Category Archives: Machine Shop

Telescope Mount Adapter

Posted on June 25, 2019 by

The University of Iowa donated the Rigel robotic telescope to the Cedar Amateur Astronomers. Plans are to install this telescope in one of the domes at the observatory. To mount the scope an adapter is needed to connect the scope … Continue reading →

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Building A Sand Muller

Posted on May 28, 2018 by

To do sand casting a muller is almost a necessity. It is difficult to mix up foundry sand either green sand or oil bonded sand without a muller. I have been thinking about how to build a muller for some … Continue reading →

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Laser Cut Gaskets

Posted on January 20, 2018 by

Now and then I need gaskets for one of my projects. Of course I could cut a gasket out of a sheet of gasket material with scissors or X-acto knife and use punches for the holes but using a laser … Continue reading →

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Bandsaw Stand

Posted on October 9, 2017 by

I have had a 4X6 inch horizontal bandsaw from Harbor Freight for years. It works reasonably well. I have cut a lot of metal with it. The stand that came with it however leaves a lot to be desired. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Machine Shop, Metal Working, welding | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Mill Clamping

Posted on October 6, 2017 by

Now that my shop build is finished I can get on with some projects. Some of my upcoming projects will need a way to hold small irregular parts in the mill/drill. Several home shop machinists on the web describe making … Continue reading →

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Simple Scissor Lift

Posted on June 11, 2017 by

In building my shop I spent some time thinking about how I was going to put the ceiling up. Metal pole building sheets were my choice for covering the ceiling. They are light weight, fireproof and already painted. The problem … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, Machine Shop | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

CNC Laser Cutter / Engraver Build

Posted on January 10, 2017 by

I see a number of articles on the WEB about using a blue laser around 2 watts for cutting and engraving. A lot of times the laser is attached to a 3D printer. Now I have a 3D printer but … Continue reading →

Posted in 3D printing, CAD, CNC, Crafts, DIY, Electronics, Machine Shop, Software | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

DRO for my MIll

Posted on May 29, 2016 by

Like most of my blog posts this is not meant to be a “how to” but rather a “how did” in hopes that someone will find useful ideas for their projects. It has gotten a bit frustrating using my milling … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, Machine Shop, Metal Working | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

3D Printer

Posted on January 2, 2016 by

Like all of my blog posts this article is not intended to be a how to tutorial but rather just my experience and observations in building a 3D printer. A few months ago I decided that I wanted to have … Continue reading →

Posted in Crafts, DIY, Electronics, Machine Shop, Metal Working | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

CNC lathe

Posted on December 4, 2014 by

I have a Craftsman Atlas 6″ lathe that has been a workhorse for years. Recently I have a couple of lathe projects that are difficult or impossible with a manually operated lathe. So I have been modifying the lathe to … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, Electronics, Machine Shop, Metal Working | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments