[Curmudgeon]

Admittedly this is the easy part. Not too many mistakes, but there is one I decided to just live with that's pretty visible. Hopefully it's not critical to the design. I used 2x2 aluminum for the base because it was right there next to the 5/8 rod when I was picking it out and it seemed like a good idea. Decided not to paint, but do have 2 coats of poly shield (water based poly) on all the parts now. I have everything cut out, and everything I can assemble at this time is assembled and square. Waiting on bushings for the serious glue ups. I have most of Saturday and today in it, probably 16 hours or near it. Got my drive nuts from Dumpster (that was fast !) and the flange on them is too small for the 3/4 size hole they fit in. I should have use a smaller channel since I'm using 1/4-20 rods and don't need the 3/4 dia hole. However, it turns out a .5 dia fender washer fits perfectly under the flange and will provide me with the space to drill holes that will bite into the work piece. I may epoxy the drive nuts to the washer, or I may try to use the holes in the flange to attach it to the washer, not sure yet. I know I'll be mounting the Z drive nut on the bottom of the plate just in case it comes loose some day. I also took some of the 2x2 blocks that align the rods and put them on the lathe. I saw a picture of one using rounds blocks and I liked it.