hello from Phoenix, AZ

[rgsparber]

My name is Rick Sparber. My main hobby is machining although I have recently spent a lot of time on my other hobby.

My web site is rick.sparber.org although many of my tools are on this site already. My newest creation is a Lathe Electronic Edge Finder able to detect when a cutter comes in contact with the workpiece. No modification to the cutter or lathe is needed. Along with a 106 page article at

http://rick.sparber.org/LEEF_Model_2.pdf

I also have a few Youtube videos on this subject. Just go to Youtube and search on "rgsparber1".

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Rick

[kbalch]

Hi Rick,

Welcome to HomemadeTools.net!

It's great to have one of our most talented and prolific builders here on the forum. I'm sure you'll be a fantastic resource for all of our machining-oriented members. I hope you'll also find a new tool, project, or idea of interest somewhere on the site.

Your builder page (for everyone's reference) is here: Rick on HomemadeTools & your YouTube page is here: Rick on YouTube

I'll add your new edge finder to the database directly - thanks for the great contribution!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Ken

[rgsparber]

Ken,

Thanks for the warm welcome.

My next project is a rolling book case. We built one and it was a little bit too efficient - damn thing weighed 1000 pounds when full. So we are building a second one so each will come in at 500 pounds. Much easier to handle.

I have the privilege to work with a Union pipe fitter who is a master of welding. I cut the steel and then am a second pair of hands. Having that front row seat is a great education. His welds are text book yet he is not afraid to grind them out if not perfect.

Rick

[Jon]

Great to see you on board Rick! The lathe electronic edge finder has been added to our Lathes and Measuring and Marking categories, and of course to your homemade tools page: Rick Sparber's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Lathe Electronic Edge Finder by Rick Sparber

tags: lathe, electronics, edge finder

[Tap]

Rick, really enjoy your projects you have created, looks like you take great pride in your work.
What kind of eqt. do you have. Do you have your own machine shop?

I had a small lathe at one time but ex-wife took it, she knew that would hurt...

Happy Holidays,
T

[rgsparber]

Tap,

Glad you like it.

I have a RF30 mill/drill with DRO, a 12" x 36" Craftsman/Atlas lathe, a Gingery drill press, a Gingery shaper, plus a few grinders. My shop is about 120 square feet.

Sorry to hear that you lost your lathe. In balance, maybe you came out best. you can always get a new lathe....

Happy Holidays,

Rick

[Tap]

Rick,

Sounds like you have a nice little setup..thats good.

Did you build the Gingery Eqt. yourself?

Have thought of doing that for years, seems to be so time consuming and would never finish,,then it would sit in the corner like some of my other stuff...

Been looking for a Lathe but usually really worn out or way over priced, but will keep looking..

T

[rgsparber]

Tap,

Yes, I made both Gingery machines. They are documented on my web site:

Rick's Web Site: Foundry

It did take a lot of time but I learned a lot too. Just don't think you save money by making machines from castings. However, you could not buy a better education.

Rick