Useful Links - Machining
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Information
Books and Manuals - Free
See also:
applescotty : Large list of links to many free books.
Google Books offers access to millions of books, many of them available for free download.
Internet Archive : Huge collection of books, videos, and instructional materials.
Open Source Machine Tools : Plans, videos, books, articles, and more; all free.
Project Gutenberg "offers over 50,000 free ebooks: choose among free epub books, free kindle books, download them or read them online."
Project Gutenberg Australia : "Because of differences between Australian and United States (where Project Gutenberg is based) copyright law, Project Gutenberg Australia contains many works not available in Project Gutenberg . . .works of authors who died after 31 December 1954 will now not enter the public domain in Australia until at least 1 January 2026. However, all such works which were already public domain under Australian law as of the end of 2004 remain in the public domain, and thus continue to be hosted at Project Gutenberg of Australia."
RCLibrary : RCLibrary is a collection of old-time modeller books and periodicals, held online as PDF files for free download. Everything here is free. The library is open to everyone - you don't need to register or log in to download.
Accurate tool work - Clarence Leon Goodrich, Frank Arthur Stanley - Google Books
American Machinist Shop Note Book: A Collection of Articles : Compiled by E.A. Suverkrop (1919) - Google Books
American Machinists' Handbook and Dictionary of Shop Terms: A Reference Book : By Fred Herbert Colvin, Frank Arthur Stanley (1914) - Google Books
The Brazing Book : "This book contains a significant amount of information on the process of brazing. It was originally created by Handy & Harman to assist both the novice brazer and the seasoned engineer. For years, this publication has been well received and considered to be a very useful tool."
Callipers and Micrometers : How to use calipers and micrometers.
The Complete Practical Machinist: Embracing Lathe Work, Vise Work, Drills ... (1885) by Joshua Rose
File Philosophy : (1943) from the Nicholson File Co.
How to Run a Lathe : [1914} South Bend
Kennametal Machining Manual : Turning, milling, materials, and drilling.
Lathe-work by Paul Nooncree Hasluck (1881)
Laboratory Instruments - Their Design and Application : A. Elliot, J. Dickson (1959) - Good information on materials properties, machining considerations, and design of mechanisms.
Machine Drawing by Carl L. Svenson (1921) - free from Google Books
Machinery (1914) - free from Google Books
Machinery's Handbook (5th edition, 1915)
Manuals
Manuals : Manuals for many different mills, etc.
N.E.M.E. : Shaper manuals, as wel as some other useful books and manuals.
Ozark Tool Manuals and Books : A large number of catalogs are available for free download. Parts lists and machine instructions are for sale.
Passion--Usinages : ["Passion-Machining"] This is a French site, but includes many manuals in English. The link is to a Google translation into English.
Practical Machinist : Forum for Machinery Manuals & Brochures - many good manuals to be found here.
Mechanical And Metal Trades Handbook : Think of this as the European version of Machinery's Handbook. "The Mechanical and Metal Trades Handbook is well-suited for shop reference, tooling, machine building, maintenance and as a general book of knowledge."
Mechanical Movements, Powers, Devices and Appliances by Gardner Dexter Hiscox (1904)
Metal Turner's Handybook: A Practical Manual for Workers at the Foot-lathe : by Paul Nooncree Hasluck (1906)
Model Engineering: A Foundation Course by Peter Wright
The Model Engineer's Handybook by Paul Nooncree Hasluck (1902)
Model Making: Including Workshop Practice, Design and Construction of Models : (1919) edited by Raymond Francis Yates
Modern Machine Shop Practice - Volumes I and II, Joshua Rose, 1887
Popular Science : This 137 year archive of Popular Science magazine is available free online. The magazines (especially the older ones), include many articles related to machining, tools, engine repair, etc.
Shaper, Metal : See this page under References
Shop Kinks by Robert Grimshaw (1911) - free PDF from Google Books
Shop Theory by Henry Ford Trade School (1934) : This is a trade school textbook for machinists. As such, it covers all of the basics for using hand tools, measuring devices, and common machining equipment.
The Technical Analysis of Brass, and Non-ferrous Alloys By William Benham Price
US Navy Tools, Shop and Repair - Machinery Repairman's Manual and other publication on lathe, milling, metal work, etc.
Books - Recommended (non-free)
Book Depository - Good source for book purchases (good prices, even with shipping from UK). Tip: on the site search for "lathe," "workshop practice," "machining," etc.
The Amateurs Lathe by Sparey
How to run a lathe, South Bend : See free version of this under Books - Free above
Ignition Coils and Magnetos in Miniature - by Bob Shores : "The book was written to correct many misconceptions concerning ignition coils and magnetos and to provide working information to design, build, apply and troubleshoot ignition systems. The book also provides information to build miniature ignition coils, magnetos and a coil winder."
Lindsay's Technical Books : "Exceptional technical books for experimenters, inventors, tinkerers, mad scientists, and 'Thomas-Edison-types.'"
Machine Shop Trade Secrets by James Harvey
Making Pistons for Experimental and Restoration Engines : (Published by Chastain Publishing (2004-05) ISBN 10: 0970220340 / ISBN 13: 9780970220349)
Model Boilers and Boilermaking by Edgar T. Westbury
Model Boilers and Boilermaking by Karl Noble Harris (Jun 1, 1967)
Calculators, spreadsheets, software (including CAD)
Bolt circle
Bolt circle solver : [Web based/online] Generates the x,y coordinates for a bolt circle.
Bolt circle spreadsheet : [Spreadsheet] Generates the x,y coordinates for a bolt circle using a spreadsheet.
Bolt Hole Pattern calculator: [Web based/online] Generates the x,y coordinates for a bolt circle and draws a picture.
CAD (see also Brief Overview of Free CAD Software)
CadStd : Lite version is free; Windows only.
DoubleCAD XT : Free; Windows only; registration required.
DraftSight : [Free] DraftSight lets professional CAD users, students and educators create, edit and view DWG files. DraftSight runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.
eMachineShop : [Windows only] "AutoCAD like Software Free Download . . . Design & Order Parts"
FreeCAD : [Free] 2D and 3D (parametric modeling); runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.
http://www.tracepartsonline.net : Free CAD file downloads.
LibreCAD : "LibreCAD is a free Open Source CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux." Do not confuse LibreCAD with LibreOffice - these are two very different things.
LibreOffice (Draw) : LibreOffice Draw is part of the free LibreOffice software suite (runs on Windows, Mac and Linux) . While Draw is not CAD, it can be used as a sort of "CAD-lite" for basic drawings. See my page on CAD Using LibreOffice Draw.
NaroCAD : Free, Windows only. "NaroCAD is a fully fledged and extensible 3D parametric modeling CAD application. It is based on OpenCascade."
OpenSCAD : [Windows, Mac, Linux] "OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD models. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS X. Unlike most free software for creating 3D models (such as Blender) it does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modelling but instead on the CAD aspects."
QCAD : "QCAD is a free, open source application for computer aided drafting (CAD) in two dimensions (2D). With QCAD you can create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts or schematics and diagrams. QCAD works on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux."
Solid Edge 2D Drafting : [Windows only] "...requires Vista or Windows 7 and now includes the Free Solid Edge Viewer...drawing layout, Goal Seeking, diagramming, and dimensioning. It is fully compliant with ISO, ANSI, BSI, DIN, JIS and UNI, and it's absolutely FREE to download and use."
Change gear calculators
gizmology : Also includes change gear table
Little Machine Shop : " . . .determines the correct change gears for any thread pitch. In some cases, the combination of gears given will produce an approximation of the pitch you need. In these cases the error from the desired pitch is shown."
Marv Klotz's Utilities : "a program to select change gears to obtain a desired thread pitch/carriage feed"
Spreadsheet : Excel spreadsheet (see also related printable chart).
Fonts
ASME-Y14.5M-2009 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Font : Drawing symbols font; "It includes upper / lower case with the addition of surface finish, welding and some other metrology related symbols plus composite feature control frames."
Gears [See also "gears" under Other Information below.]
Cage Gear & Machine : Chart of formulas used in calculating spur gear information based on standard gearing practices. The spur gear formulas here are based on the "Diametral Pitch system (DP). These formulas can be used with Circular Pitch and Module systems by first converting them to the Diametral Pitch.
Online calculator here for gear pitch conversion: http://cage-gear.com/gear-pitch-convertion.htm
Commercial Gear & Sprocket Company Inc. : Formulas for diametral pitch spur gears.
EICAC : These calculators will give you results for a simple two gear train. The first calculator is for a metric gear train and the second for an imperial gear train.
Engineer's Edge : Gear design equations and formula, as well as other gear related data.
Online calculator here : https://www.engineersedge.com/gears/involute-gear-design.htm
The Gizmologist's Lair : Online gear calculator, gear related definitions and formula, tips on identifying unknown gears.
khkgears.net : Formula for spur gears, profile shifted gears, and internal gears (also available as PDF).
Mechanicdrive.com : Online spur gear calculator.
Micro-Machine-Shop : [PDF] Spur Gear Dimensional Formulas, Rules and Formulas for module (metric) spur gear calculations, and module pitch tooth dimensions table.
Model Engineering with Meccano : Interesting tooth form chart for Module and DP Diametric pitch gears.
ScriptAsylum : Use the calculator to figure out various gear specifications given two of the following; tooth count, diameter, and/or pitch.
General
blocklayer.com : A large collection of calculators and printable templates; mostly to do with construction, but some items of interest to machinists also incluing diameter tapes and protractors.
Charts and Spreadsheets : [On this website] Various charts and spreadsheets I have created; whenever I create a chart or spreadsheet for my own use, I add a download link to this page.
Marv Klotz's Utilities : "A [huge] collection of home shop, mathematical and miscellaneous utility freeware."
ShopCalc : [Linux and Windows] Written by Richard Sanders. The program can be used in inch and metric. It can be set in different languages. . . make the following calculations: chord, arc and sector; triangles, dovetails, bolt hole circles, screw threads, dividing head, tap drills, regular polygons, gears ,convert degrees, inch to metric, temperatures.
Springs (see also spring winding under Tips and Tricks)
Engineering-abc.com : Online calculators for many different types of springs.
Spring making : Calculate mandrel size for making a spring; downloadable spreadsheet.
Spring-making : Online calculator to calculate an appropriate mandrel size for spring winding along with a few other bits of information about the spring.
Spring-making : "This tool can be used to calculate an appropriate mandrel size for spring winding along with a few other bits of information about the spring.
All the fields that expect a number (diameters etc), will accept fractions (e.g. 1 1/4) and numbers followed by an explicit unit (" or mm). All calculations are performed in metric with conversion to/from imperial for display if required."
Taper
Taper and angle calculation : Calculate taper from measured diameters. Also includes table of common tapers.
Tapping
Drill size calculator : OSG Tap and Die
Thermal Expansion
Calculate thermal expansion (spreadsheet) : "enables the calculation of the amount of thermal expansion in a material with change in temperature. The spreadsheet enables the selection of material type (iron, aluminum, etc.), the initial length (in mm or inches) and the starting and ending temperature (°F or °C)."
Timing Belts and Pulleys (see also under Other Information below)
Technical information : Pfeifer Industries has a good collection of specifications for timing belts and pulleys.
Timing Belt Pulley Design Calculator : Online calculator plus some useful formulas and drawings.
Charts and Tables
Charts and spreadsheets on this website (click here): Includes Angle Plate hole coordinates, Bolt Circle Calculator, Fraction/Decimal Conversion Chart, and others.
Drill Size Conversion Table : "This table is the chart for converting and identifying various drill bit sizes."
Engineer's Handbook - Reference Tables : A large collection of tables on a variety of topics - could be better indexed, but often worth searching through.
Free Technical Charts : Searchable collection of printable charts, including: metal fabricating charts, press brake charts, metal shear charts, hole punch charts, band saw charts, decimal conversion charts, metric conversion charts, metal gauge charts, milling and machining charts, drill and tap charts, tube and pipe bending, free technical charts, magnetic annular cutter bit charts, nuts and bolts, graph paper.
Free Wall Chart : A free wall chart and other items are available from Starret (registration required).
Standard tapers : Charts for Morse, Jacobs, Brown & Sharpe, and Jarno tapers.
Tapping
Tap & Clearance Drill Sizes : Downloadable PDF from Little Machine Shop
Tap - Drill Recommendations : [PDF] Greenfield Industries; includes recommendations for forming taps
Tap Drill & Thread Height Chart : This chart from Harvey Tool shows a range of drill sizes along with theoretical thread height. Look here for additional useful articles and charts.
