I haven’t added much to this blog lately because I’ve spent an enormous amount of my spare time in the last two weeks researching, buying, setting up and tweaking a new netbook to replace my two-year old 11.6-inch Acer Aspire, which was really starting to annoy me with its slowness. If I’d known what I’m about to tell you I could have probably extended its life for another year or two by replacing its hard drive with an SSD.… Read the rest
Why I Bought a Trailer Instead of a Truck
Some might not consider a utility trailer to be a tool but I do and it’s one of my most useful ones. This article describes why and reviews Harbor Freight’s 4×8-foot utility trailer.
I lost the ability to bring home full-size sheets of plywood and other large items when we replaced my wife’s mini-van with a small SUV about five years ago. … Read the rest
Rear-mounted Parting Tool Holder for Sherline Lathe
This is the rear-mounted parting tool holder for my Sherline lathe. It’s based on a design that’s been around for decades and I made it about 12 years ago, before Sherline offered one for sale. It is just a block of 6061-T6 aluminum and it cost almost nothing to make. Further on you’ll find drawings that will help you make your own.… Read the rest
How To Square Up Stock On A Mill
This is the best video I’ve ever seen on squaring up a piece of stock on a mill. You’ll also see how a pro deburrs edges and see how quickly and smoothly he can turn the hand wheels (I don’t think he’s using a power feed). … Read the rest