Projects In Metal, LLC Free Metalworking Projects, Plans, Tips, and Tricks for the Amateur Machinist

Russ shows us his handy tap guides that are easy to make and convenient to have! Read More »

Russ shares with us a long forgotten humerous fable of how man ... and squirrel ... first learned to crack walnuts. He then shows us his version of a nutcracker which he assembled from his scrap bin. Happy holidays everyone! Read More »

Recently I was putting together my Christmas list and I asked my friend Barry Young for his opinion on selecting files for the machine shop. I have a set of inexpensive needle files that are adequate for plastics and soft metals, but they haven't held up well when I've used them on steel. I needed to upgrade to a better set of files and I had my eye on a 12 piece set of Nicholson needle file. But before I added them to my Christmas wish-list I wanted his opinion. This article contains his educational reply. Read More »

In this final video of Barry’s 3-part series on grinding HSS lathe tools Barry walks us through the process of grinding a threading tool. If you missed part 1 or part 2, they can be found here: Grinding HSS Lathe Tools: Part 1 – Grinding a RH Tool Grinding HSS Lathe Tools: Part 2 – Grinding a LH Tool Grinding ... Read More »

Cordless power tools require batteries, and batteries eventually die. Your options at that point are to buy a new 18v tool+battery ($100+), a replacement battery ($50-$60+), or a battery rebuild kit ($46 + Free Shipping). I'm going to share my recent experience with Spring Grove Battery and their rebuild kits. The short answer is I had a great experience with their kits, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a new battery for their DeWalt, Milwaukee, Lincoln, or Alemite power tools. These kits are the least expensive, least wasteful way that I've found to get a new battery for your tool. What do I mean by least wasteful? Read on. Read More »