Hollow threaded rod/tube?

[cmoore]

Exactly....I mean...I don't mess with her washing machine or dishwasher...if she wants a new one....we get it....no arguments from me....so why shouldn't i get a new lathe.....

[geoffm]

Sigh. I am still trying to get Mrs Ixion to understand that a milling machine is an essential household appliance. It's uphill work.

She just doesn't see it. Women don't understand these things. They have no sense of priorities. She keeps rabbiting on about new carpet. What use is that ?

Tell her it is a turbo powered cake mixer
There is always the old "this old thing - had it for ages but with the mess you must never have noticed it..." I find the effectiveness of this one diminishes in proportion to the size of the machine. It didn't work very well with my old, big and very red tig welder...

[Ixion]

yeah. I use that one. I have managed to sneak an extra bike in under that . "Oh, I've had it for ages, I just gave it a coat of paint. It used to be over there [vague wave]. You are just confused ". She looked rather uncertain but didn't venture to argue. However, a milling machine is rather big and immobile. She would notice. And they *look* expensive, little chance of convincing her that it only cost $50.