3-Phase for the Shop: Static Phase Converters -vs- Rotary Phase Converters -vs- Variable Frequency Drives

So you are the proud owner of a heavy piece of iron with one or more 3-phase motors. Welcome to the club! These machines old and new can represent a great bargain either at auction, or via private sale. Heavy machinery with 3-phase power is difficult to move, and requires a power conversion option if […]

Shipping Container Shop Custom Door Build

When I started out building my shipping container shop, I didn’t envision a dual-40′-high-cube arrangement like I ended up with. I started with a single container which I built-out as a studio and reloading shop, and things kind of evolved from there. Ultimately it was the coming winter that motivated me to build a full […]

iGaging EZ Data Micrometers: Overview, Measurement, Data Logging

When you get into serious precision work, you need the ability to measure with a high degree of precision and accuracy. When I’m chambering match-grade rifles, “tenths matter” (0.0001″). When I decided to upgrade micrometers, I knew I needed tenth-level resolution/accuracy, and wanted to cover a 0-3″ measurement range. The new iGaging EZ Data micrometer […]

Atlas 5C Quickie Collet Chuck: An Ideal Lathe Workholding Solution

Given the chance, I’ll run collets rather than multi-jaw chucks any day! Why? Collets offer superior concentricity (compared to a 3-jaw chuck), better grip, and can hold delicate items without crushing them. Furthermore, collet chucks are safer to use because they keep your lathe tools away from harm (via protruding nose) and don’t have sharp […]

Winchester 70 Rebarrel Part 3: Tools of the Trade

Complex gunsmithing jobs require a lot of specialized tooling, and some common shop tools as well. In this post, I’ll walk through the tools and supplies I used during the rebarelling of my Winchester Model 70. There are a lot of options when it comes to tooling setups, and that will be a focus of […]

Winchester 70 Rebarrel Part 2: Start to Finish Process

Building a precision rifle is an exacting process. You need to have knowledge, skills, tools, and a LOT of patience. In my last post, I talked about the planning, preparation, and experiences involved in completing this rifle build. In this post, I’ll walk through the steps I performed at a high level. Note that there […]

Winchester 70 Rebarrel Part 1: Overview

Metalworking and shooting are both passions of mine, so it follows that gunsmithing would be a natural fit. For me, here’s a powerful draw towards gunsmithing projects that involve accurizing, enhancing, and re-building firearms. So when I discovered that my Winchester Model 70 Heavy Varmint 22-250 rifle needed a new barrel fitted, I dreamed about […]

Precision Matthews PM-1440GT Lathe Arrives!

It’s here! It’s finally here! And it arrived unblemished! These are the words I exclaimed when I finished setting my new Precision Matthews PM-1440GT in place. This was the conclusion of my 6-month process that started with requirements and product research, and ended with a brand new ultra-precision lathe settled in the shop. It was […]

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 […]

A Tour of Gavin’s Logan 11″x36″ Metal Lathe

Have you ever owned a tool that seemed to be “a part of you”? My 1955-built Logan model 1922 11″x36″ lathe is one such tool. I’ve owned this lathe for about 15 years now, and if I were to total up all of the hours using this machine, it would be a LOT. I’ve used […]