Sitting collecting dust .

[maxfli1707]

A year and a half ago I ventured out to get back into some machining and acquired a few Atlas 12 x 54 lathes . Yes , that is correct a few . taking parts from one to make a complete usable QC 12 x 54 since parts on E-bay were not there when needed . So in affect as the parts became available , they were purchased to replace so they are all functioning once again . The second best part was going through them from top to bottom and end to end . That R&R that I used to do brought back fond memories . Tinkered around as items were once again needed but this time they were made to replace broken plastic handles and knobs . Time to clean out the garage I figure since they are once again collecting dust and the CNC bug has hit my time on the lathes is dwindling to close to zero hrs . Kids and grandkids are missing our time so for me a CNC is a better option for making them furniture .

Don't know about anyone else but a though choice is closing in . Hope the rest of you out there have been able to work out the time management issues than I with our lathes / machines .

 

[xalky]

I don't know...when I was a kid growing up, if I wanted to spend time with dad, I would go watch him work. As I got older I helped him work, and when I got old enough to work ,I worked right along with him. I liked it! Its because of those times spent with my dad that I can build just about anything my mind can conceive. Looking at it in hindsight, I had a 4yr trade school education by the time I was 12 yrs old. I was doing frame up restorations on cars by the time I was 18, and I went into business building houses at the young age of 22 yrs old. To this day I don't let people pressure me into social activities that I'd rather not go to. I'd much rather do something productive in my shop. When somebody asks me how I learned how to do all this stuff, I tell them the story I just laid out above.


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[Marco Bernardini]

I guess I'm not the only one still replacing the soles to Dr. Scholl's clogs (I bought mine in 1976).
The wood inside is really smooth, now :rofl:

 

[maxfli1707]

The 2 oldest step kids are in the 20s and stuck on the Vid games and have little thought for creativity with actually getting their hands greasy or dirty . The grand daughter is just turned 3 also . She and I have a thing going with passing across over the fence from the shop , a few nick nacks made to keep her active of late . . I think there is more to work with there unless she gets the texting bug on the play phones .

 

[francist]

I sympathize with your dilemma. There's a sadness in your post that makes me think you really like those machines but are torn with a changing world.

But I wouldn't beat yourself up about thinking it might be time to let them go. My brother referred to it once as "a different flavour". In other words, who says you have to like strawberry ice cream all your life? Maybe you wanna try chocolate and see if you like it?

I've got so many hobbies and interests, and a whole lot of stuff to satisfy their pursuit. But, I get older and when I look around me there's enough for three lifetimes. I only have the one, and well, that means sometimes I gotta leave the strawberry for someone else. Who knows, CNC might just tickle those grand kids fancy some as well as your own!

Good luck, my friend.


-frank

 

[maxfli1707]

When it starts to look like clutter and space becomes an issue too . Parting of ways ( Lathes ) would make new interests fruitful ( CNC ) . When you have 3 , ummmm . Small bites has always been better than big chips . With the littlest one in mind some real sweet items for her to dress up her room .

 

[xalky]

I think I might have missed the point of maxflis post. If I read between the lines, it looks like he'd rather spend time with his family than work with the lathe. Ain't nothing wrong with that either. CNC takes a lot of time too, though. They don't just program themselves.

Time management is easy, when you do what you prefer. The struggle comes in when others try to manage your time for you. My philosophy is simple. "I won't tell you what to do....don't tell me what to do."

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[maxfli1707]

I think I might have missed the point of maxflis post. If I read between the lines, it looks like he'd rather spend time with his family than work with the lathe. Ain't nothing wrong with that either. CNC takes a lot of time too, though. They don't just program themselves.

Time management is easy, when you do what you prefer. The struggle comes in when others try to manage your time for you. My philosophy is simple. "I won't tell you what to do....don't tell me what to do."

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Being 1/2 retired and kids moved out ( yahoo ) , the old cabin fever from long cold winters having been born and raised in Canada . To long hot days cabin fever in Tx the lathes don't get near enough quality time .

It was always easier to stay warm working in the shop there than trying to stay cool in the shop here .

 

[ddmunroe]

I don't know...when I was a kid growing up, if I wanted to spend time with dad, I would go watch him work. As I got older I helped him work, and when I got old enough to work ,I worked right along with him. I liked it! Its because of those times spent with my dad that I can build just about anything my mind can conceive. Looking at it in hindsight, I had a 4yr trade school education by the time I was 12 yrs old. I was doing frame up restorations on cars by the time I was 18, and I went into business building houses at the young age of 22 yrs old. To this day I don't let people pressure me into social activities that I'd rather not go to. I'd much rather do something productive in my shop. When somebody asks me how I learned how to do all this stuff, I tell them the story I just laid out above.

It usually starts with "Dad if he made a difference he was a good "Dad
I owe allot to mine, similar story similar outcome.
If you want to find me go to the shop you'll find me and memories of.
Question is ... old machinists do they impart enough knowledge to continue the legacy.