Scott NC

That all went to the pawn shop....

I want to make spheres out of expanded metal roughly the size of a softball with very little distortion for a future project, but I am stumped how to do it. I have 11 gauge or 1/8" in mind. I have heating cutting and welding capabilities but how to form it into a ball... Any pointers or ideas would be great. I thought about forming them around a wood ball and burning it out but not very practical or fun... Thank you very much!

Not very good for rapid stock removal, but it bolts on a bench and vibration is minimal...

Hi Steamboat. I think Deimos has suggested an idea that addresses your kickback and flying electrode concerns very well. A knob on the end of the electrode secured by a setscrew would be a great idea. Or an integrated turning handle of some sort. Perhaps if you have many to do, you could figure out some sort of tiny camlock apparatus to secure the electrode instead of a set screw. Just throwing somethings at the wall to see if they stick. Have you ever thought of drill bit sharpening attachments? Give Drill Doctor a run for it's money.

I want to make a big metal tooth, probably a molar, as a gift to my dentist for years (decades) of putting up with me squirming and complaining from the chair and have wondered how to build it. Looking at your project has given me ideas on how to go about it. I should have replied sooner but it's a great sculpture and I get distracted....

Please pass it on if Arkie has has no issues with you doing so.

I have large collection of doo hicky's. It's a fun and facinating hobby in a way. They are everywhere once you learn what to look for. I learned to put a size limit on them. You can get overloaded/overwhelmed.

I know Steve. I was just being a smarty pants as usual. Just trying actually to emphasize your point.

It looks like a specialized circle or arc scriber to me. Not much to go on.

I was going to ask Steve for the phone # but for once my better judgement kicked in....

Thanks. Pretty obvious in retrospect. I get in too big of a hurry and thought it was a new insect, reptile or unknown to fret over.

Thanks SLAG, boots I understand. Chaps I'll look into. We only have scary garter snakes here. And some really scary bull snakes. At least snakes can't swarm at you through the air like yellow jackets. Herps, Thomas? Is this something I should know about?

Now I'm wondering about snakes in NC. I don't need anymore suprises. I was hoping to go prospecting, relic hunting or what have you.

Mr. SLAG,....

Also, Jerry, could you explain what "flying coupled" means? Just curious....

My arm swelled up as big as my leg. I had welts on top of hives, almost like blisters. I carry a pen now. No more Murder Hornet talk on here.

I found out the hard way I was allergic to yellow jackets a few years ago. Sometimes you just can't win. Even with good intentions!

How can I work Murder Hornets and Giant Man Eating Cockroaches into this thread..... I wonder...

That rose is facinating. The craftsmanship is evident, but I must know... Is it a symbol of his admiration of beauty, or is it bait, or is he going to eat it?

Most (not all, mind you) of my homemade stuff is built by trial and error, Rube Goldberg style so I salute you for doing the math so to speak. Looks like you are on the right track. I can say small pillow block bearings are best for your shaft. I used them on my hack saw. Belt drive is best.

Extraordinary! I'd hate to be a insect/small mammal in your neck of the woods. Get gobbled up....

I'm a once in a while vegetarian so I will keep that in mind. I get sort of lightheaded though if I go too long though.

These are all great ideas and thoughts. She just moved in this summer and doesn't talk much about what goes on but I would like to do something more than just saying thanks. I plan to clear her driveway and walks if it ever gets around to snowing, I certainly have enough time on my hands. I'd like to volunteer some of that time somehow but pretty much have to be careful not to catch the virus due to circumstances. I donate some but can't do much really constructive, being cooped up in the house. Forging or metal art is out, my tools are all packed up. Im going to make a sign tomorrow and find out what dept I can send some chow or snacks to. I have needed care before so I appreciate what these people do. All of them.

Wow. Thanks for that input. My neighbor sure knows how we feel and we have certainly done what we can for her. I was looking for a discussion on this or a point to one. Or to start one.

Is there a thread or discussion on IFI that I missed or that someone can point me to thanking all those that are out there saving lives in this pandemic? My next door neighbor is a nurse, I see what she is going through. Pretty special people.