The Frame up...
I never did any metal working and had no experience using a lathe or a mill. I did tons of reading and used the internet as much as possible for quick free advice. Bought books on various subjects and now have a nice reference library. Also got every "Live Steam" magazine from the 1960's to the current issue and read them all. Now it was time to actually make something.
The first machining tool I bought was a used band saw. A good friend of mine lent me his milling machine (yes, that's right, he lent it to me!). I started with the frame. I recall reading somewhere that it's unfortunate that the frames are the first thing that needs to be done, especially for a beginner since it's critical that they align properly and can be difficult for an un-experienced machinist. I made the journals from bronze and used ball bearings for the drivers. Here's the picture of the finished frame taking up a good portion of my bench.
It's funning looking at these older pictures as I noticed I painted the whole frame with "blue" marker paint. Hardly use the stuff anymore.
