The Home Machinist!

Cheers for the advice, appreciated.

Harold_V Very enlightening reply, thanks for that. Just been reading up a bit, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anodizing#Aluminium " choose an aluminum alloy that leans towards blue at the outset. " What grade would this be? If I have a choice, what grade/s would produce the best result? I'm...

Harold, " blue highlight " what does that mean?
Thanks.

Can aluminum be polished to give a finish appearance almost, or just like like chrome, are some grades of aluminium better at this?
Any how to advice on method, welcome.
Cheers.

rmac, ok great cheers for that

Thanks for the input guys, a few things to mull over. Been reading, some very interesting stuff on Wilipedia, about mills, milling cutters, roughing out types and finish cutters also been reading up on lathes...... um :) Not sure if should be looking at CAD software that might help with design of pa...

Replies to questions. 1- yes and quite a few other designs of parts that one can see, Google image pedal steel guitar undercarriage. I'm thinking one can buy parts already made, like the square bar, and just cut to required length, an Ebay seller might include cutting to length, would avoid expense ...

Um, just been watching, Casting Aluminum for the Home from a Simple 3D Print, looking at the casting process, whats involved. I don't think that would be beyond me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AaujAPghhE Though would need to check if any regulations in place that would prevent me doing that in ...

" As for the pedals, same opinion here: those should probably start life as castings " Would this be something that a home hobbyist DIY person could do in a gaarge shop, or is it a very involved, dangerous process, fumes, molten metal? I expect might be more practical to have a company mak...

Hi, Are there any useful books for a beginner to learn about lathes and mills, types use, combo lathe, mill? I'm aware of the Harold Hall books but also seen some negative reviews on these. I''m looking into making aluminum parts for the undercarriage of a pedal steel guitar. Also pedals something l...

No, an actual good quality, hardly used, floor standing drill press. I'll check the motor power, speeds, model on Friday, stay tuned

ok thanks.