What made you become a Home Shop Machinist?

[cyrusb]

When you make a new one, do you make your own involute cutter, or buy one?

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Clock gears are epicycloid. You either have to make the cutter or empty your wallet to Thorton in England. Wear is rampant with clock gears(particularly the barrel where the highest power is) because they load one tooth at a time with no lubrication.

 

[Tony Wells]

Seems like a modern approach (GASP! from the purists) is a wire EDM. Near perfect profile every time.

 

[drgrenthum]

I am a nurse, and tired of nothing to show at the end of the day.
Also have a 54 chevy, and a 68 lincoln and tired of seeing simple little parts for sale for goo gobs of money. Just hate being at the mercy of other people.

Ordered a mill, lathe, bandsaw, sander and now waiting for them to arrive to be able to do stuff myself and feel good about it.

 

[Bobby Bailey]

My job is my home shop or is it the other way around. My gunsmithing shop is just across the yard here at the house. I've been doing this for about 33 years and my son, just turned 23, joined me about 4 years ago. My dad is a retired heavy equipment mechanic but always had a metal working and wood working shop at the farm so I grew up around tools and machinery. We still have a working farm, beef cattle and broilers (chickens). Like most all here, I'm a toolaholic. But my most used metal working tools are several sets of files and stones.
Bobby

 

[JW714]

For me it was because I like to be self sufficient. I don't like to depend on anyone to do things for me,although this forum has helped me,and the dissapointment that comes from someones inferior "work".Been into motorcycles for 50+ years as well as classic cars. So theres always something to make.

 

[randyjaco]

I just started out fixin things: bicycles, motorcycles, cars and later, whatever. Then one day I realized I had a garage full of machines and no place to park my vehicles . I never set out to participate on all this aggravation, but now I am addicted to it.

Randy

 

[blame582]

For me it was because I like to be self sufficient. I don't like to depend on anyone to do things for me,although this forum has helped me,and the dissapointment that comes from someones inferior "work".Been into motorcycles for 50+ years as well as classic cars. So theres always something to make.

i got into machining for the same reason! i hate paying high prices for stuff i can make myself at cost. cant wait to see where it will lead

 

[wawoodman]

I've been a woodworker since high school, some 45 years, and I have a full pro woodshop. It's still what I do for a living. www.specialmillwork.com I taught at a guitar-building school in Arizona for about 6 years, and was fascinated by some of the tooling. (It's all Frank's fault!) After I moved up to Seattle, I got a bandsaw, a lathe, and, just recently, a mill. I had the drill presses already.

Now I just have to learn how to use the stuff!

 

[blame582]

If you got into this endeavor looking to save money, you've made a big mistake and/or are just lying to yourself.

The equipment list is ENDLESS. Every time you think you've got just what you need, along comes a job that you need a new tool, different clamping, bigger machine, better measuring tool, or heck....it was just too good of a deal to pass it up. I am guilty on all counts!

Where will it lead? Simple. Drained fun money account, and a pile of equipment, tools and junk for which your heirs will cuss at your lost soul for having left them to dispose of and an EPA Superfund site to clean up.

At least, that's my goal.

i guess it just depends on your outlook and personal limits. i dont compulsively buy tools, or need the best or biggest to build what i want i work with in my limits and try to keep costs down every where

but i do see your point this is a very expensive hobby both in $$$$ and time

blame

 

[BRIAN]

All my working life as a diesel engineer and later as a teacher I had the use of machines but never had time to make any
projects. At the age of 54 I retired and went off sailing. 7 years ago we bought this mountain top house in Sicily at last I had room for a workshop. In 2008 my son gave me John Wildings book on the Congreve clock for Christmas I immediately ordered my
7x12 lathe . Why a 7x12 well the house only has a 3 kw supply and I have to share this with the wife, who has all manner of
high rated items to run the home, blowing the company fuse is not a popular thing to do when she is drying her hair!!
2 Congreve's and my 8 day clock, plus a wobbler to put in a steam boat for the grand children. I am now a committed H M.
when I am not sailing !!

By the way single point (snail type cutters ) for clock gears are available from timekeepersworkbench.com.
regards to all Brian