAFE , EYES , FINGERS , HANDS DONT GROW BACK. Wear eye protection , no long hair , no loose clothing long sleeves a no no.

 

[ch2co]

And no gloves around moving machinery.

 

[DaveInMi]

Welcome! I built the Gingery stuff you have plus a couple of other furnaces, the mill and dividing head. His recipe for foundry sand has worked well for me. Be sure to mix well dry so that each grain of sand is coated with clay. Moisture content is then just an experiment. You will learn to squeze a handful and see how it holds together and breaks.