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Hello form California

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jd736:
Hi am JD from California. I have a 12 x 35 Grizzley lathe and PM-728. I've been interested in in engines of all kinds all my life. In my youth I was a machinist at an ag company but have been behind the desk for some time now. Am current starting my first steam engine an PM Model 1 in my limited spare time. I am hoping to retire in a couple years.  I plan on developing my skills on casting kits then move to bar stock and finally into casting. As I mentioned before I enjoy all kinds of engines so I thought I would start my journey with steam and work to IC engines. Also interested in building a traction engine one day. With that all said am currently gathering up kits and tools to accomplish these goals. My first question would be what raw materials, sizes and shapes should I gather up before I retire? Thanks in advance.

CI:
Welcome JD, glad to have you.
I am approaching retirement, but not there yet.
I started trying to build barstock engines, and discovered it could be difficult going with my Grizzly lathe and mill, since it requires a lot of rough hogging out of the metal pieces.
I branched into pattern making and castings, and I find that to be a better way for me to make engines.

I started collecting 356 aluminum ingots, and then got into iron work, and so collected about 1,000 lbs of electrical motor end bells, which are made from some very good iron.
I make my own castings in gray iron these days, and some aluminum permanent pattern work.

There are many paths you can take to get into the hobby.
Lots of nice folks here to share your work with.

Good luck, keep us informed of your progress.

Pat J
.

Dave Otto:
Welcome to MEM!

My recommendation for material would be to have a good range of free machining steel, aluminum, and brass. I like to keep these materials in stock up to 1" in diameter. Most other metals are purchased as needed.
I have been at his for awhile now, about 38 years so my stock has built up pretty good over time. ;D

Dave

Sanjay F:
Welcome JD from Essex UK - enjoy the forum.

I'm in a similar situation, working but looking at the retirement horizon  ;D
I have put away a few casting sets both steam and IC and restoration projects all in anticipation of the future.....

We would love to see photos of your projects

crueby:
My favorites for machining are 303 stainless steel, 360 brass, and bearing bronze (goes by several different numbers depending where you are). Sizes? There are LOTS! I try and stock up on the typical sizes, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, etc of round bar, the flat stock depends a lot on what you are building at the moment. Don't forget fasteners - I go through 2-56, 4-40, 5-40 screws by the box full, I prefer the hex-headed ones but they are getting harder to find in some sizes, the socket head cap screws work great but don't look quite as good.

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