Thanks! My very long bucket list has lots of things related to making/building/fixing/modifying that I might only do a few times, but it feels good to attempt it, hopefully succeed, maybe find a new side hobby. I bought a pneumatic riveter years ago, the kind they used on 737s, and a crap load of various rivet sizes and countersink bits.? I used it to make a heated bed for a 3D printer, maybe I'll use it again, but a totally rewarding experience even if I don't.
Casting is one of those that I think will be more practical. I've been stockpiling aluminum parts and cans, thinking about approaching auto shops for old pistons/blocks (did you ever watch "The Worlds Fastest Indian", where he casts his own pistons in primitive sand molds? His formula for the perfect alloy was - one part Ford, one part Chevy!) Being able to design and print using plastics, and then use that as a basis for a mold is huge.?
Not too long ago, anything I tried to make had to be out of wood, or metal crudely shaped with a hacksaw and a hand drill. So many options today.
Steve Johnson