Hi everybody, i'm a steam and stirling engine enthusiast who wants to make the step up to become a novice modder (ive got the mad bit sussed already). Ive got a myford ml7 coming to live with me soon but need loads of help,learning how to use it.Ilast used a lathe over 30 yrs ago at school and dont remember anything except that i loved it and have secretly wanted one ever since.With the help of a couple of great guys from here, ive now got that bit sorted.Now its learn learn learn time.I'd love to have a drawing for a stirling engine i could eventually learn to follow and make but first I need pointers on what i should be reading to familiarise myself with the lathe so i can go sit in a corner and read it before i raise my thick head to trouble you guys for more advice..Ive been quietly reading posts for a few weeks now and doubt if i'll ever be anywhere near as good as some of the guys who post on here but maybe if i pay attention to posts by the likes of Mr Bogstandard and Mr Stilldrillin then one day i just might be able to make a stirling engine of my own. But first i need to learn things like setting up , tooling, what metals to use and what not to use and of course,, looking after your machine, anyway enough about me,,i'll just fade back into the ether now and read something constructive...

....Mike...