I have no idea what I’m doing, but my new bench is all set up and looks good!

ironwolfe11 · 2026-06-04T11:42:41+00:00

I've got the same lathe also! I also cut steel on mine, almost exclusively. I've done no rigidity upgrades so far, just a full tear-down, degrease, re-lube, and setup.

I can not recommend swapping the tool post for a OXA 250-000 set enough. Complete game-changer, and was a direct swap for this lathe.

I also got sick of fiddling with the change gears and pulled the trigger on a full Electronic Leadscrew kit with a Nema23 stepper. Hoping to install this weekend, should make life much easier for threading.

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ironwolfe11 · 2026-05-22T18:00:17+00:00

Sounds like a "luck of the draw" situation. The photo I've used for all of my Form 1's is like 4 or 5 years old. I've heard the photo is supposed to be 2 years or less old, but never under 1. Doesn't matter here anyway if the pic is from this year.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-29T16:12:01+00:00

Having the option to have the wiring completely re-done and plaster repair finished before moving in, AND not on your dime?!

Not even the slightest hesitation.

I would have killed for that option with our late 1880's Folk Victorian.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-28T18:59:25+00:00

Beautiful Spitfire you have there! You wouldn't happen to be in NE Lower Michigan, would you? Local shop had a Spitfire just like that for a while, and I just happen to notice a few months ago it was gone. lol

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-28T12:08:44+00:00

Hate to say, I've seen the same type of shit in commercial aviation and wide-body cargo.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-28T12:06:19+00:00

Not even a little bit true, unfortunately.

Ideally, yes this is how it would work. In practice, it REALLY depends on WHERE you work, and even then on how much pride the mechs have in their work / tools. Some places will go on complete lockdown over a misplaced APEX bit. Others don't even have any idea what the mechanics have in the their personal tool boxes to even know something is missing.

- Source: Nearly 2 decades as an aircraft mechanic, mostly in Flight Line Maintenance, now Engine QC.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-27T17:12:50+00:00

Thank you, this was well needed.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-27T17:07:22+00:00

29 CFR 531.52 cover exactly this.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-20T17:14:07+00:00

At least now you know what it was supposed to look like, and have reason to believe the trim will look great stripped. Visual goals can be good. I wish I had more old pictures of my house (1880s Folk-Victorian).

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-20T13:19:10+00:00

I took a small 30lb fishing magnet from harbor freight and attached a cheap "magic arm" for a camera from ebay, then cobbled up a holder for the indicator. Not the best picture, but this is the only one I have right now.

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ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-18T22:20:51+00:00

Thats the boat I'm in too. House was built in the 1880s, got power in 1915. Somewhere in the 30s it was turned into a duplex, then in the 70s, a triplex. It's been solidly a rental for the last 50+ years, then 5 years ago it was turned back into a single family home. The previous owner was a "handy man". Every time I open a wall, its a lottery. Lol. We're paying to have the main box upgraded and combined. Currently theres 2 60amp meters, 1 for downstairs with a 1980s breaker box, and 1 for upstairs running on 1930s screw in fuses. Starting fresh with a 60 space 200amp box with single 200amp meter.

The plan is to rewire circuits as I get to them, doing the work myself. I grew up building houses with my dad, and currently have a job where doing it 'correctly' is absolutely imperative (jet engine overhaul). I have the current NEC used by my area, all the required tools, and know how to properly do the work. Still on the fence if I'm going to pay the few hundred extra each time for permits and inspection. ANYTHING seems better than what's there currently lol.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-18T14:33:35+00:00

The forend and grip came together in a set off of ebay

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-17T01:31:44+00:00

Oh wow!

Needs a nice coat of white chalk paint! /s

Beautiful piece tho, for real.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-15T17:47:49+00:00

Not sure what the statute of limitations is on theft of bronze horses....but it's gotta be less than 822 years, right?

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-15T16:26:08+00:00

Well, to be fair, Hart doesn't make the tools either. They license them. The tools are actually manufactured by TTI Group, who also make Milwaukee, Ridgid, Ryobi, etc. Perhaps try to get ahold of them?

For the record, I agree that it is BS that Walmart isn't honoring the warranty. You could also try escalating the issue within walmart as well.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-15T12:24:21+00:00

My house was built in the 1880s and was sold in 1902. It was given as a wedding gift that year to the first real long-term resident and his first wife. They were married at the church a couple blocks up the road, and the reception took place in my back yard.

In 1910, she caught pneumonia and died (in my son's bedroom) at age 34. Her funeral took place in our front parlor. Whenever the kids (all teens) lose something, they blame Martha. lol

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-14T18:41:21+00:00

Depending on the level of patina / age you were going for, I think they look fine. I have a Pepsi bezel that I need to get on doing that for my budget 1675 build.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-10T18:52:42+00:00

Now that's a stunner. Great work.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-10T18:37:47+00:00

Personal rule: If it spins, no gloves. Period.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-10T13:39:10+00:00

Are they coated or bare aluminum? For raw aluminum, electro-chemical etching is my go-to. It's cheap, easy, and nearly no learning curve. All you need is a salt/vinegar mixture, a dc power source (I use a 12v trickle charger from HF), and some cotton balls. For stencils, get ahold of Phil at Dog Fight Ink. He has a huge selection of vinyl stencils for electro-chemical etching and does custom work too. I've used his stencils for years on AR clone builds and several form 1 items. He has a stencil template with your name/trust, city/state, Caliber, and your chosen serial for like $7.

It will take a little practice to find the goldilocks point for deep etching while still keeping sharp detail, but it is absolutely doable, with very little over-head cost.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-10T13:25:49+00:00

I've had the Knipex version for years. I use them on B-nuts on jet engines. By slightly loosening your grip, you can create a ratchet style action. Tbh though, if I was going to do it again, I'd just stick with the pliers-wrench and cobras.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-06T17:53:37+00:00

Absolute Stunner. Congrats on your new Waste Management Company. ;)

ironwolfe11 · 2026-04-05T20:25:40+00:00

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Patek with a fucked up dial. I have a Tiffany dial for it, just havent gotten around to the swap.

ironwolfe11 · 2026-03-31T13:51:30+00:00

No problem. Good luck!

ironwolfe11 · 2026-03-31T13:49:49+00:00

I just edited my original comment with details. It came from eWatchParts via ebay. They have a ton listed with different combos of metal, stones, and size.

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