Tag: Making with Metal

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 […]

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 […]

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! […]

Welcome to “Making with Metal”

Hello, and Welcome to “Making with Metal” – a website where you’ll find resources related to the past, present, and future of metal design and fabrication. This blog will feature tips/tricks, downloadable reference sheets, detailed articles, how-to walkthroughs, and much more. I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for metalworking with you all, and I […]

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