He is pretty well connected. There are quite a few 3ph machines where this one is going. He builds/repairs hydraulic cylinders for a living. The ones out of big cranes require the big lathe. This isn't just a hobby thing. I'm glad he needs something like this. He had a job to do a cylinder, for the company I work for, that was too long for his 80"er. He called and said "should I do it?", you know my answer. This isn't the longest lathe I can stand next to, but it is the one I can get at easiest. The others are in big plants (like the plastics extrusion company my brother works at), usually there is someone around that would frown on seeing a cannon barrel in the corporate bread and butter. This guy is building a cannon in his 80" right now. Not to mention being a full-blown nut-sack (when it comes to fabbing up extreme stuff), he is a GOOD friend that is encouraging me to come over and build one for myself too. I'm thinking a bronze light infantry 3pdr, bored/turned from a chunk of 1018, would fit nicely into my Rev War unit's "persona". As soon as I can figure out a faux bronze finish and how to pocket the trunions below the bore's center line (light 3pdr's are not real thick in this area), I'll be shopping for steel. Not to mention that he has a mill (and a shop crane), and is a certified welder (with a very nice TIG welder). I also know a blacksmith and a guy with a lumber mill full of 200+ year old timbers (from barns and cabins, [timber framer] that owes my other brother $8500). I think a proper carriage is likely too. I love it when a plan (dream) comes together. Wish me luck, MIKE
