Forrest-
Thanks for the plug!
One clarification, these are aprox 30 -1/2" or a little longer, enough to trim to an honest 30" + (But not 32")
Cecil-
From about July or August on, I was strung along by the last foundry to cast a batch, then told they were going "dormant". I made arrangements with their sister foundry, who expected to cast them by early December so i could conceivably make Cabin Fever. They finally delivered in mid January. I promptly planed them and had them heat treated (thermal stress relieved" at Elmira Heat Treat.
Then I got swamped with Millwork (woodwork) my actual business. When the castings came back from HT, my (small shop) and the planer were in use for wood parts, plus I cannot run CI with a big wood job because the iron dust can contaminate the finish & cause weird stain effects. I also was too busy and machines were set up such that even with 3 table saws and and automatic beam saw in the shop, it was not practical to make crates. (In case you had not suspected, I'm a one-horse show)
However, I am sending the last of the wood work off by Saturday, and will be selling SE's the next week.
Rough planing straight edges:
Planing wood parts (reeded columns)
The other factor is I made a new set of patterns to cast a "lightweight" version. I'm not sure how to go about testing? Send them out and let "caveat emptor???" Suggestions?
Here are some defective castings that were sectioned to show the difference
The one on the right (original version/last batch) is about 8 - 10 lbs heavier than the one on the left. (depending on width). The one on the right will accomodate angles through 45. The one on the left (lightweight) can accept a 45° with careful set up. But it was designed for minimum weight, and 50 or up would be better. 50° is the typical BP dovetail. There really aren't many 45° DT's out there on sizes larger than cross slides.
Same sectioned casting, showing cored out area. Unlike the heavies, these don't provide for a wide 90° angle on the back side. The dovetail is maybe a 1/16 - 3/32" wider on the lightweights, though.
Anyway, how much risk of the webs "telegraphing" through the bases on these over time? I certainly can't afford to send them out and then pay freight to redeem them if people aren't satisfied. & I don't see much time this year to finish one for myself and do extended testing.
Subject to suggestions on the lightweights, I'll post a separate FS ad by Saturday with description & pricing.
Brian/Versamil, I don't think our communications system is working well, I have left several email messages including options since Jan.
smt