Hello all from the great state of Texas…Well,Ordered my 7 x 12 Lathe from Harbor Freight last week, and arrival should be this Friday. I found this link while browsing the net and it seems to be a great site. The last time I even LOOKED at a lathe was over 20 years ago ,and finally bit the bullet to get back into it. So I will consider myself a  "Newbee" and hope Y'all can help me out with ,(I am sure are going to be an ongoing) ,"What do I…and How come ?" bombardment of questions.

Thank you all for the warm welcome . No arrival of the lathe today,perhaps tomorrow hopefully.( I was on pins and needles watching the world series this evening (sigh). Chris, I shall do what you requested.I have done things similar on other forums regarding gunsmith tips and new arrivals of related things coming into my shop. i.e. bluing set up stations,stock restorations,and mods to firearms…etc.

A little about myself and my background should be in order I guess.I am an Aircraft Technician (A&P) for 25 years,and I have been doing gunsmith work since 1993 as a part time hobby/business ,(mom and pop sort of shop) strictly on word of mouth and referrals. My training was acquired by an old time gunsmith in Oklahoma,who wanted to pass on a dying trade to a young "pup" that wanted to carry on a forgotten trade, and old school ,seat of the pants learn as you go education.

Normally,when I have a job that requires lathe work or milling, I sublet the work out to reputable firearm machine shops in  the Texas area. The jobs are far and few between,however I always said to myself, "I can do that !, If I had  a lathe and or mill ! ". Plus the fact that I just darn want to do a job from start to finish with my own hands. ( Yes, I am a purest,and want to tell my customer it was "My" work).( I'm sure  y'all can relate to that.)

I will post photo's of the arrival,cleaning and initial set up, and perhaps some pic's of my shop,if anyone would care to take a look at. My shop, is in my garage…Or shall I say…my domain Regard's

Rick