Thread sizes and recommended drill size for tapping : [Wikipedia] The article on Unified Thread Standard includes this chart; the entire article is worth reading.
Videos and YouTube Channels
Videos :
Lathe and mill instruction videos (for purchase): http://www.precisionmeasure.com/
Little Machine Shop how-to videos: http://littlemachineshop.com/Video/videos.php
machiningmoments's channel : spring winding, worm gears, cam milling, sand casting, and more
MIT Machine Shop videos (free): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF06SHGgSg4Fk5-yeh8DN3g6ZgaM0tbk7
mrpete222's channel : (tubalcain) Many videos on lathes and mill methods.
Plastics: TAP Plastics TV Channel : How-to videos on plastic, cutting, gluing, fiberglass, mold-making, window films, and more.
Sine bar, how to use (free): http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=MSR2202
Taps and tapping
YouTube Channels
There are many good YouTube channels (as well as other YouTube videos) on machining. Here are some of my favorite channels:
Abom79 : "Hello, my name is Adam. Welcome to my home machine shop. I like to take videos of my work and share them with others here. You may find some clips from some of the work I do at my other job as well mixed in. We are a family owned business that was started in 1972, and today I carry on the tradition as a third generation machinist."
Blondihacks : "The Blondihacks Channel features projects and educational videos by Quinn Dunki, covering topics ranging from electronics, home-brew computing, machine shop work, welding/fabrication, 3D printing, and more. Many are companion videos to full project write-ups, which you can find at http://www.blondihacks.com"
Build Something Cool : "Everything about working with metal." Lots of good stuff for the new (or even experienced) home machinist.
ChrisB257 : Videos on a variety of topics, inlcuding many on machining of interest to home machinists. Includes some tool reviews.
ClickSpring : "I'm Chris from Clickspring, and I create home machine shop project videos with a focus on clock making. Join me as I make a clock from raw metal stock, as well as a wide selection of tools and jigs for use in the home machine shop."
DaveM : "Product reviews, tutorials and information about metal-working mini lathes, mini mills and other tools for the home-shop machinist and model engineer. Visit theminimachineshop.com for more..."
doubleboost : "...home of my machining and metal casting shop and the famous Jet Powered Go Kart. Here you'll find in-depth project videos on casting, tempering, molding, welding, TIG welding, dividing heads, sand casting, milling, lathe work and thread cutting with aluminium, bronze and brass. Stick around and you'll get the occasional look at some amazing steam engines"
Home metalworking workshop : "Metalworking tools and and workshop methods for the home metalworking workshop owner, including design drawings."
James Kilroy : "This channel is me playing in my man cave. Metal working, using lathes, mills, shapers etc. A little welding, but not much. A lot of my shop work is to support my business, some for paying customers, some for free customers "buddy-do's" and some just for fun."
Joe Pieczynski : "My channel is intended to share a variety of insider tips and tricks designed to help tradesman and hobby machinists get the job done. I have been in industry since 1976 and have learned from some very talented people."
Keith Fenner : "I'm Keith Fenner and this is my Job Shop. Join me as I perform old school repair jobs by drilling, milling, grinding, welding, plasma cutting, broaching and metalworking on a lathe. At Turn Wright Machine Works, we walk the talk and getter done!"
Keith Rucker : "This is my channel where I shoot video of some of my favorite things. I enjoy working on and restoring all kinds of vintage machinery - from woodworking machines, metal working machines, old farm equipment, steam engines, and steam locomotives. I spend a lot of my spare time volunteering at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture where I help to restore and keep their machinery up and running."
machiningmoments : "This site has been set up to help apprentice machinist and by extension anyone interested in the machining field."
mrpete222 : Your youtube shop teacher. "My channel is devoted to the wonderful world of MACHINE SHOP! I have about 950 video demonstrations on the Bridgeport mill & South Bend, Atlas, Clausing, and Logan Lathes. There is also groups of videos on the subjects of FOUNDRY, MODEL ENGINES, TRACTORS, ANTIQUE ENGINES & much more."
MrPragmaticLee : "I became interested in machining in 2014 and started with a Harbor Freight mini-lathe. I later added a Little Machine shop X2 mini-mill. In early 2016 I purchased and began using a Precision Matthews PM-1127-VF-LB lathe and a Precision Matthews PM-727M milling machine. Watch as I learn to use this equipment on little projects during my Tin Barn Time."
myfordboy : "My main interest is model engineering and there are videos showing some of the engines I have built and also videos showing how some parts were machined. There is a series of videos showing how I cast my own metal parts mostly using easily found materials. To encourage builders without workshop equipment to make something I have on offer FREE of charge, plans for some easy to make Stirling cycle engines. There are full construction videos of these engines here on my YouTube channel."
OxToolCo : "The Oxtoolco YouTube channel is an ongoing video journal of a life spent designing and building special tools, instruments, and mechanical devices for the scientific, medical, product development, and metal working industries It is also a place to share and expand skills and techniques among other practitioners."
Pierre's Garage : "It's a great pleasure for me to share how I go about machining and fabrication projects. All this from my machine shop located a few steps from my house. You'll get to see one of many ways to get something done."
ProjectsInMetal : A number of good tutorials and overviews of some basic machining topics.
ROBRENZ : Well made videos on some advance (but still accessible to the home machinist) topics.
Shadon HKW : "The life of a millwright, lower than a tool and die maker, lower than a machinist, above a contractor, wheres a body to fit in? I choose to spend my spare time in the shop repairing and restoring vintage machinery, I work as a systems installer, I install for HAAS, AFC systems, GFS and ITW toolworks.
Stefan Gotteswinter : "Manual and cnc machining, a lot of miniature machining, some minor fabrication work and a lot of shopmade tools. Working as a machinist in a prototyping shop I run a cnc router and do CAM work for a living. In my homeshop I can work as slow and inefficient as I want and give some honour back to the old manual machines like the shaper and the pantograph milling machine."
SuburbanTool Inc : "SUBURBAN TOOL, INC. has 40+ years experience in manufacturing the highest quality workholding products and inspection equipment." Many good videos on machining methods and techniques.
THATLAZYMACHINIST : Many good tutorials on a wide variety of machining topics; made by an experienced machine shop teacher.
The Joy of Precision : "Machining, toolmaking, and occasionally watch repair / watchmaking. Regular use of a Rivett 8" Precision lathe, and videos featuring a great collection of old Hjorth lathes and accessories."
This Old Tony : Very well made videos on a variety of machining topics, with lots of good information for amateur machinists.
Toms Techniques : "This channel is primarily a platform to present my machining related instructional videos. I've been a prototype machinist most of my life and enjoy sharing what I've learned with others so they can have as much fun with it as I have."
Other Information
Adhesives and Glueing (see also Glueing under Plastics, below)
3M Adhesives Guide : [PDF] Good short overview.
Glue Guide : An interesting overview of basic adhesive types and common uses.
Loctite Threadlocking User's Guide : Excellent guide on Loctite products and how to use them.
Bearings
Bearing fits : Document (10 pages, PDF) from NTN on determining best fit for bearing housings and shafts.
SKF Bearings Catalog - (PDF, 1,152 pages) In addition to specific product information, the catalog includes a great deal of information on bearings in general.
Timken Engineering Manual - Metals Industry Edition - (PDF, 184 pages) Lots of information on bearing types, bearing selection, lubrication, etc.
Bending
Art of Bending : [PDF] A 29 page manual on metal bending from the Di-Acro company.
Buffing and Polishing : An introduction to buffing and polishing.
Digital Readouts (DROs) and Digital Calipers
Fixing digital calipers : "I'd had this set of digital calipers for about a year when it started to act funny. It still seemed to work, but the display would sometimes jump to a new random value. . ."
Modding and Mounting Digital Scales : "Described here are some modifications to scales and digital calipers. Especially how to make a mini scale, how to protect the scales from coolant and chips and how to mount the scales to a lathe or a mill."
Drill Nomenclature and Geometry : [PDF]
Drill Sharpening : Grinding angles for drilling various materials, and other drill information.
Gears
ABCs of Gears : KHK Gear World offers a number of interesting free, downloadable publications on gears.
Gearology : [PDF - 132 pages] Boston Gear publication - overview of gears and gear related products
Gear definitions : Gear Definitions and Formulas
Gear formulas : Engineers Edge - Gear Design Equations and Formula Circular Pitches and Equivalent Diametral Pitches Table
Gear nomenclature : [PDF - 18 pages] Boston Gear publication on spur gears.
Plastic gears
Gear Solutions : Discussion of design considerations such as material type, face width, gear modules, etc.
SDP (Stock Drive Products) : Considerations and mathematical formulas for plastic gears, as well as practical considerations such as attachment to shafts and lubrication.
QTC Technical Resources : In depth collection of free downloadable technical literature on gears from QTC Gears company.
SI/SDP Handbook of Gears: http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/downloads/sisdp-handbook-of-gears-117.html
Spur Gear Calculations : "This is a chart of formulas used in calculating spur gear information based on standard gearing practices. The spur gear formulas here are based on the "Diametral Pitch system (DP). These formulas can be used with Circular Pitch and Module systems by first converting them to the Diametral Pitch. . ." [archived link here]
Gear cutting (see under Milling tools and accessories (building)
Heat treating (hardening, tempering, annealing)
A Woodworker’s Guide to Tool Steel and Heat Treating : Not just for woodworkers! A good overview of heat treating metal. Includes a color chart for determining temperature of heated steel.
Giving Steel a Tough Hide : [Popular Science, Oct. 1948, p.208] Discussion of case hardening and practical use in the home workshop.
Heat Treating in the Home Shop : [Popular Mechanics, Dec. 1964, p.170] General discussion of heat treating; includes plans for making your own heat treating oven.
Home made heat treating oven : No plans, but some good information on parts and related discussion.
Tempering : [Wikipedia] Article includes a good photo of tempering colors.
Videos
Steel Heat Treatment: "Elements of Tempering, Normalizing, and Annealing" : [1945 B&W 14min] "Explains how steel is tempered, how the structure, toughness, and hardness of plain carbon steel changes at progressive tempering stages, and how steel is normalized and annealed. Describes the results."
Ignition systems (for model engines)
Ignitor : "An ignitor, used on some of these early engines, was the early forerunner of todays' spark plug, and provided ignition for these engines by mechanical as well as electrical means."
Ignition Coils - cheap, quick qnd easy : "They are the COP ignition systems used on all modern cars since the late 1980s. COP stands for Coil-Over-Plug, where each plug has its own coil. They are small, easy to modify for your models and powerful enough to meet most needs."
Low-Tension Ignition Explained, Making Your Own Coil : "Above is a schematic of a typical low-tension (ignitor) ignition system. I've shown it with a "spark saver". Spark savers are generally used only on hit-and-miss engines to conserve battery power."
Indexable inserts
Carbide for the Home Shop Machinist : Advice on using indexable inserts in the home shop.
carbide, tungsten, inserts, tips for small lathes
Indexable Inserts — Identification System : [archived link] PDF explains indexable inserts - good guide, well illustrated
Indexable inserts : Insert Designation Chart
Indexable tool holder nomenclature : [PDF] Good one page chart.
Selecting Tungsten Carbide Turning Inserts for a Small Manual Lathe : Good forum discussion on using indexable inserts on a small lathe; includes discussion of making your own insert holders.
Knurling
Conrad's Easy Knurling Method : "Blank diameter is critical to quality knurling."
How To Knurl Prop Drivers : How to produce "knurls" by shaping, plunge knurling, and radial knurls. In general, how to produce knurls on a face.
Knurling : A nice write up on the theory and practice of knurling, with methods available to the small lathe owner.
Knurling Made Simple : ProShop Machinist Article
Knurling on the Small Lathe : Popular Science, Dec. 1920, p142
Knurls and Knurling : [PDF] Good overview of knurling terminology and method from Reed Machinery.
Lathe information - general
How to use a lathe : Good overview from American Machine Tools Co.
Lathe assembly and dis-assembly guides [http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/projects.aspx] : Also includes other useful information, including information on mills.
Lapping
Grinding and Lapping : Reprint of Grinding and Lapping - Tools, Processes, and Fixtures by Joseph V. Woodsworth (1907)
Laps and Lapping : Good discussion of lapping with some nice references.
Links to free books: https://sites.google.com/site/applescotty/onlinemachinistbooks
Links to free books: http://chestofbooks.com/crafts/index.html
Links to mechanical design information: [dead link
http://members.ll.net/karna/MechIndex.html]Machine drawing overview: Unfortunately the original website has disappeared, the archived link is here (the archive does not include illustrations, which reduces the value greatly): http://web.archive.org/web/20130125060424/http://ptumech.loremate.com/mdr
Mechanical Drawing Conventions - clip art : http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/galleries/339-mechanical-drawing-conventions
Metals properties
Brass and Bronze Standard Casting Alloys Chart of Specifications : [PDF] Properties of some common alloys.
