PolyTech Forum
Workshop Answers
3D Scanning and Fabrication
3D Scanning and Fabrication3D printers, 3D scanners, materials, printing problems and finished builds
Metalworking and Machining
Metalworking and MachiningMachining, welding, forging and the tools of the metal shop
Models and Hobbies
Models and HobbiesModel railroads, scale models, RC aircraft and other hobby builds
Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing
Solidworks CAD Design software
comp.cad.solidworks- Discussions about Solidworks® CAM software by Dassault Systèmes. Not affiliate...
General Robotics Forum
comp.robotics.miscAll aspects of robots and their applications.
AutoCAD discussions
alt.cad.autocad- Discussions about AutoCAD® - 3D CAD design, drafting, modeling, architectural...
PRO/Engineer (Creo) discussions
comp.cad.pro-engineer- discussions about PRO/Engineer® (now Creo Elements®) CAD system. Not affiliate...
⋐⋒⋐ Computer Numeric Control
alt.machines.cncAll aspects of Computer Numeric Control - machinery as well as software
⧑ Industrial Control Group
sci.engr.controlIndustrial Control engineering and scientific discussions
Engineering and Science
⏚ Electrical Engineering
alt.engineering.electricalElectrical Engineering discussions
⚙ Stationary Engines - UK
uk.rec.engines.stationary- Discussions about stationary engines and generators. Topics related mostly to...
⚗ Polymers Forum
sci.polymers- discussions about the science and properties of polymers (plastics)
International Engineering (BETA)
RC and scale modeling (Polish)
pl.rec.modelarstwo- RC and scale modeling discussions (in Polish)
RC and scale modeling (Italian)
it.hobby.modellismo- RC and scale models discussions (in Italian)
⏚ Electrical Engineering (German)
de.sci.ing.elektrotechnik- Electrical engineering discussions in German
RC and scale modeling (German)
de.rec.modelle.misc- RC and scale model discussions in German.
Engineering Science (Polish)
pl.sci.inzynieria- Engineering science discussions in Polish.
RC and scale modeling (French)
fr.rec.modelisme- RC and scale models, including railroad models (in French)
⏚ Electrical Engineering (French)
fr.sci.electrotechnique- Electrical engineering discussions in French.
⚙ General Engineering Forum (German)
de.sci.ing.misc- General engineering discussions in German.
Metalworking
⚡ Welding Forums
sci.engr.joining.weldingWelding of materials for manufacture & repair.
🔒 Lockmithing and Lockpicking Discussions
alt.locksmithingDiscussions about all matter related to locks and safes
⚒ Blacksmithing - wrought iron and steel discussions
alt.crafts.blacksmithing- Discussions about wrought iron and steel techniques
Metallurgy discussions
sci.engr.metallurgy- discussions about the properties of metals and alloys.
Model Engineering
Scale modeling discussions
rec.models.scale- Discussions about techniques, materials, supplies and other aspects of scale m...
✈ RC aircraft models
rec.models.rc.air- Discussions about RC airplanes and other flying model objects
Model Railroad Forum
rec.models.railroad- Discussions about scale railroad models. All standard scales are represented h...
⚙ Model Engineering in the UK
uk.rec.models.engineeringModel engineering, metal crafts in UK
Model railroading in the UK
uk.rec.models.rail- Discussions about railroad modeling, mostly related to UK topics. All standard...
⚃ Using Lego and compatible building blocks
rec.toys.legoDiscussion of Lego, Duplo (and compatible) toys.
Latest
A few things I wish I knew when I started flying analog
That first flight is always a trip, the whole thing feels like sci-fi filmed…
How much variance is acceptable in a bed mesh?
Finally got around to running a bed mesh on my printer after switching to…
All the Squishers Suck
I have several insulated wire terminal crimpers and they all pretty much suck.…
A quick guide to your first copper ingots, from someone who ruined a bunch
First copper pour almost always comes out pitted and wrinkly no matter how…
A quick guide to keeping display builds looking gorgeous for years
Been building close to twenty years and half my living room is shelving with…
Spent the weekend learning CFD basics and it finally clicked
Been wanting to get into simulation for ages but kept putting it off because…
Handmade Steel Plate Armor Suit From Sheet Metal
The trickiest part of this suit had to be going from flexible paper patterns…
Weaving on pipe tie-ins - overkill or good practice?
Got a few 6" sch 80 joints coming up on a job and I keep going back and forth…
Huge dragon centerpieces: is a 250mm base even playable, or display only?
Just finished painting a Tiamat mini on a 250mm base and it got me thinking.…
A FreeCAD soft-fork with a cleaner interface
Funding full-time development of an open-source CAD package while still…
Frequently Asked Questions All FAQs »
tinning steel (2025 Update)
I am making a fuel tank for a reproduction Briggs and Stratton Motor wheel. I…
Convert TIG/stick to MIG?
Hey - So, I have an AHP 200DX (TIG & stick), but there are times when I wish I…
lathe chuck scroll lube?
The Net abounds with answers to what to use, all different, ranging from way…
what epoxy do you use to join delrin parts?
I've got some delrin parts that need joining... what do I use to do it? I…
What type of lock would use this key? (2025 Update)
Hi, At the link below is a pic of a key that belonged to my late father. I'm…
Best epoxy for High powered rocket building ?
I've been using the West Systems fast epoxy kit and I have been very happy…
Tig Torch Recommendations?
Hi, I'm finally tired of having to let the air-cooled torch on my Lincoln…
What size plasma cutter?
I am getting a new plasma cutter. I have decided on HyperTherm ONLY. I have a…
Clear coat on steel
I want to paint bare new steel with a clear coat. The metal needs to be seen…
Solved Issues All Solved »
Is there anything that keeps molten lead from sticking to metal? (2025 Update)
Need to pour lead into a pendulum bob that has a dummy pendulum rod going…
Kitchenaid mixer runs backwards
My brothers Kitchenaid mixer got knocked off the counter and the cord ripped…
Problem with Lincoln Ranger 8 - no output
I have the opportunity to purchase a 3 year old Lincoln Ranger 8…
Harrison L5 headstock oil
How much oil do I fill the headstock of a Harrison L5 with? I have a recent…
Delrin and Stainless 1/4 - 20 all-thread question
Greetings All, I'm looking for a ball park, back of the envelope, best…
Kennedy tool box drawer felt replacement question - how to stretch felt out
I am going to put new 'felt' in the drawers of a Kennedy tool box. I would…
lead arsenic alloy - where a person might get a single ingot or a few pounds?
I'm trying to find a source for some lead-arsenic alloy. I want to use a…
Security Mfg Corp key blan k
One of my customers wanted a duplicate mailbox key but I couldn't find a blank…
Stuck Medeco lock - what to do?
Luckily, the key isn't stuck in it. I can lock or unlock it from the inside…
Can't remove key from re-keyed deadbolt
I'm installing new locks and deadbolts on a house. I bought Schlage locks at…