Jacques

It is a Round toit. For years you have been saying "I will do that as soon as I get around to it". Now that you have got one everything will be easier. ;)

I don't know much about printing machines but when I saw it my first thoughts were that it could possibly be an embossing machine. As for the metal application it would seem to make a very nice planishing hammer for sheetmetalwork if you replace the table and top tool. I wouldn't mind having something like that.

My hardy hole had been worn to a very awkward rectangular 29 by 34 mm. I made a little insert from flar bar that I welded around a good 3/4" piece of square bar and grinded to fit. The flange on top is to make it removable. I thought about welding it in but decided that is too permanent. So far it gave good use.

And I used to do it that way too. It is not really fun when the workpiece and vice try beat the hell out of the poor drill press and the operator. And it is funny how the off-switch can become so complicated.:o

Some interesting information on fans types. (open as PDF) ebm-papst UK Ltd, How does a fan work?

Great latch, I'm going to borrow that idea for my garden shed.

Welcome At least you seem to know a little bit more than me. Wim mentioned a possibility of a forge-in during February in Akasia.

Lots of info at CNCzone.com-Machinist Community Forums - Welcome Page . But a word of advice, the difference between the component parts and a finished machine always seems a lot, but the most important part of a CNC machine is the integration between the hardware and the software, and that is what you are paying for. On the other hand, I've been drooling about Torchmate (Torchmate CNC plasma cutters, CNC cutting tables. Automated computer numerical controlled plasma cutting machines cut complex metal shapes.) myself a bit, so if you can look at a complete kit with software and controllers it can be worthwhile. Anyway, post lot of pictures.:)

Getting sensitized to chemicals can be a problem. One moment nothing is wrong, and suddenly you can start getting reactions from exposure. So far I've heard of woodworkers becoming allergic to wood dust, mechanics becoming allergic to oil, composite workers becoming allergic to polyester and epoxy resins, and I myself just had a very itchy experience working with polyurethane foam. In most of these cases the efects only start after many years of working with the material, and with only some of these people getting affected. A healthy dose of paranoia in this case can only be good for you.

Wikipedia entry is in English and more readable. Creusot steam hammer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia And some pictures of big steam hammers working were posted in practical machinist. Photo: Vulcan Foundry Forge Work - Practical Machinist - Largest Manufacturing Technology Forum on the Web

I've done some backyard Aluminium casting myself. The most important rule: "When in doubt, there is no doubt." If you feel unsafe, you are. If you don't feel unsafe, look for something that's wrong. And another thing I read on the net somewhere."Molten Aluminium vapourises flesh instantly."

And two brand new ones in the front, still covered in paint with the shipping adress of Middelburg Tegnies written on top. Also some tongs and chisels As well as some hardie/stake tools, all brand new. I bought for myself two tongs and hammers, but if you like tools, the shop is a must see. I am sorry for the picture quality but all I had with me was a cellphone. The boss wasn't there, but the guy I talked to said that the prices on the anvils were highly negotiable, so if you can talk to Oom Willie and explain to him that you really want to use it you can possibly get a good price. The prices I was quoted for the big anvils were R5000 apiece, the smaller ones from R1000 to R2000 and the new ones R3500. The tongs were about R100, and the hardie/stake tools R900.

I've been to Middelburg yesterday, and visited Tools and Things. There is seven anvils in the shop. Two big ones in good condition outside. Three smaller ones inside, the very small one in reasonoble condition, the medium size bit battered and the big one,(approx 75kg ) good except for some welding on top.