Model Engineer files : Numerous articles from Model Engineer, in PDF format.
Notes on Workshop Techniques : " . . .basic information for the Model Engineer modified by ideas and tips which I have found useful over the years."
Nuts, bolts, fasteners, threads and threading
Fastener basics - All the basics about fasteners on one double sided sheet! : http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Printable-Tools/Fastener-Basics.pdf
Fastener Handout : [PDF, 32 pages] Good writeup on he standards of annotation for fasteners, and hole callouts, fastener types, thread types, etc.
Information related to Bolted Joints : Good overview of screw thread types, and much other related information.
Metric threads information: http://www.metricmcc.com/techinfo/overview.aspx?item=1
Metric threads information, metric/American equivalents: http://mdmetric.com/tech/tict2011.htm
Oilers (information on making model oilers, glass oilers, drip oilers, etc.)
drip feed oiler : picture only, but show disassembled oiler
drip oiler : plans and discussion by Brian Rupnow
miniature oiler : includes measured drawing
O-Rings
O-Ring Gland Calculator : Online tool for calculating dimensions of o-ring grooves.
O-Ring Gland Design Charts : Charts and general guidelines for dimensions of o-ring grooves.
Parker O-Ring Handbook : [PDF] A 292 page book with a wealth of information on o-rings.
Plastics
Acrylic : How to Cut, Drill, Finish, and Glue Acrylic
Drilling Acrylic : "and most other hard plastics"
Note: Special drill bits for plastic can also be purchased.
Drilling : How to modify a drill bit for drilling acrylic
Glueing (see also Adhesives and Glueing above)
Design Guide for Bonding Plastics : [2011 edition, Loctite Corp.] "This guide is designed to indicate the bondability of the 30 most commonly used plastic types..."
Selecting the right 3M adhesive technology for the job : "...an introduction to 3M adhesive technology for plastic fabrication."
Guide to Plastics Machining : General Fabrication Guidelines, Coolant Recommendations, Turning and Drilling, Milling, Sawing, Troubleshooting
Properties of: http://www.machinist-materials.com/comparison_table_for_plastics.htm
Recommendations for machining: http://nytefplastics.com/ and http://nytefplastics.com/downloads/Guidelines.pdf
Working with Acrylic : Good discussion of cutting, drilling, and gluing with many good illustrations.
RoyMech : "This site provides useful information, tables , schedules and formula related to mechanical engineering and engineering materials. It provides convenient access to data for design engineers and engineering draughtsmen. The site also lists useful engineering standards and includes equipment suppliers."
Safety
Hints & Tips for Using a Lathe : "he following are a few hints and tips culled from one hundred and fifty years of "How to Use a Lathe" books. It’s worth remembering that an apprenticeship in turning lasted for seven years - and whilst the rudiments of the craft can indeed be picked up within a few months, experience is all. This is not a comprehensive list of either safety precautions or working practices - further reading is advisable."
Shop safety rules: http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/f19/shop-safety-rules-83/
Shop Wisdom : [PDF] A 29 page collection of information, tips, plans for shop made tools, etc.
Silver soldering (for silver solder sources see Soldering, Brazing under Materials, Tools, Machines below.)
The Brazing Book : "This book contains a significant amount of information on the process of brazing. It was originally created by Handy & Harman to assist both the novice brazer and the seasoned engineer. For years, this publication has been well received and considered to be a very useful tool."
Silver Soldering Tips : The Principles of Silver Soldering - Capillary flow. See also other useful links on this page.
Springs
spring calculations - look under Calculators
spring winding - look under Tips and Tricks
Stepping motors
Control of Stepping Motors - A Tutorial, Douglas W. Jones : "This tutorial covers the basic principles of stepping motors and stepping motor control systems, including both the physics of steppers, the electronics of the basic control systems, and software architectures appropriate for motor control."
Tapping
Types of Taps : [PDF] Good concise illustrated overview of different types of taps and related information.
Threading
Metric Threading on the Lathe : "Metric threading using a lathe with an inch lead screw isn't difficult, but instructions that cover the finer points are few and far between...The following explanation may seem a bit tedious and repetitive, but a solid understanding of the basics will help you solve any problems that might arise, for any lathe, gear train or pitch."
Timing Belts and Pulleys (see also under Calculators above)
Mechanical And Metal Trades Handbook : This book has a good section on specifications for timing belt pulleys (tooth profile, measurements, etc.).
Technical information : Pfeifer Industries has a good collection of specifications for timing belts and pulleys.
Technical information : The Misumi website is a good source for detailed specifications; just look up the component of interest to get a page of detailed specifications. CAD downloads arealso available (registration required).
Wood turning on the metal lathe
Discussion : "This file contains many users' tips for turning wood on a metal lathe."
Discussion : Practical Machinist web site.
Discussion : Home Shop Machinist
Materials, Tools, Machines
Ball bearings, gears, chain, etc.
Berg : "WM Berg produces and distributes high quality precision gears, sprockets and pulleys, timing belts, roller chains, worm gear boxes, cam followers, breadboard kits, lead screws, hardware fasteners, linear slides, taper pins, spherical bearings, pin hubs, ground shafts, and many more quality precision mechanical components."
Boca Bearing : (See "sales" for 99cent bearings.) "Miniature bearings for Industry, Hobby, and Recreation."
KHK-USA : ". . . approximately 175 styles of gears in more than 15,000 configurations. . . . KHK USA offers convenient web based shopping, offers free 3D CAD models for download, offers both a free print catalog and the ability to download the catalog in PDF format."
MRO Supply : Bearings, bushings, chain, coupling and collars, gears, belts, pulleys, machine tools, and many other items.
RC Boyz : "We offer ebay's widest selection of Radio Control Car, Trucks, Airplanes, Boats, and Parts, as well as a wide selection of games & miniatures. We offer the lowest prices and low shipping costs. If you don't see it listed, we would be happy to find it for you."
Redhill Precision Specialty Balls : " . . .supplies precise balls made in different materials, including nonstandard diameters. Our assortment includes bearing chrome steel balls , tungsten carbide balls, stainless steel balls, ceramic balls, ruby and sapphire balls, brass and bronze balls, tool steel balls, balls made in special alloys, plastic and glass balls, polishing and grinding media, cylindrical rollers and needles, hybrid bearings and valve balls."
PIC Design : Bearings, Clutches, Brakes, Couplings, Joints, Collars and Clamps,Educational Kits and Precision Tools, Gears, Lead Screws, Linear Motion System Components,Precision Balls,Threaded Rods,Timing Belts, etc.
Skatebearings.com : "Our on-line catalog of bearings shows the Miniature, R, 1600, 6000, 6200, 6300, and 5200 series which are imported from China, as well as our special 608ZZ-ABEC bearings designed especially for the rollerblade and skateboarding industries."
Surplus Shed : "Expect to find aerial cameras, telescopes, lenses, mirrors, prisms, boresights, borescopes, microscopes, electronic test equipment, beamsplitters, achromats, eyepieces, optical flats, mirror blanks, lens blanks, filters, and other optical and electronic stuff... and all available at a fraction of the original cost! We recently added Jaeger Objectives and thousands of gears."
VXB Ball Bearings : "With an efficient business operation and more than million bearing in our warehouse, NationSkander California Corporation has served the industry by supplying all kinds of Ball Bearings."
Fasteners (screws, bolts, nuts, etc.) -
[See also Model Engineering and Hobbyist Supplies and Machines and tooling - hobbyist and industrial]
Albany County Fasteners : "Fasteners in Stainless Steel, Silicon Bronze and Brass. Fast order turnaround and shipping. All items individually packaged and labeled. No minimum order. Free or Low shipping costs by USPS Priority Mail"
American Model Engineering Supply : "We are suppliers of fittings, fasteners, supplies and unique tools for the live steam and model engine hobbies."
Boltdepot.com : "Nuts and Bolts by the piece, box, or bulk"
J.I. Morris Company : "J.I. Morris Company is one of the largest manufacturers of miniature screw, small screw threads in the USA. We make very small screws in both miniature number and UNM (metric) sizes, self-tapping screws, hex nuts, flat washers, turned parts and also tiny precision ground taps and thread gages from stock and to order."
Hexcrews : Micro Fasteners - Hobbyists Source - Locknuts - Washers - Machine ... - http://www.microfasteners.com/
Metric & Multistandard Components Corp. : "Metric & Multistandard is a wholesale distributor of Metric Fasteners and industrial components. . . Since many of our products are difficult to find locally, we do accept orders from individuals via credit card over the internet."
Micro Fasteners : "For many years hobbyists and engineers have relied on Micro Fasteners' inventory of affordably priced socket screws, machine screws, locknuts, washers, sheet metal or self tapping screws, wood screws, other fasteners and related items in U.S. and metric sizes."
Mutual Screw & Supply : "We stock Screws, Nuts, Bolts, Washers, Rivets, Threaded Rod, Anchors, Cable Ties, Drill Bits, Screw Driver Insert Bits, Electrical Tape, Duct Tape, Carton Sealing Tape, Foil Tape, Teflon Pipe Tape, Barricade Tape, and Detectable Tape. Fasteners are stocked in Steel, Stainless, Brass, Bronze and Nylon."
Palmer Bolt & Supply Co. : ". . . distributor of bolts, hex head cap screws, socket head cap screws, socket set screws, threaded rod, small scews, hex nuts, locknuts, washers, anchors, pins, rivets, drill bits, pipe fittings, tap & dies, and chemicals."
R.J. Leahy Co. : ". . .the company supplies a unique combination of copper, brass and nickel silver metals in sheet, wire, tube and rod as well as fasteners: nails, rivets, bolts, screws, washers and much more in stainless, brass, aluminum, silicon bronze, nylon and steel."
RTL Fasteners : "....specializing in small size fasteners for Radio Control Pilots, hobbyists, manufacturers, homeowners and more."
Spahr Metric, Inc. : "Spahr Metric, Inc. is a Swiss-owned company specializing in the import and distribution of both metric and US sized fasteners and metric steel. "
Special Shapes : ". . . specialized brass shapes needed for modeling craftsmen . . ." Also brass screws, washers, and nuts, and aluminum.
Toolholder-Fasteners : Screws and other components for indexable insert holders.
Wholesale Tools : "Serving the public and industry for 50 years."
Lapping Compound
Gesswein : Diamond Compound Sets; "Gesswein is the premier brand of finishing stones worldwide. Gesswein also makes other abrasives, cleaning supplies, power tools including the famous Power Carver for wildfowl carvers, and many other fine tools for jewelers, mold & diemakers, aerospace, medical parts manufacturing, restoration, and all precision industries."
richontools.com : See polishing pastes; "Diamond coated ... TCT tools Resin bonded pads Polishing pastes Diamond thin wall core bits Glass tools Carbide burrs End ..."
RioGrande : Diamond Abrasive Compound Kit; "Your source for jewelry making supplies, silver sheet and silver wire, jewelry display and packaging, finished jewelry, great service and technical know-how. Precious metal solders, sterling silver sheet, silver wire and tubing, copper and brass for making jewelry."
Timesaver Lapping Compound :
Machines and tooling - hobbyist and industrial
Note: Previous hobbyist and industrial were separate categories; these have now been combined. Business which are know to cater to hobbyists, or which have been mentioned favorably by hobbyists, are flagged with a *. However, this does not mean that companies which are not flagged are "unfriendly" to hobbyists (it typically just means that they cater to a much broader range of customers).
* AM Tools : Tools for lathes, mills, and measurement.
Arthur R. Warner Co. : "Products we provide but are not limited to: annealed blanks, cut-off blades, finished cutting tools, ground flat stock, heat treated blanks, standard and specialty inserts, thin flats, tool bits and our own line of High Speed Steel inserted cutting tools." [HSS inserts, HSS indexable tooling] Note: HSS inserts are also sold by LittleMachineShop.
Busy Bee Tools : "We have been serving the Canadian Industry since 1976. With locations coast to coast and a large mail order division, we have all your workshop needs covered and more."
CDCO Machinery Corp. : [Free Catalog] Measuring Tools, Cutting Tools, Machine Tool Toolings, All Kinds of Die Maker's Tools, DRO Systems, Miscellaneous Tools, CNC Tooling
CME Tools : (Also on Ebay at http://stores.ebay.com/CME-TOOLS/ ) "For over 25 years, CME Tools has been committed to providing our customers with the highest level of customer service and easy access to the finest American-made and imported tooling equipment."
