Re: Build it yourself!

> hello;
>
> unless you happen to be zoned agriculture. <big grin>
> being zoned ag has many benefits. ;-)
>
> many of the farmers around here have metal lathes,
> mills, etc.
>
> i have a propane fired forge, and several
> propane fired crucible furnaces. i cast replacement
> parts for ag equipment. i am building a 12 inch cupola
> furnace for casting anvils and swage blocks.
> nothing grabs and holds your attention as a crucible
> or ladle with molten metal in it.
>
> i am building a metal lathe (david gingery's books).
> casting the parts in aluminum. use the lathe to build
> a shaper, use both to build a mill, etc.
> will use them all to make patterns.

First let me say, "I don't doubt you for a minute." then
let me continue by saying, "Wow!" this would be a Herculean
accomplishment and one I would take my hat off to unreservedly
if you were able to achieve equipment with some reasonable
degree of accuracy and precision. But ... why? I mean you
could buy a fairly decent lathe and mill for about $6000
total for both. I mean no offence if you are in a position not to
be able to afford such an expense. Likewise, I can completely
understand if the reason is, "Cause I want to see if I can do it!".
Actually there's something kinda heartwarming about believing
somewhere out there is someone with the guts and gumption to
do such a thing.

Of the 3 items I would be most reluctant about tackling the
shaper myself because of the rigidity required for good results.

Anyway "Go for it!!!! very best of luck"