[sanddrag]

I recently stumbled upon a book series called "Build a Complete Metalworking Shop From Scrap!" by Dave Gingery. The first book shows you how to melt metal and make aluminum castings. The second book shows you how to make a complete working metal lathe from castings. If done correctly, this home-built lathe can be accurate to .001"! I thought this whole deal was really cool. If you are really advanced, you can even go on to make a horizontal mill. And the best part is, is that it can all be made from old soda cans, engine pistons, or any other aluminum you have lying around.

Here's a couple links from people who have built them:
http://www.backyardmetalcasting.com/lathe1.html
http://www.tjanstrom.com/lathe.html
http://incolor.inebraska.com/bill_r/...lten_metal.htm

Do a search for "Gingery Lathe" and you'll find a bunch more.

And here's the book series:
http://www.lindsaybks.com/dgjp/djgbk/series/index.html

Too bad I didn't discover this at the start of summer or I'd have my own lathe right now.