Thanks 454pb I'm planning on the same tolerance, of .001", and yes I do have a lathe a unimat, it sure is fun bugger,just found harbor freight has 1/4" carbide tool bits that makes the job a little easier and cooler to the part being worked, I went on a jurney to find some 3/4" or 1" bar stok and evetualy found it at home depot of $12.00 OF A 48" long That was yhe cheapest I've found in my area , other places were 24.00 and up for cold rolled or hot rolled, be picking up some this weekend and going to town, let ya know how it goes.