Hi Everyone,
My name is Paul and I am new to this forum. I intend to build the Pennsylvania A3 Switcher project which I expect is going to take some time.
I own a Bolton BT800 Lathe /Mill combo. I had my reservations about using it for this project as I wasn't sure if I could hold the tolerances needed. To overcome that, I recently installed a DRO. I was able to hold 0.0005 tolerance on some test cuts so I feel much better about it now. It was definitely worth the expense and effort.
I have not done a ton of machining but I did take a class at the local community college a few years back. I think the A3 will be a great project to help hone my skills. I still have some tools to purchase but I figure I can add them as I go.
Twenty years ago I managed to build an experimental airplane which was quite an undertaking. This one seems mild by comparison.
I also needed another project to keep me from my required duties as husband and father so here I am.
Thanks for reading. Hope to talk to some of you soon.
Paul