The Home Machinist!

Something to consider if space is tight.
Pictured below is my commercial roller and my homemade roller, both fit 1/2" K copper tubing.
The home built roller doesn't have many clearance problems. They seem to work equally well.

I've read here a number of times how expanded in-place copper tubes in a steel boiler move over time. What are people's opinions on slightly flaring the protruding tube ends after expanding to stop or slow the movement? Edit: This is my second boiler build, my first was welded copper with silver sol...

Curious how you utilize this torch, in general I love the idea as the commercial torches can be quite expensive. Do you set this up pointing at the work for general heat and then apply spot heat with another smaller torch? Much of the time I use the ball valve as a handle and use the legs just to s...

Bigger than a handheld hardware store type torch but smaller and cheaper to run than my rosebud. Shown running at a couple psi. It'll run up to 20+ psi. It was about $12.00 to build. Simply a smaller version of foundry burners shown online.

If I don't make my own I've found Godshall's is very reliable. The inventory system built in to their online shopping cart seems accurate and they ship fast.
Denny

Edit: I've been contacted by the owner's wife and will be talking with him soon. That thing ran like a fine watch, so cool to see it virtually unchanged again! Mods, if you want to delete all this please do. ------------------- Not sure this is the right place to post this. Does anyone know who curr...

I sent them an email about a month ago asking about the availability of one product. I received an answer two days later that the product was not available... but I did get a reply.

I'd also be very tempted to sleeve it especially if the aluminum is dead soft.

I try to get within a tenth or two not thousanths before thinking about lapping but that's just lazy me.

Good to have you back Shild. I can pretty much remember what I've made. When I make "scale" nuts and bolts everything goes in a compartmented parts box. Small parts, pins and bearings that are done go in labeled zip lock bags. Large finished parts end up everywhere. I take pictures and pri...

First Eastman 910, then other super glue brands and folded paper towels held on with electrical tape have saved me lots of blood over the years.

Never had much luck gluing a ball on for lapping but soft solder has worked ok.

Hot and wet, the mortal enemies of hair spray, ask any woman.