Capability. Work. Progress. Satisfaction. Time.
Thread Hijacks? Meandering? Lack of Focus? Too much Information? Shameless Grandstanding?
No. No. Obviously not,. Not likely. Sharing isn't self promotion.
A brief impression of why HMT.net forum is more than just successful. Here is kind of a little story, much like a physical discussion, but in a dozen time zones.
From general tool-building forum on turning MT2 tapers; related accuracy issues and one on lapping vs. scraping. It is known we comment freely, hovering over projects that round up stray ducks into a row. These aren't hijacks, jobs should be considered as faceted processes. Looking at the angles raises everyone's abilities.
To whit; and not quotes, just brief notes on a set of reactions.
Christophe Mineau initiated with a template hack for setting tapers.
Captainleeward concurred, offering remedy for errant crosslides.
Metric-taper commented on lapping; concerned with the residue and negative effects of SiC2 [silicon carbide] particles. Next, link posted to CNCZone forum on the scrape/ lap controversy.
C-Bag related improvements attained from his first such leap on his 9 x 20 Asian lathe.
Hemi lamented his Unimats require swiveling headstock to accomplish tapers.
C-Bag related investment in time & tools following a CD book, was far less satisfying than THE bible on fitting and professional scrapers.
Toolmaker51 laid down what makes lapping work, and the more suitable effects of scraping. Both have their place, rarely the same place. A logical start doesn't always produce results anticipated. An aside was how toolpost grinding could contaminate union of ways and carriage without proper cover.
Metric-taper recalled he hadn't done such for years, and shielded even more extensively than "proper". His concern has lowered, in relation to 'time he has left'.
'Time left' doesn't come up often. I suppress it, 20 years after first deciding to create a shop that still needs lighting. Sure that many have equal thoughts.
Well, Rome wasn't built in a day. Even with near infinite resources to buttress those plans. And clear evidence stands 2000+ years later.
With any luck at all, this collection [HMT.net] of ideas will stand long enough to fuel a new wave of craftsmanship.