* CTC Tools : [England and US] "We specialize in quality workshop tools & machines at competitive prices for professionals and demanding enthusiasts. Here you will find precision tool holding systems, cutters, setup & measurement tools as well as lathes, milling & drilling machines plus other equipment used in metal working."
Enco : [Free catalog], frequently offers free shipping specials. "Since 1940, Enco has been a leading source for quality machinery, cutting tools and industrial supplies at the guaranteed lowest prices anywhere."
Grizzly Industrial, Inc. : "We have the widest product selection under one brand in the world and we sell direct to the user, cutting out the dealer network, and resulting in lower prices to you"
Harbor Freight : "At Harbor Freight Tools you'll find one of the largest selections of brand-name discount tools, including hand tools, power tools...anything that fits into your tool box, and bigger equipment too!"
JTS Machinery and Supply Co. : "Products include everything from cutting tools, carbide tooling, power tools, measuring instruments, shop supplies, reference books, shop machinery, and much more."
KBC Tools and Machinery : [Free catalog]
* LatheMaster : "Mini Lathes Hobby Mini Lathes Bench top Mini Lathes Mini Milling Machines Rotary Tables 5C Collet Chucks Mini Lathe Chucks Mini Lathe Collets Micrometers Dial Indicators Mini Lathe Cutting Tools "
* Little Machine Shop : "We stock every part for the mini lathes, mini mills, and micro mills from LittleMachineShop.com, ToolsNow (Cummins), Grizzly, Harbor Freight, Homier, and Micro-Mark. LittleMachineShop.com has brought together all the tools, accessories, and replacement parts a bench top machinist needs."
McMaster-Carr : "Over 490,000 products"
Mesa Tools : "Mesa Tool designs and manufactures machine tools for the machinist with durability and simplicity in mind. . . . Boring Bars, Boring Head Attachments, Carbide Inserts, Threading Tools and Turning Tools."
Metal Lathe Accessories : ". . . kits are available for those who like to machine their own tooling at a greatly reduced cost, and who at the same time like to work with quality materials." Kits include steady resy, ball turning toolpost, quick change toolpost, diesel engine, and many more.
MSC Industrial Supply Co. : "Since 1941, MSC has set the industry standard for quality, selection and customer service. More than half century later, our dedication to these standards has made us one of the nation's leading distributors of metalworking & MRO industrial supplies, with over 500,000 products."
MonsterJaws : "US manufacturer of high quality jaws for the metalworking industry." Steel and aluminum vise jaws, chuck jaws, jaw nuts and t-nuts.
* Ramblin' Dan's Store : " . . .formerly The Hobbyist Machine Store, located in Frisco, Texas USA, was established in 2006 to supply the needs of any hobbyist or crafts-person needing small high quality machine tools to fulfill their skills and ambitions. Our emphasis is on small, as in model building and craft hobbies which are located in the typical home environment or home workshop."
Reid Supply Co. : [Free Catalog] ". . .knobs, handles, hand wheels, clamps, tooling components, fasteners, hardware and much more..." [Also: gears, bearings, belts, chains, motors.]
SDP/SI - Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instruments : "Mechanical components produced and distributed at SDP/SI are timing belts, pulleys, sprockets, couplings, universal joints, fasteners, gearmotors, sintered bearings, precision ball bearings, precision gears – ground spur gears, helical gears, miter gears, bevel gears, internal gears, rack and pinion and precision gearheads."
Shars Tool : "Abrasive, File, Deburring & Diamond Tooling · Cutting Tools · Hand & Power"
Surplus Center : "[Free catalog] Pneumatics, electrical, automotive, hydraulics, power transmission, water pumps, wheels, casters, winches, miscellaneous.
Surplus Shed : "Expect to find aerial cameras, telescopes, lenses, mirrors, prisms, boresights, borescopes, microscopes, electronic test equipment, beamsplitters, achromats, eyepieces, optical flats, mirror blanks, lens blanks, filters, and other optical and electronic stuff... and all available at a fraction of the original cost! We recently added Jaeger Objectives and thousands of gears."
Travers Tool Co. : "Our Mission is to be the preferred supplier to metalworking and industrial markets worldwide. We accomplish this by offering a comprehensive selection of products . . "
Tools4Cheap : "My name is Jeff Beck and I own Tools4cheap LLC... All products are hand selected or custom designed by me. In addition to common machine tooling Tools4cheap specializes in hard to find tooling for Bridgeport Mills and South Bend , Logan , Atlas Lathes. "
* Victor Machinery : "Since 1918, Victor Machinery has supplied tools to enable you to get the most out of your Lathe, Milling Machine, Drill Press, Grinder, or Band Saw. . . We serve hobbyists, scientists, maintenance and repair workers, the military, as well as automotive workers, machine shops and manufacturers."
Wholesale Tools : "Serving the public and industry for 50 years."
Xcelite : "Screwdrivers, Nutdrivers, Pliers, Cutters & Tool Kits."
Zoro Tools : "[Free catalog] ". . .offering more than 400,000 great products at super low prices. . . Free UPS ground shipping on orders of $50 or more."
Metals [Now including sources for Australia, New Zealand, US, and UK.]
[For some metals cost comparisons, see this link.]
Australia
EziMetal : "...we provide a wide range of steel and related products, including: Aluminium: Tube, Bar, Sheet, Tread Plate, Propellor Plate
Bar Products: Angle, Round Bar, Flat Bar, Square Bar & Deformed Bar; Duragal profile: Flat, Angle & Channel...[and more]."
Hobby and Engineering Supplies Online : "Hobby and Engineering Supplies is located in Capalaba West (Brisbane Southside) Australia. . .We stock a wide variety of parts for all types of applications including remote control, helicopters, planes, cars, rock crawlers, assortment kits, roller bearings, thrust bearings, ceramic and ceramic hybrid bearings, stainless steel bearings, shafting, pulleys, belts and adhesives used by hobbyists and engineers alike."
Hobby Mechanics : "We are a company based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, which has been supplying the needs of Model Engineers for over 25 years.
Our major products are Machine Tools and Accessories . . . [including raw metals]."
offcuts.galore : "Based in Australia, offcuts.galore has been an eBay member since 02 Aug, 2004." Aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, delrin, teflon, etc.
New Zealand
Atlas Steels : Acquired by Wakefield Metals - see below.
Trade Tools : Key, shim, and silver steels. "Providing Cutting and Hand Tool solutions . . ."
M.B.M Model Engineering Supplies : "B.A. Nuts & Bolts • Snap Head Rivets • Miniature Steam Fittings Complete Steam Casting Kits • Gas-fires Miniature Boiler Kits; Stainless Steel & Brass Rods • Phosphor Bronze cut to length"
Ulrich Aluminium : "Aluminium Castings, Extrusions, Decorative Metals, Extruded Aluminium Bends - Fabricated Aluminium - Fasteners - Machinery, Tekna - Marine Products - Sheet, Plate & Rollformed Aluminium - Welding Products " and more.
Wakefield Metals : Aluminium, brass, copper, stainless, zinc, engineering bar, precision tube, and fasteners.
United Kingdom
Arenastock : "We stock aluminium, stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper, and black & bright steel in all of the most popular sizes. All stock is held on site and cut to size, meaning in most cases we can deliver on the next working day."
College Engineering Supply : "We supply an extensive range of useful castings together with materials e.g. Cast Iron, Brass, Phosphor Bronze, Aluminium and other Non Ferrous Metals, Plastics, Easy Cutting Foam, Waxes, etc."
Mallard Metal Packs Ltd : "The company was formed in 2001 to service the requirements of classic car/motorcycle restorers, model engineers, and other small quantity users. Our services include: Worldwide shipping - Fast Delivery; No minimum order"
M-Machine Metals & Engineering : ". . .we offer a huge range of engineering materials from stock. Our experienced crafts-men and our fully equipped workshops can help with any engineered component and we have a massive stock of Imperial and Metric fasteners from which to choose.. .take a look around our new website - there are lots of things to find with pictures of current projects, machining movies and information on heat treatment with material grades and lots more."
Noggin End Metals : "Shop online - Aluminium, Brass, Bronze, Cast Iron, Copper, Engineering Plastics, Gilding Metal, Graphite, Nickel Silver, Stainless Steel, Steel, Titanium"
RDG Tools : Cast iron, aluminium, silver steel.
United States
Note: Some of the companies listed under Machines and tooling - hobbyist and industrial also sell raw materials (metals, plastics, etc.). These include Enco, Mcmaster-Carr, and others.
Aluminum plate, cast: http://www.sandsmachine.com/alumweb.htm ; remnants at low prices
Aluminum 6061 : [6061dude on Ebay] Mostly 6061 aluminum, some tooling.
Amazon Supply (Small Parts Inc.) : Look under "Materials"
Cut2SizeMetals.com : "From our midwest supply & metals depot in southern Indiana, we offer speedy metals shipments to all 50 states. You can specify your metal by the inch, or order full sheets and lengths."
DiscountSteel.com : "Discount Steel is known for having the largest in-stock product selection locally and online. We specialize in both small and large quantity orders, with no minimums . . ."
Dura-Bar : Cast iron bar stock; good source of information on types of cast iron. Does not sell direct but has a list of re-sellers.
Exact Metals : Steel, brass, aluminum, delrin.
Farmer’s Copper Ltd. : ". . .copper, brass, bronze and other metal alloys."
Hobby Metal Kits : Aluminum, brass, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, tool steel.
Industrial Metal Sales : Free shipping on all orders over $150. No minimum order. Alloys, Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Carbon Steel, Copper, Stainless Steel, Titanium, Nickel, Invar 36.
Metalliferous : "Metalliferous is a full-service, fully-stocked supplier of metal, tools, and supplies to jewelers, beaders, crafters, hobbyists, metalworkers, sculptors, and everyone else interested in metalworking and jewelry."
MetalsDepot : "MetalsDepot, the retail division of Ledford Steel Company was established in 1999 to fill the ever-growing need of a reliable "Small Quantity Metals" supplier throughout the United States. Our concentration is to provide a wide selection of metal, in smaller quantities, with no minimum orders, and fast shipping."
Metal Supermarkets : "Metal Supermarkets is the World's largest supplier of small quantity metals. . . Over 8,000 Metal Products, Shapes and Grades"
Online Metals : "The Web's superstore for small quantity metal orders welcomes you to explore exceptional metals sales and service from metal buyer's guides, to metal project ideas. At OnlineMetals.com, no order is too small for our high standards."
R.J. Leahy Co. : ". . .the company supplies a unique combination of copper, brass and nickel silver metals in sheet, wire, tube and rod as well as fasteners: nails, rivets, bolts, screws, washers and much more in stainless, brass, aluminum, silicon bronze, nylon and steel."
Sands Machine : "We sell only Cast Aluminum Tool and Jig Plate. . . This is a remnant (a piece left over from a 21" diameter ball bearing that we manufacture). . .mostly Mic-6 . . ."
Schupan : I include this supplier because they are located near me. If you live near one of their warehouses (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Northern Kentucky), shopping in the "boneyard" (remnants and cut-offs) can provide big savings. Online shopping is also available via a "quote" process. Available: Aluminum, brass, copper, bronze, plastics, stainless steel.
Speedy Metals : "Over 5,000 Grades, Shapes and Sizes . . . Absolutely, Positively, no minimum orders !!!"
Xometry : Aluminum (6061) with free ground shipping! Also tooling and other items and services. Free ground shipping.
Metal finishing (blueing, anodizing, powder painting, plating, etc.)
Birchwood Casey : Blueing and metal finishing "Since 1948, serious shooters, avid collectors and professional gunsmiths have relied on Birchwood Casey for shooting and gun care products that have stood the test of time. From legendary Tru-Oil® Gun Stock Finish and Perma Blue® Liquid Gun Blue to revolutionary Shoot•N•C® Targets, Birchwood Casey has pioneered innovative products with an unwavering dedication for quality."
Brownells.com : Blueing and metal finishing "Factory parts from fifteen of the industry’s leading firearms manufacturers. Rifle, shotgun, and handgun parts, tools & accessories. Bluing & refinishing materials. Books, videos, & references. Sights, scopes, & mounts And much more."
Caswell Inc. : "Caswell Inc. supplies a complete range of plating kits including chrome, gold, nickel, copper, brass and many more. Caswell Inc. also sells aluminum anodizing kits, powder coating systems, metal polishing and buffing supplies and accessories."
Model engineering and hobbyist supplies (including engine kits, castings, etc.)
