SA Metalworker Newbie Intro

[Overbored]

G'day my name is Glenn and I'm from the mid north of SA. I worked as a machinist for 30 years, but gave that away about 10 years back for a job that pays a more reasonable wage. Do miss the machining sometimes though.

I recently built a new shed to house the vehicles, and that has left me with an old shed to convert into a man cave. Seemed like a good opportunity to get some machine tools that I've always wanted. Bought myself a 13x42 lathe and a geared head milling machine, and am looking forward to making mountains of swarf and turning out a few shiny bits. Busy tooling up the mill at the moment, I already had a fair bit of lathe tooling from a past life.

Having a good look around this site, there is a lot of good info here and hopefully I will have something worthwhile to contribute.

Cheers
Glenn

[tdrumnut]

Gidday & welcome aboard Glen, may your journey with us be a pleasant one.

[old1955]

Welcome to the forum Glenn.

[crowie]

G'Day & Welcome to a top forum "Glenn".
There are quite a few members in and around Adelaide.
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable blokes & ladies on the forum and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork/metalwork.
Cheers crowie

[JJF]

welcome aboard

[coffenup]

welcome to another south aussie to the forum
lots of info here
many regards michael

[Christos]

Welcome to the forum.

[Overbored]

Thanks for the welcome, fella's. I worked for 30 years in heavy engineering, so i have never worked machines as small as these. I just have to get my head around the downsizing needed to operate these dinky toy machine tools.

I have a few bits of really old farm implements/machinery in various stages of disrepair down in my back paddock, and I get a kick out of re-purposing various bits and pieces to be useful to me. I've built a portable stand for my bandsaw and bench grinder out of an old sack truck and a pair of old cast iron wheels. I've also cut up some old axles that must have been about 100 years old to make some outriggers to level my lathe and make it a bit more steady on the wonky old concrete floor in my shed, it worked out well. I've found a few rusty old stub axles that look like they will turn up nicely into some side lock end mill holders and boring bars. Just a matter of finding enough shed time.

Cheers
Glenn