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Proxxon's spindle bearings and nose are definitely a nice feature. I tend to believe their claim of 0.001" TIR and they're the only company I've seen spec it. I won't be using this for a tool post grinder, however, so super-precision isn't really required. The Proxxon is also quieter than the...

I've done a little more research and am leaning toward the Dremel 4300. If cost was no object I would go for the Foredom Brushless Micromotor--they are powerful, quiet, small, and with a top speed of 50k RPM they can hog material or detail with finesse. Unfortunately I just can't justify...

ShopShoe, Thanks. I'd forgotten about Proxxon. It looks like a good-quality alternative to Dremel, et al. I've also been doing some more research on Foredom. I'm not interested in their hanging grinder--I don't tend to work that way. They do make an electronic grinder that goes up to 50k...

I have a cheap Dremel knock-off set that is underpowered, slow, and frustrating to use. I've thought about replacing it with a Foredom tool. Of course once the decision was made that I need something better, down the rabbit hole I went. I'm now thinking an air pencil grinder might be a good...

Boring bars received. Very nice indeed!

Joerom, I sent you a PM. I have determination, but little skill and even less time. Evan

I followed your work on this. Amazing. How much is left to complete? Unfortunately above my rookie capabilities. Good luck with the sale!

Gary, First, welcome! Second, I'm afraid I can't help you with the specific navigation question. Where in CA are you? The reason I ask is there are a few hobby machinists that get together every month in the Sacramento/NorCal area (one drives up from Nipoma). I'm in Pleasanton--E. Bay. Evan

What an amazing accomplishment. A true testament to your skill and patience!

It looks like the tail stock may be in the chip tray? I second the recommendation to check out Ebay sold auctions, as well as condition being critical. The Monarch EE is highly desirable, but value is driven by condition. Any information on when and where your dad bought it could help...

I just bought about a dozen used USA cobalt blanks off eBay for $25. Should hold me for a while.

Agreed. My skepticism is just mentioning cobalt doesn't mean the alloy actually contains it, or that it's fabricated at the right temperature to give the desired properties. My guess is that the Chinese tools are ok at worst, and quite good at best. At a buck a piece, maybe it's worth the gamble.

I'd like to get some 3/8" x 3/8" HSS tooling blanks. The US-made ones from MSC are pretty expensive. I've found some Chinese blanks for what seems to be a too-good-to-be-true price of ~$1@ for a lot of 50. Does anyone have experience with Chinese tool steel? What other options are there for...

I’ve got those covered. I subscribe to Tubal Cain, This Old Tony, Abom, NYC CNC, Fusion 360 training, etc. I have a bunch of sharpening stuff from my woodworking hobby: an 8” 1750 RPM grinder with balanced wheels (I do need better guards and lighting) and a Veritas rest, a Lap-sharp...

If a wobbler doesn't take much air volume, a small pump and brass reservoir on the same base as the wobbler might make a nice display piece/toy. Can ya smell the wood burnin'?woohoo1

I've started designing a wobbler, and am wondering about a self-contained power source. How much air do they consume? Would it be practical to build a hand pump to pressurize a tank? Would a small tank pressurized to maybe 60 psi let the wobbler run for 20-30 sec? Are there any designs of...

A man after my own heart! I'm trying to figure out if I have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hobby Disorder) as I dive into something until I'm sated, then move onto something else. I do seem to circle back every few years for another round. By the way, my obsession is now shared between building a...

Minh Thanh, Thanks! These help me visualize what's going on. I did make it out to the shop yesterday, but focused on machining an 8" x 1/2" copper disk for a display I'm making. It machined like taffy! Got it round and faced off, but will need to finish it with sand paper--I don't have the...

Wizard, I’ve got quite a bit of peripheral knowledge and experience, but limited machining experience. It may be more than you wanted to know, but here goes... I “owned” a bike shop from the ages of 9 to 18 (took over my parent’s garage)—buying junk bikes...

Dave, I sent a PM with my email. Thanks! Evan