American Model Engineering Supply : "Our purpose is to provide a line of goods for those building live steam locomotives, stationary engines, both steam and internal combustion as well as other miniature machinery."
Coles' Power Models : "Plans, Nuts, Bolts, Piston Rings, Small Tools, Spark Plugs, Whistles, Lubricators, Pressure Gauges, and Much Much More!!!"
Metalliferous : "Metalliferous is a full-service, fully-stocked supplier of metal, tools, and supplies to jewelers, beaders, crafters, hobbyists, metalworkers, sculptors, and everyone else interested in metalworking and jewelry."
Myers Engine Works : "We produce several scale model casting kits of antique Steam and Stirling cycle engines of the past. "
Reeves Model Engineering 2000 : [Note: located in England] "The World's Largest Stockists of Model Engineering Supplies"
Small Parts, Inc. : (Now part of Amazon Supply) Huge variety of parts, materials, fasteners, lab stuff. etc.
Scale Hardware : "Since 2008 we have been providing hobbyists and engineers worldwide with the highest quality miniature fasteners and accessories."
Scale Model Engine Suppliers List : A good list of suppliers model engine castings, kits, parts, plans and ready to run engines.
Special Shapes : ". . . specialized brass shapes needed for modeling craftsmen . . ." Also brass screws, washers, and nuts, and aluminum.
S/S Machine & Engineering : IC Model engine ignitions system and related parts.
Think & Tinker (PreciseBits.com) : "Think & Tinker designs, develops, and manufactures application-specific solid carbide micro-tools for working hardwoods, plastics, metals, and reconstituted minerals: Drill Bits, End Mills, PCB Router Bits, 3D Carving Tools ,PCB Mechanical Etching Bits"
O-rings, Piston Rings, Split rings
[See also "O-rings" under Other Information above for related information on using o-rings.]
DeBolt Machine : "We manufacture limited edition working models and engines. Our goal is to produce unusual and unique models that replicate the originals on a miniature scale and still remain fully functional." Also sells cast iron piston rings and some other engine components.
O-ring Warehouse : "We sell standard size O-rings made from the seven most widely used compounds. A Material Selection Guide is available for download." Also sells teflon split backups (split rings).
Plastics
Amazon Supply (Small Parts Inc.) : Look under "Materials"
Boedeker Plastics, Inc. : Plastic sheet, rod, tube, and machined parts. Lots of technical information on this site, as well as tips for machining plastics.
Online Metals : Don't let the company name fool you - they also carry plastics.
TAP Plastics : "We cut acrylic sheets to the size and shape you need. We carry many hard to find industrial plastics. Our fabrication shops can turn your ideas into reality."
Soldering, brazing, etc.
Note: For how-to information go to Information, Other and scroll down to "Silver Soldering."
Esslinger : "Esslinger.com is a leading internet provider of watchmaker's tools, watch parts, watch batteries, watch bands, jewelry tools, and much more."
Harris Products - "The Harris Products Group is a world leader in metal working products used in the brazing, soldering, welding, cutting and gas distribution industries."
Rio Grande : Jewelry making supplier with a large variety of silver soldering supplies as well as related information.
SRA Soldering Products - silver solder and more.
Wire and Springs
Springs
Lee Spring : "22,000+ products available, plus custom products made to your specifications. In Stock springs ready to ship. FREE Grinding on all Standard Stock Springs. FREE CAD downloads. And Much More..." Note: Minimum order quantity of 10, and kind of pricey for small quantities.
Wire
Wire, cloth covered: Sundial Wire : "We currently have cotton-covered wire in seven colors and rayon-covered wire in seven colors, and we are constantly adding new colors in both cotton and rayon. We carry gauges from 22-gauge up to 12-gauge."
Wire, magnet: Paramount Wire Co. : (got to the link and choose Magnet Wire from the menu) " . . choose from 12 through 32 gauge. Please note that the wire you receive will be either red, green, or natural colored magnet wire in either single or heavy build."
Websites
Websites - forums, bbs, aggregation, etc.
7x10minimathe - Home Machinist's Roundtable : "Owners of the small metal minilathes marketed by Harbor Freight, Grizzly, etc. can trade tips here along with general discussion of other home workshop machining tools and techniques. There is a fair amount of off topic banter on subjects of interest to the hobbyists that gather here."
7x12minilathe [ON-TOPIC POSTS ONLY!] : "Topics Include: Homier, Grizzly, Harbor Freight, Einhell, Micromark brands of 7x10, 7x12, 7x14, 7x16, 8x12 mini lathes, metal turning, machinists, CNC, lathe and tooling modification, projects, tips, hints, and tricks for the mini lathes. Beginners and experts welcome! If you want to learn about machining metal on a lathe, this is the group you've been looking for."
Florida Association of Model Engineers : " . . . topics related to model engine building of all types."
Home Machine Shop : An eclectic collection.
HomeMadeTools.net : "HomemadeTools.net is an encyclopedia of 23,674 homemade tools. We find homemade tools across numerous forums, and organize them in one place, always with full credit to the original builder and site. HomemadeTools.net is updated multiple times daily with new homemade tools."
Home Metal Shop Club : "The Home Metal Shop Club has brought together metal workers from all over the Southeast Texas area since its founding by John Korman in 1996.
Our members' interests include Model Engineering, Casting, Blacksmithing, Gunsmithing, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Robotics, CNC, Welding, Metal Art, and others."
Home Shop Machinist and Machinist's Workshop : "This forum reserved for your comments and discussion about anything pertaining to our magazines or machining and metalworking in general. It's a place for feedback, idea exchange, criticism, kudos, sharing your expertise, your hobby or virtually anything else that other home shop machinists would be interested in."
Home Shop Tech : Nice collection of how-to articles for the home shop, shop tips and tricks, and tutorials for lathe and mill.
Home Metal Shop Club : "Since its founding by John Korman in 1996, the Home Metal Shop Club has brought together metal workers from all over the Southeast Texas area."
http://www.machinistblog.com/ : Plans, projects and how-to's for home machinists
Metal Web News : "These pages are written and posted entirely by volunteers. You are invited and encouraged to send information covering projects you have completed or are working on. We need how to articles, describing in detail and accompanied by photographs and/or drawings if at all possible."
Micro-Machine-Shop : "This site has over 85 web pages containing 2658 different annotated photographs, 70 animations, plus 325 reference documents on metal machining tools, tooling, modifications, methods, & projects."
Model Engine Maker : "A Global Community of Model Engine Machinists"
Model Engineer Support Page : "This site aims to provide the model engineer with information on Workshop and Modelling Topics." Include Projects, Tips, Techniques, Drawings, Experimental
Model Engineer's Workshop : "Model Engineers' Workshop is a relative newcomer, first published in 1990. It is much more concerned with machines, both manual and CNC, tools, methods and processes. Historically, it does not include articles on the construction of models. It usually contains drawings for the construction of a machine, a tool or a machine accessory."
www.metalillness.com : Machine Shop Talk, Projects, and Pictures; CNC/Robotics/Computer/CAD/Automation; Machine and Tool Manuals, Books, and Videos; Lathes, Milling Machines, Shapers, and Sheet Metal tools; MIG/TIG/Stick/Oxy-Acetylene Welding and cutting; Machine and tool Reviews
Websites - link sites
CNCCookbook: Software and Information for CNC Machinists : "CNC Resources, Groups & Organizations, Reference Data, Suppliers, Individuals, Books, Tool Brands, Free CNC Software, Machinist's Dictionary"
Free Web Plans : Downloadable palns in PDF format for lathe and mill tools, lathe building, furnace making, tubing bender, bending brake, and more.
Machinist-Materials : Links to businesses.
MadModder : "This is a place for those who like to build, craft or modify anything (and everything!) can gather and discuss. I want this to be a place that fosters ideas and learning... plus a good place to show off your talents and skills."
Metal Working Resources : "Here is a hodge-podge collection of helpful metal working links, organized by resources, related associations, and companies that in some way contribute to the well being of the industry."
Pat's Big List Of Metalwork Links : Huge list of links.
ScrapMetalJunkie.com : Collecting and identifying scrap metal.
Websites - people
Dean's Home Shop Machining Projects : Making tools for lathe and mill, shop built engines, how-tos.
GadgetBuilder's 7X12 MiniLathe and Little Workshop : Huge site of tools, mods, and much more.
Harold Hall : Tools, methods, engines, and much more. ". . . a major portion of it is devoted to metal working activities carried out predominantly in a home metalworking workshop. The reason being that it is mainly for the interest of readers of the Model Engineers' Workshop magazine, of which I was editor . . . and have since written in all but a few issues up to issue 178 (July 2011), now retired. Non readers of the magazine who have a metalworking interest will also find much of this content of interest."
Frank Ford - HOME SHOP TECH Articles : Huge number of articles on lathes, milling, tools, tips. etc.
mikesworkshop : "This website charts my journey from being a newbie through to the present time."
mini-lathe.com : "Your source for information on the 7x10, 7x12, 7x14 and 7x16 mini-lathes"
Mini-Lathe Workshop : This site contains useful tools for Mini/Small-Lathe and Small-Milling Machines.
Model Engineer's Support Page : Very good site, but no longer maintained. The link is to an archive location.
Projects in Metal : "Free Project Plans, Tips, and Tricks for the Amateur Machinist"
Rick Sparber's Web Site : [Includes plans in PDF foramt] Mill Attachments, Projects that Illustrate Technique, Measurement Instruments and Technique, Mill Technique, Horizontal/Vertical Band Saw, Lathe Attachments, Lathe Technique, Bench Work, Software Tools, Shaper, Welding, Alibre Computer Aided Design Software
Richards' Machine Shop : Site no longer maintained; the link is to an archive location.
ShopSwarf : Lots of useful information on gears, gages, mills, procedures, and much more.
Start Model Engineering : "A friendly place full of model engineering help & advice for beginners"
Steve Bedair's 9 x 20 Lathe Site : "As with most imported machines the 9 x 20 is not out of the create ready but with some cleaning, adjusting , and a few
modifications the 9 x 20 can be a welcome addition to any workshop."
Steve's Toolworks : "Wherever possible I re-use old 'scrap' for projects."
Tool and Die Guy : Chart, tools, and how-tos from a guy with 35 years of experience.
Tools and Mods : Ralph Patterson plans and much more.
Ty's HF 7x10 Mini Lathe Page : Links, hints, repairs, articles, drawings, projects, reference.
wrathall.com : Various 7x12 minilathe improvements, CNC stuff, and more.
Home machining
Boilers (for model steam engines)
Building Simple Model Steam Engines by Tubal Cain [not free]
Inventor Wizard : Down-loadable (free) plans in PDF format for a number of different steam and stirling engines. The site is not in English, but the plans are.
Little Steamers and Their Boilers : "first appeared as a series of two articles in the American magazine "Garden Railways" (July-August and September-October 1998 numbers)"
Making Simple Model Steam Engines by Stan Bray
Making Safety Valves : "The following photographs show the sequence used making 12 safety valve bodies . . ."
Model Boilers and Boilermaking, K.N Harris : PDF download
Model Stationary and Marine Steam Engines, K.N.Harris : PDF download
Pipe Boiler : Popular Mrchanics, Feb. 1963, p.196 - simple boiler made from hardware store parts.
Steam Oil : The Truth about Steam Oil by Harry Wade
Steam Boiler for Use with a Model Engine : Popular Science, August 1935, p. 68; ". . . this boiler will be found satisfactory for use with any small steam engine."
Wobbler Boiler : A very simple boiler for a small engine.
Engines: plans, kits, etc.
J.E. Howell Model Engine Plans : "We are the world's largest catalog of quality plans for model stirling engines, atmospheric engines, gas engines, and other model engineering projects."
Boyd's Tin Can Stirlings: "Tin can stirling engines, walking beam stirling engines, hot air engines, stirling plans, hot air engine plans, Stirling engine plans,
external combustion engine, Stirling plans, hot air engine plans, Stirling Walking Beam Engine. . ."
Downriver Tools : " . . . home to the fine line of steam engine plans and kits manufactured by Historic Models and Reproductions." Also, ". . . we specialize in producing plan sets and kits to convert Bench-Top and Tool Room lathes into production turret lathes. . . to assist machinists needing quantities of duplicate parts but who cannot justify the large financial commitment to CNC or automatic screw machine platforms. . . Whether you are a specialty manufacturer, inventor, or hobbyist, we have a tool design to suit your needs."
Ford's First Engine : Henry Ford built a simple gasoline engine in 1893; plans for a replica of this engine are on sale here.
