A few months ago, I made note here that a fitting (upper wheel spindle) for an ancient Craftsman bandsaw (103.0103) had given up the ghost. No replacements via Sears, OWMM was no help. It was an aluminum casting but I tried JB Weld anyway to no avail. I was then trying to find a machinist who would fabricate one given the old parts. I wasn't having much luck finding someone who would (and could) do a "one-off".
Then my next door neighbor said he was doing some work for a local guy who might help. Went to see him and he said, somewhat enthusiastically, "no problem". Turns out he wasn't the machinist but worked at a place that did some of this kind of stuff. Well, OK. To shorten this up, several months of calls, drop bys (howzit goin'?), and "it's done, I forgot to pick it up"s, I finally had it in hand. Needed one more weld and some trimming. Three weeks later, I just wanted it, in whatever conditions, in my hand. Well, it doesn't fit. Zounds. Od bodkins. Farginn' A. Am trying to touch it up with the grinder and hacksaw, but I don't think I can get it close enough.
If anybody knows of a good machinist who might want to take on this little task for a reasonable fee, let me know. Anywhere in the San Bernardino, CA and surrounding mountain or flatland areas will be fine. TIA and one more grumble. mahalo, jo4hn