Again, I'd never guessed that wood would dull the tools. I'd have thought that with wood the tools would've remained sharp forever. This old dawg still trying to learn new tricks. I've never pretended to be a real machinist. I'm more like the urban cowboy with the cowboy hat but no cows
Not having any revenue work at the moment I've been focusing on maintenance, especially after the attack of Ratzilla. My organic anti-rat weapon, (a cat), is doing a great job. I've followed your lead mixing Corrosion-X with WD40. It's working out just fine. Still wish I could've gotten some of that WD41. What is your preferred ratio of WD40 to Corrosion-X? I just added some until it smelled right.
I have one of those cheapo Chinese band saws from H.F. Now they're selling for $100.00 more that I paid. I can't remember how long I've had it but it has served me well and vastly superior to my old Armstrong saw. It's another good choice for anybody just starting out with no budget .
Awhile back one of the large adjusting knobs cracked, probably from the sunlight because it's outside and exposed to the ultra violet sun rays. Yesterday I used the HF saw to cut off a piece of 3.5" o.d. steel to make a new knob for the saw. It cut like the old hot knife through butter. Then I made a really nice replacement knob for the saw with a knurled perimeter. I also made a new 12mm bolt for it with a flat for the knob's 1/4x20 grub screw. I turned the knob on my 14x40 with a negative carbide insert at max RPM, (1,600?). I milled the flat on the Tormach.
I also printed a pair of chip collectors for the Tormach. They hang over each of the drain holes on the Tormach's table. The idea is to contain the chips so the coolant is cleaner and won't clog the drain hole in the mill's stand. Another thing I printed is a four tool holder that hangs over the front edge of the stand so the operator can have five tools in order and ready for the next tool change. Five meaning one tool already in the spindle and up to four more at the ready. Because it hangs over the edge of the stand it can be placed wherever is convenient and moved or removed at any time. I also made one from 6061 that is permanently attached. Why two? The permanent one showed me I should'v made a removable one in the first place. Oh well.
I'll try to post a few photos. Might have my 6 year old g-son do it.
Thanksgiving wishes to you, yours, and all on the forum.