Graham Industries : Kits: "My name is Robert Graham and I started Graham Industries in 1991. Graham Industries is a home based business that I operate as well as work at my full time job. I work as a CNC machinist and programmer for an electronics manufacturing firm, and have done so for the past 18 years. We are introducing new kits all the time so check back with us from time to time."
Hit and Miss Engine - free plans (David Kerzel)
Jan Ridders - Stirling, Vacuum, and Combustion Engines [plans provided via email request]
John-Tom : "The largest collection of free Steam Engine Plans on the web - Build a Steam Engine at Home or make a small steam generator"
JRBentleycom : Model engines - some great pictures, but no plans
Liney Machine : "We design and build quality air and steam powered engines for the sake of their beauty as a machine. . . Liney Machines offers complete technical drawings for all our engines, as well as kits containing all the metal stock and hardware you will need to machine your own."
Martin Model and Pattern : "Martin Model & Pattern (MM&P) exists to provide Industry and Hobby alike with the best quality patterns and castings." Engine kits, machine tool kits, flywheels.
McCabe : "Free plans for small piston-type heat engines. . . Excellent for engineering and physics students. Also suitable for hobby or research purposes. Several of the models are designed to be built only with hand tools."
Otto Gas Engine Works : Good source for piston rings.
PM Research Inc. : "Working Model Steam Engine & Machine Tool Kits, Model Supplies and Finished Model Hot Air & Stirling Cycle Engines. With 28 Different Working Model Kits In Stock At All Times"
Popular Mechanics steam engine (Part 1) : Good beginner engine (Part 2 is a boiler for the engine)
Popular Mechanics Pollywog : (1933) model outboard racer, twin cylinder oscillating steam engine with boiler
Popular Mechanics : (1938) "A Candle Runs this Engine"
stirlingbuilder.com/: "This site is full of resources for students, hobbyists, and small engine enthusiasts who wish to make their own Stirling Engines from simple materials and without expensive machine tools."
Upshur Engine Works - [archived link] Gasoline engine plans, $10 per set of plans [2012]
Weber Precision : V8 and turbine engines : "This site has been developed to promote the hobby of model engineering, I would just like more people to know what can be built with a lathe and milling machine."
Lathe mods
Carriage
Carriage stop
Carriage (saddle) lock :
Clamp with lever : Good discussion of design considerations.
Clamp type carriage lock (Vikki Ford) : cached link
Clamp type carriage lock : (scroll way down the page)
Clamp type : Simple clamp
Minilathe Carriage Lock : Clamp type for H-shaped saddle
Varmint Al's carriage lock : "I drilled and tapped a ¼-20 hole on the far side of the saddle . . ."
Vamint Al - modified : "I got this idea from Varmint Al, then embellished it with a T-handle. Note the brass plug in the tip of the bolt."
Saddle Fit Improvement : Grinding, with silicon carbide paper
Saddle fitting/lapping : This site
Cross slide
Cross slide extended travel
Tools and Mods : Cross-slide extension and thrust bearing mod
Power cross slide : Using a stepper motor
Digital ReadOuts
Digital ReadOuts for the Minilathe : GadgetBuilder - modified digital calipers
Digital controllers (note: this is not CNC, which is a whole topic in itself)
AutoTurn Digital Lathe Controller : Commercial version of an Electronic Lead Screw
Electronic Lead Screw (ELS) : "he ELS is a single board computer with 35 keys, a rotary encoder knob and 2x20 LCD display designed as an Open Source GPL project to control the Lead Screw and optionally the Cross Slide of a metal lathe."
Gears
Quick change gear box:
A Quick- Change Gearbox For The 7x Minilathe : [archived link] PDF download
Mini Lathe Quick Change Gearbox Project : Lots of pictures, but no plans.
Saddle gibs:
Replacement gibs - brass : http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Modifications/modifications.htm#brass_gibs
Tapered saddle gibs : http://warhammer.mcc.virginia.edu/ty/7x10/vault/Lathes/7x10-7x12-Projects/TaperedSaddleGibs/
Tapered saddle gibs build : http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,181.0/prev_next,next.html#new
Tapered saddle gibs build : on this website
Tapered saddle gib - alternate : http://www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/aff/24/aft/119236/afv/topic/Default.aspx
Tailstock
Adjustment (Alignment)
Alignment Check : Lapping the base to eliminate "rocking"
Tailstock adjuster : This tailstock adjuster makes it much easier to adjust the tailstock to center or to adjust it to cut tapers.
Tailstock alignment : ". . .replace the locking screw with a bolt which can be tightened from above . . . and drilling and tapping two more holes in the left hand end of the upper section. . ."
TailStock SetOver Adjusting Modification : Extensive modifications by Rick Kruger.
Cam lock
Tailstock cam lock : Steve Bedair's 9x20
Depth gage
Depth Gauge for Drilling in a Lathe - Popular Mechanics (May 1909, Google Books)
Tailstock drilling stop - Popular Science (March 1932, Google Books)
Way covers : Magnetic way covers
Lathe tools and Accessories (building)
Ball turning tools
Spherical turning : Discussion of the different ways to turn a sphere.
Gravers : Scroll down to gravers below. Gravers are like wood lathe turning tools, but for a metal lathe - they can be used to turn spheres and other curved shapes.
Rotor type:
An Uncommon Ball Turner : Plans and a tutorial
Ball Turning Toolpost (rotor type) : PDF plans "It can turn balls up to 1 7/8" OD and it can also do concave cuts."
Ball Turning Tool for Small Lathe : by S. Magis-Frankart
Boring head Ball/Radius turner : "There seems to be heaps of threads on ball turners on the forum but not much said about using a boring head to do this. So here is one set up to fit on a BXA tool post."
OMW Radius Turning Tool : Tips on how to use a commercially available tool.
QCTP mounted tool : "made it to mount in a AXA, BXA, or CXA QCTP so it can be used on different machines simply by adjusting the center height on the tool post." [Pictures and video, but no plans.]
rotor type : http://www.gadgetbuilder.com/BallFixture.html
rotor type - simplified: http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/threads/39202-Shop-Made-Tools?p=512865#post512865
rotor type : "Conceptually, the design presented here follows the basic philosophy of the Steve Bedair design and also uses a TCMT insert. However, the construction is rather different and the placement of the insert is changed to allow the cutting tip to approach right up to the supporting shaft permitting a true unshouldered ball to be turned.
Shop Built Radius Cutter : Simple but effective design; includes photos and plans.
Tool Holder Simplifies Convex Turning : Popular Mechanics, Jan. 1946
Yet Another Ball Turner for the Lathe : (rotor type - horizontal variation) A ball turner with precision adjustment for tool depth."
Tube type
Hollow Cutting Tool : Popular Mechanics, May 1945
Mini ball lathe tool : " . . . tool that allows to turn relatively easily some small balls on the lathe.The initial purpose of these balls is to make woodwind instrument ball shape posts for supporting keys.
Turning and Polishing Plastic Balls : Popular Mechanics, Jan. 1941, page 141. ". . . plastic balls are easy to form with a simple tool made of tubing . . . "
Related video by "slausonm": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncpNJDvMilA
Yoke type
Ball Turning Tool : Jay Tuckwood provides plans and build instructions for a basic but effective ball turner.
Ball Turning Tool Kit : "Material and drawing kit including drawing set, all stock, bearings, and fasteners required for completion of QCTP ball turning tool.[$59.00]"
Boring Head Ball Turner : ". . .use an inexpensive import boring head to make a ball turner."
PDF : [archived link] (yoke type) The "over-engineered" spherical turning tool, Designed/Built by: Reed M. Streifthau
Videos
Bench grinder
Bench Grinder Basics : Popular Mechanics, Mar. 1990, p. 75
Cutting tool grinding jig
Drill grinding jig : "Here's a simple drill point angle jig I made. Gives reasonable results for people like me who haven't done enough drill sharpening to consistantly grind nice points."
Grinder modifications : Grinding dust collection, tool rest, diamond tool guide ring
Single Point Diamond Dresser Tips : "To receive the maximum diamond use and the maximum work out of a grinding wheel . . ."
Tool rest for bench grinder
Bench Grinder Tool Rest : by Ishimira
How to grind work with micrometer precision : Popular Mechanics, Nov. 1967, p. 194
Tool Rest for your Bench Grinder : Popular Mechanics, Aug. 1953, page 191
Chip Control Shield (Chip Guard)
Chip Control Shield : by Ishimura (for mill or lathe)
Chip Tray
pull out swarf tray : "supplemental tray from 1mm aluminium sheet"
Replacement Base (Chip Tray) : "My new/used mini-lathe was missing a chip tray, so I built one that also serves as a sturdy base."
Coolant/lubrication system
Compressed air powered : [Video] Tom Lipton shows his compressed air powered lubricant dispenser.
Cooling / Lubricating system for my lathe : Gravity fed unit; build log with pictures and explanation.
Drip can : Very simple method using a drip oil can.
Inexpensive Coolant System : Another submersible pump powered system.
Portable Coolant / Lube System for the Lathe or Mill : Portable system which recycles coolant - made with submersible pump.
Simple lathe gravity feed oil drip : [Video] "Apart from being useful for parting operations - because it travels with the saddle it is handy for long longitudinal cuts as well, especially when heavy."
Cutting tool grinding
Flycutter cutting tool geometry
CNCCookbook : Lengthy discussion with lots of pictures
Grinding Lathe Tools : Tutorial with lots of pictures.
Grinding Tool Bits : Little Machine Shop; PDF with recommendation on tool bit geometry
Grinding Your Own Lathe Tools : Sherline Products page; basic grinding techniques
How to Use a Lathe : Includes a section on tool grinding and tool bit geometry
Single point lathe tool angles : Includes a picture of standard shapes
Trepanning Tool : "Trepanning is a useful operation that may be thought of as putting a groove in the face of a workpiece on the lathe. The groove may be narrow, a wide recess, or even all the way through to cut a disc out."
Vertical Shear Bit for Finishing : "The "vertical shear bit" is an adaptation of a finishing bit used on shapers as described by Moltrecht ppg 13-15 (note this book was formerly available for viewing on google books but is now only available as a paid version - so far as I know)."
D drills (making and using; also known as half-round drill bits. See also reamers.)
D Bits by Cyril Collins : [archived link] From Metal Web News
Drilling and Reaming : From the Model Engineer Support Page
How to Machine Your Own D Bits : Popular Science, Oct. 1967 (Google e-book)
Making A D Bit Single Flute Milling Cutter : [Video] Although this is for a milling cutter, it also applies to making D-bit drills.
Tool Making : From Mike Nelson's website
Drive Center : A drive center mounts in the headstock and enables turning between centers without a lathe dog.
Filing guide : "Simple Filing Guide"
Gravers
Making Gravers By William R. Smith : "This technique is also used in instrument making and modelmaking for turning special shapes like ball ends without having to grind a special shaped cutter for the job."
A Graver Rest for the MiniLathe : "WR Smith's information, found on the Sherline site provided the basis for my version."
Graver rest for X2 Mini Lathe : " . . . built this rest to fit into my QCTP. It's quite solid and allows me to use it for material from 1/16 to 1.5"."
T-Rest : "The T-Rest is used to support a metal cutting tool called a "graver" which is hand held rather than held in a tool post . . ."
Turnado : This Australian company sells a complete free hand turning system for metal lathes; see their video for demonstration of how it works, as well as important safety tips for free hand turning on the lathe.
DIY version : Shop made of the Turnado with template tracer.
DIY version : Another shop made version; includes good discussion on some practical issues.
DIY version : Shop made version incorporating QCTP.
Turning Metal by hand : [Video] Good video showing use of gravers on steel, and discussion of different types of gravers.
Using a graver : [Video] Clickspring shows the use of a graver on brass.
Hand crank for headstock
Hand crank : Attached with expanding arbor.
Hand crank : External clamping; Ralph Patterson's plans.
Hand crank : Folding handle, expanding arbor (photos only]
Height gauge from digital caliper
Forum discussion - build considerations
Frank McLean's Digital Height Gage : [archived link]
Gage Base : Look for "Gages" on this page - Ralph Patterson has downloadable plans for a simple base for a digital caliper.
Height gauge build log - includes fine adjust and vertical support post (best build, in my opinion)
Indexable insert holder
Indexable Insert Tool Holders : Short build log.
Indexable Turning Tools - How to build your own : Good build log and instructions by Steve Bedair.
TPGB Insert Dovetail Cutter : Dovetail cutter made using indexable inserts.
Indexer
Circular saw blade indexer : (video) Using a circular saw blade to index on a lathe for scribing dials.
Dividing plates : "Here is a method of dividing a strip of paper into a number of equal parts. This can then be used to
drill your dividing disc."
