The ability to use a tool is mainly a learned skill like riding a bicycle. Girls and boys can equally learn, some will be better at it then others but that doesn’t stop people from riding even if they’re not the best. There is a lady named Lucia who is a great example. Growing up… Read more: Girls using tools

The lathe is now in position and bolted to the table. It’s even been used once already! In the future I’ll be adding a coolant pump and nozzle to it, I already have them but don’t want to take the time putting it in right now. When the rest of the shop is set up… Read more: Lathe done!

Today we cut the sheet metal for the top of the lathe bench and then brought it into the shop. We need to buy more wood for the lower shelves. Lift the bench with the hoist Roll the hoist to the door and swing the bench inside. Place wheels under center legs so we can… Read more: Bringing the Lathe Bench In

Another machine tool in our workshop is a milling machine. In some ways this is like a very strong drill press. Only in addition to drilling holes you can cut sideways by precise amounts. With a milling machine you can make anything from a simple bracket to an engine block for a car. Our machine… Read more: Milling Machine

A lathe is a simple, ancient machine that is still as useful as it always was. There are two basic types of lathes in use today, wood lathes that are optimized for cutting wood and “Engine” lathes which are optimized for cutting metal. The word “Engine” does not refer to a motor. It’s ancient English… Read more: Lathe Information