Nubie metal butcher.

Just noticed this thread and should have posted here first before before adding to a thread bashing Proxxon kit. Sorry! Been Woodturning for more than 20 years, mainly interested in segmented and or sculptural work, and this is my first attempt at shaping metal. To me, crafting in wood or metal is all about the journey rather than the destination, and I’m enjoying learning. I’m hoping to combine the two materials on some useful and interesting way, but that’s some way off yet. I’m retired and I don’t have to produce anything to support myself, so there’s no time constraints, only the time left to me. I probably won’t be a big poster unless I get inspired, more likely to lurk and learn.

Hello John and welcome. Wood and metal can make interesting combinations. My first model was one of HMS Victorys's 32 pounder cannons with the barrel in blacked steel and the carriage in wood. Of course this could have been made with a brass barrel turned using engineering methods or turned using similar methods to wood turning but with different tools and techniques.

Please let us know what you decide on and ask on here if you have any questions.

Brian

Me again John, it may help if you could indicate roughly whereabouts in the world you are in case you need someone to assist you in person.

(this message will also bump your introduction back up to the top. This forum gets so many messages that older ones fall off the bottom of the page!)

Brian

Welcome John.

I was struck by your comment about the journey rather than the destination. Reminded me of listening to the Reith Lectures about Artificial Intelligence. The lecturer was exploring the idea that AI machines and systems could take over all work needing to be done, leaving humans at a loose end. What would we do then? He posed the question "What is the difference between climbing Everest and being transported to the top by helicopter? - when both have the same desired result - that is, standing on the summit?

Rod

Why thank you for your warm welcome gentlemen. I am located in the northwest, in Shaw, about halfway between Oldham and Rochdale. My workspace is at best considered chaotic, having more woodworking kit than should be allowed! Most things have to be moved to use then slotted back. For this reason my move into metalworking machines has resulted in me buying Proxxon 250e lathe and a small Proxxon BFW 40e mill system. These might appear almost toy like, but are very capable and accurate if used within their limitations. Indeed working within these limitations is a part of the learning journey. The super power of this kit is that it can be put away on top of my table saw when not in use. I may grow into an SC4 and a bigger mill which would probably be my choice, but that is just not possible without disposing of some other kit. I’m not ready to make those decisions yet, but hey ho you never know it may form part of my journey.

That lecturer was no JFK and still no helicopter flight to the summit.

We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win