Headstock indexing unit : "The obvious solution was a worm wheel that engaged with the bull gear attached to the spindle shaft. This has 45 teeth so one turn of a worm would rotate the spindle through 8 degrees."
Index Plate for the Taig Lathe : "I've seen quite a few references to improvised indexing techniques using circular saw blades but have never found a detailed how-to description. The following describes how I did it on the drill press but it should work equally well using a mill."
Making an Index Plate : "I have made a great multiple row set of index plates that directly mount between the spindle pulley and the head stock of my little TAIG lathe and provides me with a multitude of divisions for just about anything I may need to mill."
Simple indexer : "A simple way to index on a minilathe is to make use of the change gear supplied with the lathe."
Indicator holder : QCTP indicator holder.
Keyway cutting (see also "Broaches" under Miscellaneous tools)
Cutting Internal Keyway in a Lathe : "A boring bar is fitted with a tool bit the proper width . . ."
Keyway cutting tool : "This is a dedicated tool for making square holes and keyways."
Knurling tools
Clamp type : Build log with plans.
Clamp type : LittleMachineShop build plans
See related Stock Diameters for Even Knurls
Clamp type knurler : Pictures and PDF plans (click on the "P")
Cut knurler : "Knurling plastic (HDPE, Nylon) works better than with the pressure knurler but the tops of the pyramids are slightly rounded compared to metal."
Knurling tool holder : Modified QCTP holder designed to hold the knurling tool centrally in order to prevent "twisting."
Lever type : R.G. Sparber's modified knurling tool
Scissors Knurler by Rob Zimmerman : PDF plan
Lantern chuck : "Got fed up cutting screws down and then trying to get a decent finish on the end. Now just rough cut them and then pop them in the chuck and then shape the end . . ."
Pump Center by George Carlson : "Pump centers are used with a dial or test indicator to true up the center of punch mark with the center axis of the lathe."
Quick Change Tool Posts (QCTP)
A Quick Look at the QCTP : A review of four different types of QCTP toolposts, with pictures.
Quick Change Toolpost : [archived link] John Stevenson's build instructions and drawings.
Quick-Change Toolpost for Small Lathes : George Carlson's build instructions and drawings.
Quick Change Tool Post : "Amigo's" build log.
Tool Holders for a QCTP : " It is possible to make toolholders with a mill, given a dovetail cutter."
Tool holder alternate method : Make tool holders without a dovetail cutter.
Reamers (see also D drills.)
D-bit reamer help : (Home Modem Engine Machinist) Discussion on making D-bit type reamers.
Forum discussion : (The Hobby-Machinist) Making d-drills and reamers.
How to Make Special Reamers in an Emergency : [Google Books] Popular Science, Dec. 1925, pp. 128. How to make several types of shop-made reamers.
Rotary tool - toolpost holder for
Toolpost Attachment for a High Speed Rotary Tool : [PDF] Toolpost holder for a Dremel type rotary tool.
Soft Jaws
Jaw Soft Covers : "For my jaw covers I like to use thin copper sheet. I had some .030 thick sheet around so I cut out some blanks."
Spider (for lathe chuck)
Easy build spider for small lathe : Basic spider from aluminum.
Lathe back stop and spider : [archived link] Backstop with through-headstock adjustable depth.
Spider from thin metal pieces : Very thin spider made from flat metal pieces soldered together.
Spider with spacers : Marv Klotz spider with multiple spacers for height adjustment.
Spring Center : "So what’s a spring center good for? Basically it helps the user tap a hole."
Steady rest, follow rest
Mini Ball Bearing Follow Rest : Frank Ford's follow rest mounts on toolpost
Moving steady : Mikesworkshop follow rest
Stubby chuck key for four jaw chuck
Chuck key for my 4 jaw mini-lathe chuck : very simple build
Stubby Key for Chuck : this website
Threading
Swing up toolholder for threading : Simplifies threading
Swing up thread cutting tool : An 1883 patent (PDF file)
Tapers and taper attachments
How to cut a Morse Taper … the Easy Way! : ". . . it occurred to me that I could use my compound to cut a Morse taper since it has plenty of travel. I needed about 4″ of travel to cut a number 3 Morse taper . . "
Myford Taper Turning Attachment : Dovetail taper attachment - a complex build beautifully done.
Offset tailstock center ("Set-over center") : Plans here or buy.
Offset tailstock center using boring head : Also good discussion on using a ball-end center.
Shop made lathe taper attachment : From Popular Mechanics 1962 (PDF here )
MiniLathe Taper Attachment : (bolt on) "The original lathe taper attachment design used a casting but the article suggested using angle iron and steel plate as a substitute."
Taper turning attachment (removable) : "However any taper longer than about 80 mm is beyond the capacity of even the modified top slide. For longer tapers then some sort of taper turning attachment is desirable."
Taper Turning Attachments : Popular Mechanics, Sep. 1951, page 212
Tool Holders
Spring-type tool holder for parting tool
Tangential tool holders (see also somewhat related Vertical Shear Bit under Cutting Tool Grinding above)
A Tangential Tool Holder for the QCTP : Includes a good discussion on tangential tools in general.
Tangential toolholder : "My design requires only simple angles to be set up in order to produce it."
Tool Holders for a QCTP : " It is possible to make toolholders with a mill, given a dovetail cutter."
Tool holders for a QCTP : How to build tool holders for the A2Z and OXA QCTPs; includes measured drawings.
Tracer/duplicator
Inside-Out Turning Done Without Template : Popular Mechanics, March 1946
Simple manual tracing attachment for any lathe : Shop made tracer using a sheet metal pattern.
Simple Lathe Pattern Follower : [PDF] "The follower consists of two parts. There is a bar with a ball bearing attached that clamps under the cutter. Bolted to the lathe ways is a table which holds the pattern. This follower is intended for decorative turning and not precision work."
Mill mods (Mini-mill modifications)
Backlash
Minimizing Backlash on Mini Mills : LittleMachineShop Service Bulletin 1008
Gibs - improvements and adjustment
Modification : ". . . machine proper flats into the gibs . . .[gib lock] end was extended and faced flat."
Lighting
LED lamps : Adapting Janso LED lamps for the mill.
Machining a JANSJÖ LED Work Lamp Adapter Plate : [Video] A magnetic adapter plate.
Mill light : Light built from LED ring light.
Mill light : Light built from LED arrays.
Power feed (X-axis)
Make or Buy a Power Feed for your Mini-Mill : Article on power feeds, with links.
Electric drill based
Power feed : (Video only - no plans) Made from electric dril
Power feed : Made from electric drill. No plans, but lots of photos.
Power feed : Very simple feed from electric drill.
Power feed : Made from electric drill; long write-up in two parts.
Power feed : Made from salvaged printer parts
Power feed : (Video only - no plans, requires Yahoo group membership) "24V gearmotor rated at 6 in-lb of torque at 144 rpm at 2A current draw powered by 24V 2.5A dc power supply using a variable duty cycle DC speed controller all purchased on eBay for under $50." (Photos here)
Reverse switch
Hacking the SX2 Mini Mill : "Adding a reverse switch and reverse engineering the tachometer port protocol."
Reversible spindle for X2 mini mill : "I went to the electronics store, bought a DPDT ON-ON type switch, rated for 250 VAC / 3 A."
Milling tools and accessories (building)
Chip guards
Magnetic chip guard : "Swarf shield made by milling a groove on an aluminum bar, attaching neodymium magnets . . . "
Clamping
Clamping plate and mini-clamps : "The idea is that this is a scaled down version of the big strap clamp kit that everybody gets with their milling machine. Everything I seem to be working on is shrinking in size so I had a need to hold small delicate parts without crushing them and have access to do the work."
Coolant/lubrication system
See under Lathe Tools and Accessories
Counterbores
Counterbore : How to make a counterbore.
Counterbore : Another build based on the above link.
Counterbores : From Modern shop practice: a general reference work, Volume 3 (1916) by Howard Monroe Raymond, American Technical Society (free Google ebook)
A Shop Made CounterBore : "Modest size counterbores are reasonably simple to make in the home shop, it takes only a little bit of drill rod and some time. I make the pilots removable for ease of resharpening."
D-Bit Cutter
Making A D Bit Single Flute Milling Cutter : [Video] Making and using customized milling cutters.
Dovetail cutter
Indexable dovetail cutter : Make a dovetail cutter.
Fixture Plate
Clamping And Workholding Kit : Clamping straps and other useful ideas for use with a fixture plate.
Mini-pallet work holding : [by Tom Lipton] "The idea is that this is a scaled down version of the big strap clamp kit that everybody gets with their milling machine." Also known as a tooling plate or tooling jig.
Mini-pallet tilt plate : [by Tom Lipton] A version of the mini-pallet which can be used as a work holding tilt table.
Mini-pallete improvements : [Video] Ideas for using alignment pins for alignment and tilting.
Tilt table : Another fixture plate variation for use as a tilt table; no plans but plenty of pictures.
Fly cutters
Fly cutter : "...made from a piece of 1.1/4" hexagon steel bar for the head and a piece of 3/4" round steel bar silver soldered together."
Special Fly Cutter : "I wanted to make a fly cutter that would be particularly useful for surfacing wood and plastic - one that would have both a roughing bit and a finishing bit working together."
Tangential tool flycutter : "I started to wonder whether a flycutter with a tangential tool was possible and whether it would increase the rate of removal of material."
Flycutter cutting tool geometry
CNCCookbook : Lengthy discussion with lots of pictures
Gear cutters
Cutting Involute Gears With Form Tools : [archived link][PDF] by John Stevenson, making an involute gear cutter by the button method.
Designing gear cutters : Explanation of calculations behind the button method for making involute cutters.
Gear Cutting : Series of articles on cutting gears using the hob method. Includes a very good page of links.
Gear cutting with a rack form multi-tooth cutter : " . . .a cylindrical cutter with a rack tooth form - this would at first sight look rather like a hob, but instead of generating the teeth by screwcutting at the correct pitch for the rack, you take a series of plunge cuts with a rack-form lathe tool, the cuts spaced apart by the module size of the desired rack."
Making Gear Cutters with Buttons : [PDF] Very good writeup on making gear cutters, with lengthy discussion and tables.
Making Milling Cutters for cutting gear wheels : [PDF] by D. J. Unwin - lengthy article with instructions and tables.
Making Multi-Point Gear Cutters : " . . .I figure it's time I took a step up to multi-point gear cutters. They should make my gear cutting chores much quicker, once I have the set-up for making the cutters."
Using Circular Approximation for Involute Gears : " . . .if we know the proper dimensions, we can make our own gear cutters using circular approximation of the involute form, and the gears that result will be "good enough" for virtually any home shop project."
Includes Excel spreadsheet for calculating required dimensions
Wheel and Pinion Cutting : Making gears for watches.
Jack (machinist's jack)
Screw jack : "These jack screws are designed for use with the milling machine. The diameter is 25 mm and height 30 mm. The material is free-cutting steel. The square thread is not essential, but adds a nice touch."
Machinist Jacks : Made with hex rod and bolts.
Slitting saw holder
Flush Cut Slitting Saw : ". . . a slitting saw that would cut completely flush to a surface . . ."
Screw slotting saw arbor : "It is very straightforward to make slitting saw arbors on the lathe . . "
Slitting saw arbor : "The slitting saw arbor described here inverts the usual arrangement and the register for the saw blade is formed in the cap and this allows the clamping screw to be recessed."
Slitting and slotting saws : Popular Mechanics, Feb. 1966. p. 186; Article on slitting saws with drawings of several different arbor designs.
Slitting saw arbor : photos only
Spin indexer
Improvements
modification : [video] Adding additional direct indexing capability (plans are here).
modification : conversion to a dividing head
modification : improving fit and reducing endplay
Mounting on a small mill
Milling and slotting the base : Pictures only
Mounting holes and register bar : Good writeup with pictures.
Mounting holes and register bar : Good writeup with pictures.
Mounting a spin indexer on a small mill : Lengthy forum post with lots of good discussion and pictures.
Tailstock
Adjustable Tailstock for a 5C Spin Indexer : "Making my own adjustable tailstock turned out to be a rather simple straight forward project with only the center piece being in anyway critical as to dimensioning and tolerance."
Tailstock for Spin Indexer : ". . .an unconventional tailstock that supports extended bar stock . . ."
Vise
Low profile vise : Picture only, but pretty much self-explanatory.
Small low profile machine vise : "The finished vise is a good size for holding little things - for comparison it's about the same size as the ones for a Taig, and about half the size of the smaller Kurt."
