Howdy everyone. Here is my story:
I am a hobbyist. I bought a welder about 8 months ago & have been evolving from wood to metal ever since. I really enjoy the art of metalworking & have a huge desire to learn & gain experience.
I have been lurking for a while now & have determined this appears to be a good site for me. There is a vast amount of knowledge & experience on here & what appears to be a pretty good bunch of fella's/ladies as well. As a newbie I like the fact that it appears if a person asks a question, even a newbie question they will get assistance & not get flamed.
I bought an Atlas 618 lathe a few weeks ago & am pretty excited about the possibilities this opens up for me as a hobbyist. It was in good shape already, but I pulled apart the carriage, tailstock, & leadscrew set up & pulled all the gears, cleaned everything up good, & oiled it all back up & it works great. I do need to replace the half nut/split nut, & will eventually, but for now a bit of pressure on the nut from a screwdriver makes it work! I have a bandaid!

I will read alot, ask questions when I need assistance, & contribute when I can!
Anyhow, I have talked too long, but look forward to meeting you all & learning from you as well!