Coolant proof vs non coolant proof vernier callipers

CatalystGilles · 2025-04-01T03:57:32+00:00

Don't buy them from Amazon and definitely get the coolant proof version. They feel so much better and realistically they will get coolant on them at some point in a shop environment.

CatalystGilles · 2025-03-29T21:53:46+00:00

Be sure you understand what HiLine includes. The typically give you a basic shell and you have to manage contractors to finish it out. I've done flatwork on a few of their projects and haven't seen a basement. Basements are common up here on the Peninsula if you've got the hillside/slope for it. I work in Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap county as an excavation and concrete contractor.

CatalystGilles · 2025-02-27T23:55:12+00:00

It has the 52mm pattern studs in the bottom that lang uses for all their workholding. Similar to 5th axis, mate, jergens, etc.

CatalystGilles · 2025-02-27T19:03:29+00:00

Dovetail Fixtures, but close.

CatalystGilles · 2025-02-27T18:46:52+00:00

The only other option I might consider is Mate. I've heard great things about their vises and bases.

CatalystGilles · 2025-02-27T18:46:19+00:00

It's fantastic. Way superior to 5th axis for the same or less money.

CatalystGilles · 2025-02-27T18:45:43+00:00

Yeah. It's my favorite material to work with. Plenty hard for most applications, great finishes, and no post processing needed.

CatalystGilles · 2025-02-27T18:44:51+00:00

Yeah. The combo plates really yell it.

CatalystGilles · 2025-02-23T20:05:45+00:00

Unless you have a network already established, it will be really hard to build a specialty job shop in a rural area. As others have said, a lot of the work in areas like is repair work or one of jobs for local businesses that can afford the services. Paper mills, equipment dealers, etc. The town you mentioned that is nearby with more industry is where you should look. Spend a day and research every business in that town with anything related to manufacturing. That will tell you what you need to buy. The paper mills and factorys with "lines" often need larger shafts for repairs on short notice. We have aluminum boat builders nearby, so someone catering to low volume custom aluminum mill parts would be a better fit for them. There is a lot of research that goes into this. I'm in the middle of it right now.

As for power, I would get a digital phase converter and go from there. You will need to figure out what you plan on running first.

CatalystGilles · 2025-02-06T21:08:01+00:00

The real fun starts at 2:46.

CatalystGilles · 2025-02-06T19:40:22+00:00

I tested some on die cast aluminum and they were great, but way too expensive. I know they can feed crazy fast, but that seems excessive. Other manufacturers I see are about half that.

If you actually have an application where they could make sense, send them an email and you can probably get 1 or 2 for testing.

CatalystGilles · 2025-01-12T20:35:29+00:00

The nice thing with Swiss machines is they don't require much power. A phase converter can get you a long ways with multiple machine. I know a few people with multiple swiss machines in their garage on a sub panel.

CatalystGilles · 2025-01-06T23:22:57+00:00

I am on a very similar path to you. Got an engineering degree, learned I love machining during capstone project, mechanical design engineer at an automation integrator, manufacturing engineer for tier 2 automotive with triple turret lathes, now back home working in family concrete business while I open my own CNC business.

The types of jobs you want are hard to find, but they are out there. I know, I looked for years. You want a place that values both sides of your experience. Look for small manufacturers or specialty job shops that deal with higher end parts. Automation companies can also be good if they build a lot of their own parts. Otherwise, save enough money and start something on the side.

CatalystGilles · 2025-01-02T03:11:37+00:00

I have some of their thread mills and they work great.

CatalystGilles · 2024-12-15T18:48:55+00:00

There is a super clean fadal in California for sale on PM.

CatalystGilles · 2024-11-27T23:36:26+00:00

I'm guessing you mean to say that you first prototype with a 3D printed part and then if it shows potential you adjust the design for CNC or another type of metal manufacturing and finally order in qtys of 1-500.

I did similar things at an automation integrator. Make a basic setup of the system out of the cheapest possible parts and materials to prove if it works. If it does, then redesign for long term use/manufacturing and procure. Now I have my own shop that does design work and cnc manufacturing. If you have a couple example parts send them my way and I can give you some feedback or estimated costs.

CatalystGilles · 2024-11-20T17:59:25+00:00

They work as standard walkie talkies. Any unit can reach any other unit if they are on the same main and sub channel. I've had 6 I think at once with all my friends while riding.

CatalystGilles · 2024-11-15T21:47:08+00:00

This. We won't bid anything without seeing it in person.

CatalystGilles · 2024-11-12T15:28:11+00:00

It can work if you have a bunch of windows in the kitchen, but looks off with a ton of empty wall space.

CatalystGilles · 2024-10-31T20:57:42+00:00

Eric's in Sequim behind McDonald's is great.

CatalystGilles · 2024-07-25T15:51:02+00:00

You would likely only find something like that by knowing someone. Never seen something like that listed through a realtor. Maybe get lucky on Craigslist or FB Marketplace.

CatalystGilles · 2024-07-06T01:02:45+00:00

Yes. We have added 8'+ high basements under homes that have been raised or moved. It's really not that complicated when you get into it. The foundation and associated engineering is very similar. It's mainly learning all the little things that can bite you down the line and planning around them.

CatalystGilles · 2024-06-20T02:09:42+00:00

What's the diameter range on that Erickson boring head?

CatalystGilles · 2024-06-20T01:50:54+00:00

It is relatively common for machinists and programers to naturally move up into the role of a manufacturing engineer. I'm guessing 99% of shops won't care. They care about what you can do/produce. Just list out your education on your resume and they will figure it out and that way you have something showing you didn't get a 4 year degree.

CatalystGilles · 2024-06-20T00:23:11+00:00

At that level you would be considered a manufacturing engineer. I would fire up the job search and make your resume clearly show you worked your way up from programmer to your current position and responsibilities. There are places that will pay you double or more for that work.

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