Two piece vise : "Whilst a single fixed jaw with a single clamping jaw will find many uses in the workshop making two pairs will greatly enhance the capability of the system . . "
Two piece vise : "An independent 2 jaw vise for the benchmill. Cheap and easy to make and very useful. Low profile 35mm high, 4.5" wide jaws opening to 12" . . ."
Vise clamps
making vise clamps on the milling machine : clamps from angle iron
Milling vise clamps : Pin type clamp.
Vise work stop
An Improved Mill Stop, version 2 : "What do you do when you must put a stop against a surface you then want to mill? One method is to place a block between them and then remove the block before milling. Here is a much better way."
Mill vise stop : Discussion of various types with photos.
Mill Work Stop Plans : [PDF] Plans for a mill work stop.
Work stops (X-axis table stops)
Mill table stops and locks : (Sieg X1 mill) Table stops in the absence of a t-slot.
Mill Table Stops : (X3 mill) "It’s a simple pair of table stops for my X-3 mill." Also includes a method for cylindrical t-nuts.
Taig Mill – Table Stops : Photos and build log.
Work stops (mill table) : Milling table stops for the Model 3900 HiTorque Mini Mill.
X Axis Travel Stops for the Taig Milling Machine : Photos and build log.
Miscellaneous Tools, Toys, and Items (building)
Bandsaw, portable
Blade recommendations : Recommendations from LittleMachineShop.com
Combined style - horizontal and vertical
Portable bandsaw stand : Cutoff, and vertical.
Portable bandsaw stand : Cutoff, miter, and vertical.
Cutoff style
Portable bandsaw stand : Cut off & Vertical (Video only).
Verticle style
Portable bandsaw stand : Upright stand for Harbor Freight portable bandsaw (photographs only).
Portable bandsaw stand : Upright stand for portable bandsaw (includes drawing with measurements).
Portable bandsaw stand : "Simple Plans for how to make a portable band saw stand"
Broaches (see also "Keyway cutting" under Lathe tools)
Broaching cutters, making : "The broaches I use are aimed at my needs which is basically occasional use and thus, by necessity, low cost and designed specifically to fit my broaching jig."
Broach, square : Making a small (3.4mm) square broach. See plans here, and a build video here.
Homemade keyway broaches : "They are made from old four flute taps with all but one tap ground down."
Cams
Holt camshaft build tutorial : Method for making cams by milling a series of approximations.
Piston Rings
An Essay On Piston Rings : by T. D. Walshaw; discussion of piston ring mathematics and types.
Construction : Feeney Construction Log - detailed article with lots of good references.
Construction : Cold forming using the "rolling" method
How To Make Piston Rings : Good overview with links and references.
How To Make Your Own Quality Piston Rings : Article by Mick Collins - lengthy discussion with mathematical formulas and practical advice.
Make piston rings easily : "This article deals with making new or replacement piston rings for model engines, and obsolete, worn or antique engines . . ."
Making Piston Rings for Gas Engines : Article by Mick Collins; " . . .an introduction to a suggested method for making small piston rings, based on articles by Prof. Chaddock and Tom Walshaw (Tubal Cain). . ."
Making rings : Article by Dale Detrich
Piston rings - no heat method : Cast iron piston rings are made using a machining-only method.
Piston Rings - sylvestris : Write up on making piston rings with some suggested formulas for size and ring gap.
Toys (stuff to make just for fun)
Bolt Puzzles
Captive nut : This is also sometimes called the "impossible bolt" (and probably other names as well.
Captive nut : A build log by Frank Ford showing how to make this classic.
Captive nut ("Impossible screw") : Video explaining how it works.
Hollow Spy Bolt : A bolt with a secret hidden compartment. These instructions can be much improved, but the article will give you the general idea.
Homemade Puzzles : Three bolt puzzles (including one similar to the "sneaky Puzzle" below.
Mechanical Puzzles : Various bolt puzzles, some fairly elaborate.
Sneaky Puzzle for a Machinist : "If it is made right, and you hold the hex head, the nut will only screw on! If you hold the thread end it, will only unscrew!"
Burr Puzzles
Aluminum Burr Puzzle : "Burr puzzles can be learned about on their Wikipedia page. I printed a copy of the #305 image off that page to use a drawing, no dimensions necessary due the modular nature of these puzzles."
Captive ring : Picture only for this one, along with some interesting discussion.
Dice - [Video] "This video is how to turn cube shaped 6 sided game dice on a mini lathe."
Dodecahedron : Make a dodecahedron on a lathe.
Dominos, Mill-Spec : Dominos made from aluminum (anodized black).
Fifteen Puzzle : An interesting take on this old puzzle; a good starting point for your own approach to this build.
Finger Engine : NAMES finger engine plans . Other names for this: thumb engine, thumb fun engine, treadle engine, treadle finger engine
Revised NAMES Plans : A build log with revisions and improvements to the NAMES finger engine plans.
Billy's Heavy Duty Treadle Motor : Available in the download section of HMEM (may require free registration).
Forum discussion (with additional useful information - note the distinction between horizontal and vertical finger engines))
Fire Piston
Fire piston : "A fire piston, sometimes called a fire syringe or a slam rod fire starter, is a device of ancient origin which is used to kindle fire. [Wikipedia]"
Fire piston plans : Plans from "Clickspring" in both inch and metric.
Gyroscope
Plans in inch {PDF] or metric [PDF] (also see video build)
Hollow coin : Discussion on how to make a hollow coin.
Impossible dovetail
Impossible Dovetail : [Video] "In this video I machine my version of the "Impossible" Dovetail. This is a popular woodworking project, that I learned about from watching Jack Houweling on his YouTube channel." Plans for this project are for sale here ($3 as of 12/31/2015).
Impossible Dovetail plans : [PDF] This free download is for a wood version of the puzzle, but could be easily adapted to metal.
Interlocking rings : This video shows how to mill interlocking rings.
Kentucky Do-Nothing : A three-slider version of the Do-Nothing Maching" - now you can do nothing even faster!
Newton's Cradle : ". . .a simple and well-known device with what the law of "conservation of momentum" can be demonstrated which is based on Newton's third law: action = reaction . . "
Spinning tops : "12000 RPM Spinning Tops . . ." Video only - very simple tops with a purpose made "spinner".
Two headed coin : Discussion on how to do this; also includes method for making a "trick nickel."
Two-Slider : Sometimes called "the do nothing machine."
Tips and Tricks
bend tubing and pipe by hand: http://www.metalgeek.com/archives/2005/05/01/000047.php
carbide - see Indexable Inserts under Other Information
knurling
Conrad's Easy Knurling Method : To make your knurling come out properly with no double tracking you need to select the blank diameter of your stock to match the pitch of the knurl.
Miniature rope knurling tool : How to make the tool, plus additional links on this technique.
Rope knurl : How to make a rope knurling tool
Stock Diameters for Even Knurls : Knurls have a definite pitch, and they work best when the stock diameter is an approximate multiple of that pitch. Here is a calculator and an easy formula to find the next smaller diameter from the diameter of your work piece.
machinable wax (make your own) Part 1, Part 2 : Can be used for practising, prototyping, lost wax casting, etc. Cheap, and swarf can be recycled.
scrap metal identification : [spark test] "With the standardization of metals, it can be quite easy to distinguish many types of alloys just by looking at the stream of sparks they throw off . . "
screws, shortening
Shortening Small Screws : shortening small set screws
Stepped Screw Plate : "...a little device for shortening cap screws..."
springs (see also springs under Calculators)
Design and Wind Your Helical Springs : Article by Kozo Hiraoko on designing and making springs, including a method for estimating required mandrel size.
Spring calculator : Online calculator from Acxcess Spring : "Spring Creator features a compression spring calculator, an extension spring calculator, and a torsion spring calculator all with amazing new features. The main features of the spring calculators are easy to measure inputs, spring load calculations, warnings and helpful tips, easy ways to determine if your design is "safe", custom blueprint generation, multiple spring design diagrams as well as much more." Be sure to check out their Tech Info pages for lots of good information on springs.
Springs, how to make: New link here: http://educypedia.karadimov.info/library/springs.pdf ; archived link of old version here: http://web.archive.org/web/20130918155928/http://home.earthlink.net/~bazillion/intro.html
Springs - Wind Them Yourself : Popular Mechanics (Nov. 1947, p209), jig for hand winding springs of various diameters and pitches
Stress Relief : [PDF] Good discussion of heat treating wire for stress relief, with a table (Oven Stress Relief Temperatures & Times for Wire) for numerous types of wire.
taps
alum to remove broken tap or broken drill bit: http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/showthread.php?t=18683
Tip to Remove broken Tap, Drill, Reamer : "The remains of the tap can be easily dissolved away completely leaving the hole undamaged, using ALUM..."
thin pieces and thin washers - facing
Crystalbond : "Crystalbond™ and Wafer-Mount™ washaway mounting adhesives are ideal materials for temporarily mounting objects that require dicing, polishing, and other machining processes. These adhesives exhibit high bond strength and adhere readily to metals, glass and ceramics. When processing is complete, Crystalbond™ and Wafer-Mount™ adhesives are removed by reheating and cleaning with a wide range of different solvents."
facing thin parts : discussion thread (glue, soft jaws, carpet tape)
face plate thin materials (video) : MIT Tech TV
indicating parts in the lathe quickly (video) : A method for quickly aligning thin parts (and cylindrical parts).
lathe back stop : [archived link] back stop to support a thin ring while turning
Making Some Small Delrin Washers : A method for making small thin washers.
pot chuck for thin work : "a simple way of chucking thin work reasonably accurately"
Shim washers, Making : Two interesting techniques for making thin washers from shim stock.
Shim washer - precision : Video (Joe Pieczynski) showing a method for boring out very thin shims.
Turning a Precision Washer (PDF) : "Turning a thin disk such that its two faces are parallel can be deceptively difficult. I will show you one way to do it."
Wax chuck
All about wax chucks : "A wax chuck is a workholding fixture commonly used by clock and watchmakers for turning operations."
Using a wax chuck : "Shellac Chucks – The perfect way to hold unusual bits and bobs in the Watchmakers Lathe"
Wax Mandrels and Chucks : Also known as a "shellac chuck;" the same technique can be used with mandrels.
tool grinding
turning a small diameter: http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/f26/turning-small-diameter-16948/
Why these links?
With Google and other search engines available, what is the point of this page of links? While searching the Internet is certainly worthwhile, sometimes a search returns too much information; for example, if you get a list of hundreds of metals suppliers, how do you know which ones cater to hobbyists, and which ones require you to buy by the ton? The links on these pages are based on discussions and recommendations from various machinist groups and forums on the Internet. Of course this does not mean that in all cases the information or vendors in these links are reliable, but it does mean that the links have passed a basic test of usefulness. As always, take all the information you find here with a grain of salt, and always use your best judgment in evaluating and using this information.
In short, I have done my best to act as a good editor - to sift through the many links to a topic in order to select those which are most useful and most informative. This page will always be a work in progress, so if you see something missing on this visit, you may find it on your next visit. And by all means, please use the comments to suggest links.
Notes:
I am not affiliated with any of the vendors listed here. I do not vouch for or guarantee any of the information listed here.
Where a link is followed by information is quotes, that information is taken from the relevant web page and represent the web owners opinion of themselves.
Some links on this page may apply to multiple categories. In such cases, the link is put under one "primary" category. It is recommend that you use the page search function of your browser to search this page for relevant terms.
Why one big page?
You may be asking yourself, why is all this stuff on one big web page, instead of multiple web pages - one for each category. The reason I did it this way is so that you can use the search function of your web browser to search for specific terms in all of the categories at once.
About dead links
In some cases I have found useful links which point to web pages that no longer exist. In such cases, it is sometimes still possible to find the (still useful) information on various archive sites. When a link on this page is known to be dead, the original link is flagged as a dead link, and an archive link is also shown. For more information of finding archived links, look here:
1. Google cache
Google stores cache copies of many web pages, You can access these pages by prefacing the link with http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:
For example, to view the cache copy of http://example.com/ use http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://example.com/
2. Internet Archive: Wayback Machine
The Wayback Machine store multiple snapshots of web pages from 1996 to a few month ago.
A quick and easy way to use these capabilities is to install the CacheIt! extension for the Firefox web browser (there may be similar extensions for other browsers, but I have not researched this).
3. There are other options available, but I have found the 1. and 2. above most useful.
[Keywords: links, repairs, mods, books, reference, fastener, nut, bolt, screw, metric, chemical, bearing, lapping, adhesive, glue, tools, tooling, cnc, wire, bending, minilathe, mill, gears]