One of the things I really like about owning a machine shop is that it lets me find creative solutions to difficult problems. And often along the way I find myself forced to find creative solutions to new problems that crop up while solving the first problem! Today’s project provided a little of both.
Category: Shop Projects Page 4 of 5
Making stuff from wood, metal or plastic.
Most of the projects I do in my machine shop are just for me, or maybe for Michelle. But once in a while I get a paying job. A few years ago a friend asked me to make a highly customized air rifle. I recently found some photos of the finished product, so I thought I would share.
I remember a quilting class where the instructor had a porcupine quill in her tools. It seemed like an odd item to find in a sewing kit, but when she showed us how she used it, I promptly got one for myself.
When you are making a quilt, you sew across multiple seams, and it can be difficult to get everything to lie flat while you are doing this. A stiletto helps keep things lined up and neat.
The long narrow tip allows you to guide the fabric through the machine without getting you fingers close to the needle. I personally have never (knock on wood) stitched through a finger, but I know a number of people who have.
You can use a stiletto to punch a hole in fabric or leather, either for stitching of adding grommets. It can be used to help turn the edge of applique under before stitching it down.
A fancy brass stiletto
I had seen a brass stiletto with a needle tip. It had a cap to protect the tip from getting damaged and reduce the risk of it poking anyone or anything when not in use. I showed it to Walt, and he decided he would try to make one. He made several, some which were used a gifts and some that were sold.
He will show you more about how he made them in one of his shop project posts.
I use mine every time I am at the sewing machine.
Today we’re going to take a look at my engine lathe. It’s down in my basement shop, and it’s one of the most important tools I own. Let’s get to know its parts and what they do.
In this post and this post we made an alcohol burner to use as a backpacking stove. We’ve also made a snuffer and a pot support. But before we can call this stove project done enough to play with, we need to make a windscreen, and find a fuel bottle. I promise after this we’ll get to set it on fire!