I think it great! I am heading down a shorter similar track. Super Dave said "sorry"... Well so am I.... I wish things had been in better shape, but they're not., so we do what we can.
One thing about it, is you learn a lot about the machine. When they are this bad, there has to be some passion involved, and it isnt about the money (only the lack of it)
I have made some bits, and stamped them with original part numbers........Now that the moans have died away,I think some of the original bits were pretty rough, and the thing that is not original is that the repro parts are a neater finish. Our carriers wouldnt look right; because the welds are(might be)better looking, and the paint finish is far better.
The facts are that anyone coming into this game in the last few years is going to have to make stuff. There just isnt enough of the bits left. Sure you can find them.......after you've made the bit.
If you dont make the part, ten bob to a knob of goat sh-t, it isn't going to turn up until after you've died of old age.
The biggest problem is finding the details, because some of the details for my local pattern carrier, are not to be found anywhere. This is why I post so much.
(I keep a lot of images on my computer. If anyone wants something posted just ask)
I applaud guys like you and Ben and Alistair, because you guys are pretty brave starting where you have.
