Just getting into metal, I am a former Master cabinetmaker. I will soon be retiring from my career as a purchasing agent for manufacturing. I no longer have the space to work wood and decided it takes too much space, is too dusty and noisy, so here I am. I would like to build operational model engines. I have minimal equipment so far. I have a 4x6 saw and a drill press and some hand tools. I bought a Logan 400 in pieces with a stuck 3 jaw chuck. Assembling the lathe was a learning experience, had to make some parts, but I did get it operational and it seems to be accurate with very little wear, may be a thou or less in the ways. I managed to get the chuck unstuck by making a left hand threaded piece to put through the head stock with nuts on both ends. I put a piece of 1-1/2 hex stock in the chuck and then I took very long breaker bars and a 3 pound hammer to it. I had soaked it good with Kroil for a week and after about 5-6 good whacks, it came loose with no damage. Now I keep anti-seize stuff on the threads. I bought a 4 jaw chuck and made a face plate. I am now designing a chuck shield so chips and oil don't fly all over the place. In the mean time I am looking for a mill and would love a Bridgeport style knee mill but I don't think I could get it into my basement shop. I will likely get some sort of small mill but when I read about the issues with plastic gears and inaccuracies, I am reluctant to go that route. Time will tell.
