My interest in machining resulted from a few attempts at automation in my wife's wee brewery. I'm an electronics engineer, so the software and control systems were easy enough. But the mechanical aspects of the projects were woeful. So I've been watching too much youtube, reading forums like this, and building my workshop. So far it's just an sx3 mill, with a lathe arriving soon…

The first project is for a bottle labelling machine. I've been learning a bit of CAD and come up with this. No doubt this will be modified a lot as the build progresses, but it's a start…

The first part I've tackled is the "peeler" plate – the labels (which are on a paper backing) come off the roll and get pulled around the end of this, separating the label from the backing…

And here's the result, executed in 304 stainless.

This is my first ever part, so I'm well chuffed, but there's a long way to go.