The dinosaur came first, then it turned into a chicken*.

Oh, that wasn't the question. Don't know, but what little I've read implies that you could buy irons as a separate item. Probably a lot of people bought an iron and made the plane around it. Given how much easier it would be to shave a little off the wood to make an iron fit than to heat up the iron and reshape it to make the iron fit, I suspect the irons got made first almost all the time.

*I read somewhere that biologists have concluded that chickens are the bird most closely related to dinosaurs, which explains why they behave the way they do.

I'd recommend a poly replacement belt not the OEM style belt. You can get one made by accura for $99.99 at Amazon

Beauties!
I gotta admit, I'm a bit jealous that you have your very own blankmaker. I made some a few years go and didn't enjoy the process. Just not my cup of tea, I guess. I've since been looking for more blanks in that size and for bottlestopper, openers, etc... Just not enough of a variety out there, much less than for pens.

I'd try MS first, I don't know of a finish that it will harm but as you said test first. If that doesn't work try alcohol, or Murphy's soap in warm water. If that doesn't work try mayonnaise ( you need to let that sit for awhile). I haven't tried mayo but several folks here swear by it and a friend tried it and it worked well for him.

Try Graingers, McMaster Carr, or Fastenal. One of them should have what you're looking for.

Here is a manual but it does not give the taper (or even if there is one).
http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/4685.pdf
There are charts online that give the diameter of tapers.

You will want a four jaw chuck.
Tools plus has the Nova G3 for $110 and you will need an insert to fit your lathe.
http://www.tools-plus.com/nova-chucks.html

I purchased some Hurricanes for my daughter and they are holding up well.
http://www.thewoodturningstore.com/categ...ols-4.html

Can't say for sure, but 2 years ago I was third in line and got a $5 card. So I'm guessing it's random.

Way nice, I love a good re-furb.

Ron

I did the order online, and shipped free to home option. That way I don't have to go where the crazy people are.

I was so impressed with the 12 m set last year, I saw this, and ehhhh, looked like a winning price for a spare 18 v set.

I wouldn't worry about properly installed lag hardware pulling out. We brace limbs weighing MUCH more than any swinger will weigh with lag bolts.

Drill the hole 1/16" smaller than the hardware (so use 7/16" bit for 1/2" hardware). (If you are using threaded rod, use 1/16" bigger).

My concern with the hardware you pictured would be that it could come unscrewed...unlikely, but could happen. Use lock washers. That is "normal" to use those in tree bracing, so it is not out of the question.

I'd rather use an eye bolt. Run a nut all the way to the eye, drop a lock washer on, drop a bigger washer (fender washer would be ideal), put it up through the limb then washer, lock washer, and tighten with another nut.

You could wrap a sling over the limb as long as you don't go all the way around. For example, these slings are ideal...but not cheap. If you like that idea, but want to spend a little less, you could go with these nylon loops. You don't have too, but it would be best to feed those through a sleeve...and at $0.75 per foot, why not?

If you can't find what you want locally, there are a few good places that sell hardware for tree bracing:
TreeStuff (use "TURKEY" at checkout for 15% off through Monday night. Spend over $100 for free shipping too...)
WesSpur - the first swing I hung, I called and discussed with them...they were very helpful. I ended up going non-invasive with the Tree Guard slings.
Midwest Arborist Supplies
Sherrill Tree
I have dealt with all of those companies on multiple occasions and have always been very pleased.