Category: Uncategorized

DRO Install on Precision Matthews PM-728V-T

No milling machine is complete without a DRO, and I’ve finally installed one on my Precision Matthews PM-728V-T! Now I can use this machine to its full potential! In this article I’ll give an in-depth review of the MagXact magnetic 3-axis DRO that’s optional with the Precision Matthews PM-728V-T. What’s In the Box Here’s all […]

Precision Matthews PM-949TV Milling Machine: Overview and Tour

There are two pieces of machine shop equipment that are considered “essentials” for manual machine work: the metal lathe, and the milling machine. With these two machines, you can perform almost any common machining task. Here on Making with Metal, I’ve already posted a deep-dive on my Precision Matthews PM-1440GT metal lathe, and now it’s […]

3-Phase for the Shop: 3-Phase -vs- 1-Phase Power

As a Mechanical Engineer, electricity and power have always been a touch of a mystery. I can recall my Electrical Engineering classmates talking about things like phase diagrams and other “non-mechanical” things that were fascinating, but very different from what I was studying. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about wiring and power. Having wired […]

Turning Delrin Plastic: Ultra-Versatile Lathe Stock

I seriously don’t know how anyone can run a household without a metal lathe. I’ve machined so many parts, fasteners, and tools on my lathes, It’s hard to remember all of these projects. Just this week I got sick and tired of the clutch safety switch on my 2001 Dodge 3500 truck, and I fixed […]

Drill Doctor: Sharpen Twist Drills, Save Broken Drills

Ever run across a tool that you wish you had acquired long before you did? That’s how I feel about my Drill Doctor, and I’ve owned it for over 10 years! In this post, I’ll give a quick overview of my (old) Drill Doctor 750. It’s pretty amazing what you can do with this tool! […]