The Machines I Use

I often get asked about specific tools and machines I use in my videos, so in order to answer those questions I’ve put together a comprehensive list, including any videos I have where I go over that item in detail.

Lathes

  • South Bend 9a (1941)
    This lathe was a gift from my Father In Law, who had it in amongst one of his oil field repair shops, gathering dust in the back.  I completely restored it, including a fresh coat of paint, 3D printed a new thread chasing dial, and added a 3 jaw chuck and a Quick Change Toolpost.
    Complete Restoration Video: https://youtu.be/4hqLif-R4E4
  • Grizzly G0765 7×14 Mini Lathe
    This was my first “machining” machine which I started teaching myself on.  While the machine is more capable than many would probably believe, it still of course has the shortcomings of a small machine.
    Full Machine Review Video: https://youtu.be/gKnW1GFThY0
    Internal Upgrades and Repairs: https://youtu.be/Kgane3DVGmY
    Discussion of Grizzly’s Warranty Service: https://youtu.be/62H_0U8HLjg

Mill

Band Saw

  • Harbor Freight 4×6 Horizontal/Vertical
    IMG_4632
    This is a ubiquitous horizontal metal cutting bandsaw, imported by a number of companies (Jet, Grizzly, Northern Tool, all the usual suspects) and it’s a fantastic home workshop machine for cutting metal.   I’ve cut up to 3″ diameter solid 4140 Steel, letting the saw do its thing while I can be working on something else.  No matter what sort of metal working you do, I would totally recommend one of these, no matter what paint color it is.  One note about the Harbor Freight version, not only is it consistently the cheapest option (taking advantage of coupons and sales etc) but also is the only one I know of that boasts a full 1hp motor (whether that’s accurate or not is left to be determined of course).  The HF Carbon Steel blades are usable in a pinch at about $10 each, but they go dull quickly.  A good bimetal blade will last a long time and make great cuts.
    Purchase Link:  https://amzn.to/2JNeuz5
  • Black & Decker 9″ Variable Speed 
    This bandsaw is a hand-me-down from my dad.  It’s a 3 wheel style, and is from the 80s, when apparently B&D was peak plastic.  I’ll be fair, I’ve gotten a lot of good use out of it for a multi-material vertical bandsaw, even cutting aluminum before I had my metal cutting saw.  It’s not very large, obviously, but I think the worst thing about it is the 3 wheel design which makes changing blades an absolute bear.

Welding

  • AHP AlphaTIG 200X
    This machine is super versatile, seems to be very well made, and has so far been a great machine to teach myself TIG on.  It can be run out of a 110v regular wall outlet or on a 220 outlet to get the full output capabilities.  It can weld in either AC or DC outputs (you can weld essentially any metal) and has pulse functionality.  It also comes with the supplies to use it as a gasless stick welder.  Great offering at a low price!!
    Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2sVsAIm
  • Harbor Freight Flux Core wire welder
    It is extremely challenging to use, and not ideal for learning on, but it is the cheapest way to stick metal together you can get.
    Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2sWzVas

Hand Tools

  • Randy Richard Scriber
    Made by fellow Youtuber and talented machinist Randy Richard, this scriber is compact, with a stout carbide point.  It’s great for layout work on metal, as well as any of the little jobs you need a pokey-thing for.  Get them from Randy: https://www.youtube.com/user/Catfish6945
  • Twisted Sharpie
    IMG_4312
    Made by fellow Youtuber Greg, of Greg’s Garage, this heavy, twisted sharpie with a rounded butt not only works as an ever-handy marking tool, but comes in handy for the many taps and bumps that are necessary when fiddling around.  Get one from him here